Venezuelans have taken to the streets again in Caracas and other cities across the country to protest over continued shortages of power and water which have been affecting Venezuela since the 7th of March, reports Reuters.
According to Reuters witnesses, demonstrations have taken place in numerous areas of Caracas, including burning barricades.
The protests were organized by the opposition leader Juan Guaido, who is recognized by numerous Western nations as Venezuela’s legitimate leader. He blames the government of Nicolas Maduro for the power cuts due to the lack of investment and maintenance of the country’s infrastructure.
"Every time the power goes out, we don't have water, we don't have gas. Guess what we're going to do? We are going to protest, we are going to demand, we are going to go out into the streets of Venezuela because it is our right," said the opposition leader from the Catholic University of Caracas.
Meanwhile Maduro assures that the blackouts are the result of “attacks” on the Guri hydroelectric plant, which supplies electricity to most of the country, by the opposition. The president has announced a 30-day program of “load administration”, which Venezuelans believe to mean a program of power rationing. However, the president did not give any more details.
In Venezuela, water shortages and blackouts are very common. Nevertheless, since March, these have become more frequent, more widespread and longer-lasting, especially in Caracas.
