Since an Aug. 15, 2007, earthquake killed more than 500 people and destroyed up to 75,000 houses, the government of Peru’s president, Alan Garcia, has neglected the needs of the victims.
Thousands who lost their homes still live in shelters two years after the devastating quake.
Recently, hundreds of earthquake survivors blocked Peru’s main highway demanding new homes and easy access to water and other social services.
“We are cold, the children are cold and sick, and we want a house,” said Luis Avalos Pasacher, a taxi driver whose nephew died in the quake. “The dream is to have a house like this,” he added, pointing to new housing provided by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
Chavez’s internationalist aid consisted of 100 quake-proof houses. The three-bedroom units were completed three months after the temblor and distributed by lottery. Jose Torres Pino was a lucky winner.
“These houses Chavez built are a good example for Garcia,” said Torres, at the protest.
