The windstorm that hit Jujuy exposed what many already knew: the electricity service is a disaster. But far from solving the problem, Carlos Sadir’s government opted for a decree that, according to critics, only seeks to sweep things under the rug and protect the company EJESA.
Power outages lasted two to three days in several areas of the province. The lack of response to emergencies and the slowness in restoring service highlight the chronic underinvestment in the power grid. Meanwhile, the Superintendence of Public Services (Susepu) is conspicuously absent: it does not monitor, does not sanction, does not exist.
Provincial deputy Alejandro Vilca (PTS-FITU) was blunt: «What we in Jujuy experienced this past weekend only confirms what we have been denouncing for years. On one hand, a monopoly company incapable of providing a quick solution to a natural phenomenon that repeats every year. On the other, a government that looks the other way and a Susepu that does not do its job, that lets rate hikes pass and now evaluates how to respond.»
The decree signed by Sadir postpones cuts, prohibits charging punitive interest, and orders the removal of meters. For Vilca, it is a cosmetic measure: «The government shows that rate setting and system operation are shared political decisions between the Nation and the Province. It is a sterile response to a structural problem that has already caused millions in losses for the people of Jujuy.»
While workers pay exorbitant rates, EJESA’s surpluses are channeled into financial speculation, not into improving infrastructure. «Our bloc rejects the rate hike and demands the elimination of this year’s increases and an immediate freeze until a public audit is conducted and an investment plan is determined. We presented a bill in the Legislature, but we hope other blocs will agree to discuss it,» Vilca added.
The solution for the deputy is clear: «EJESA cannot remain in the hands of a speculative group. It must be nationalized under the control of users and workers, with a social purpose, not to satisfy corporate profits.»
Finally, Vilca called for unity among unions, student centers, neighborhood organizations, and social movements to coordinate joint actions against the rate hike. «We have been organizing in the Committees we launched with Myriam Bregman. The next meeting will be on Friday the 24th at 5:30 PM at San Martín 823, and on Saturday the 25th at 4:00 PM in Alto Comedero. We call on activists, neighbors, and workers to participate and strengthen popular coordination,» he concluded.
Para mí este decreto de Sadir es lo único sensato, protege laburo jujeño. Los zurdos lloran por Ejesa pero acá se labura, no se estatiza. Viva la libertad carajo, si no les gusta que se vayan a Cuba.
para mi sadir y sus amigotes se hacen los boludos mientras ejesa nos roba la guita tarifazos cortes eternos y ellos se rien en nuestra cara esto huele a dictadura empresarial estatizacion ya vagos de mierda