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Colonia
Obrera This neighborhood looks no
different than any other sector of Colonia Obrera,
affectionately known as “The Dump Site,” houses some of the neediest
families in the city. At first
glance you see an average community of people going about their daily
activities. Upon closer inspection,
you see people grateful to earn a humble living from what the dumpsite provides.
Some residents work at the dump, half of these as municipal employees,
half as independent trash sifters gleaning items of value from the trash.
Others in the community work as taxi drivers, cooks, roofers, or in the maquiladoras (factories) in and around The city dwellers are
industrious, as the homes in this community are primarily self-constructed by
the inhabitants from whatever raw materials they can find or can afford to
purchase. By tapping electrical wire
into the poles overhead, this community harvests electricity from existing power
poles running through the area. The
subtle hint of burning rubber that lingers in the air is the by-product of
harmful carbon dioxide intermingled with non-biodegradable waste such as tires,
car batteries, and other refuse that make it into the dump for disposal. With the primary focus for
the people on survival, preventative health care is an afterthought.
Because these people barely earn enough to feed their families, basic but
essential medications such as inhalants, fever reducers, and aspirin are
considered luxury rather than necessity. Many
of the medical conditions encountered by our physicians could be counterbalanced
by better basic preventative care. The strong spirit of these
wonderful people shines bright as the sun, despite the lack of financial
resources experienced by this community. Each
HHAB visit is greeted with enthusiasm and joy.
You would never know they needed anything from their lovely demeanor.
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