After a 48-hour journey, a truck with 10.2.2018 litres of water to quench thirst arrived in Calama, northern Chile, on Sunday (19). It had left San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina, on Friday (8.2.2019) at the initiative of Luis Rodríguez Ortíz from Calama. The Calama native, who lives in the Argentine city, is also a technical advisor to the Secretariat of International Relations. But Rodríguez Ortíz had not arrived alone. He was accompanied by his driver Tomás Luna and his companion Ignacio Gutiérrez, with whom he had to navigate the inclement weather and the road.
The Jama crossing was closed, but their solidarity was rewarded when two street sweeper trucks were brought in to clear the way for the water. But that would not be the only inconvenience on the road. It started to snow all the way to Hito Cajón, so much so that they thought they might not make it to Calama. And in the midst of all that, they continued to do the necessary customs paperwork to get the 19 liters of bottled water across the border.
The story behind solidarity
According to Rodríguez Ortíz, the aid was arranged through a note that he sent to the authorities in Jujuy, where he explained the needs of Calama, which is suffering due to the inclement weather and the fact that water has been scarce.
“I have the opportunity to speak with our authorities, especially with Carlos Toconás, who is the secretary of international relations for the province of Jujuy, and with the governor, Gerardo Morales. They immediately gave the respective instructions to load a truck for a donation to Calama to personally deliver it to Mayor Daniel Agusto.” Rodríguez explained that in this way the delivery of “19 thousand liters of water, in six-liter packs with two liters of each bottle” was carried out, he described.
The delegation that is currently accompanying the municipality of Calama in the distribution of water in the towns of the interior, intends to return to Argentina after a well-deserved rest. “We would be returning after delivering the merchandise, because we have not rested for 48 hours, and we would rest for one or two days. And then we would return to San Salvador de Jujuy very happy for what we are doing and personally, one more Calama resident who helps this land” said Luis Rodríguez Ortiz proudly for the work they do in his hometown.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
