Panamanians still remember the words of President Juan Carlos Varela: the announcement tha 300,000 sanitation units would be built nationally; the promised eradication of open-air schools; and access to decent healthcare. All measures aimed at improving the standard of living of ordinary Panamanians, whose execution has unfortunately failed the population.
Take the initial idea of the 100/0 programme: eradicating open air lavatories, thereby resolving a serious public health care issue in some regions. Regrettably, its execution has failed to take into consideration the specific circumstances of end users.
Only last weekend, Twitter was alive with comments relating to a picture showing a recently installed lavatory as part of the 100/0 programme, which contrasted sharply with the derelict conditions of the house it was attached to.
“That image showed abundantly clearly that a toilet was not the most immediate priority of this family” commented one user, highlighting how populist policies have other priorities then meeting the actual needs of those families living in abject poverty.
Another twitter user, who identified himself as Melito Gonzalez, denounced the fact that 'these toilets serve rich businessmen who provide them; they serve politicians and thieves: they do not serve the poor'.
In his electoral manifesto, President Varela promised 100% drinking water and zero open air sewers.
In reality, this policy has revealed itself for what it is, according to political analyst and FAD leader Fernando Cebamanos: cheap demagoguery.
“The underlying problems of the poor and the marginalized are not being tackled in a comprehensive manner, but by piecemeal solutions", Mr. Cebamanos declared.
He insisted that important issues such as healthcare, drinking water, education, the environment and even crime are not being tackled by government.
The system of political patronage has led to schools been refurbished without being provided with electricity connections, while at the same time taking deliveries of IT equipment. Similarly, healthcare centres lack permanent medical personnel
“Healthcare is a complete catastrophe ' lamented Mr. Cebamanos: "there is shortage o specialists in relation to population growth, while the government opens hospitals that are not provided with basic medical supplies'.
“We are tackling the housing deficit and aim to build 100,000 new homes 'was another of President Varela’s empty promises.
