Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
San Salvador (Agenzia Fides) - "For the good of the Family and the development of the country " is the title of a statement issued by the Bishops of El Salvador with regard to a plan to construct new dams and hydroelectric power stations. The government says the increasing power demand and limited production will lead in two or three years to an insufficient energy to cover the market unless new investments are made. This is why the Executive Hydroelectric Commission of the Lempa River plans to build three new power stations along the rivers in the north and north east of the country.
In the statement the Bishops agree " El Salvador must be able to rely on power to continue on the path of development". However they say they cannot "overlook the human drama this initiative is causing” namely “the difficulties facing the communities whose land will be flooded, the need to find new homes, the pain of being uprooted, uncertainty of receiving just recompense for property and loss of fertile land."
Considering the matter from a pastoral point of view the Bishops are concerned “for the integral good of the people who have the right to authentic human development” and at the same time they are concerned “for the country's authentic progress and prospects for the future". Therefore if the plan goes ahead the errors of the past must be avoided, people must receive just retribution for property, new homes and land to work.
The Bishops call on the authorities to consider carefully "alternative energy, solar, aeolian and wider use of geothermal power, with respect for creation, the home of all peoples' according to God's plan". The Bishops conclude confirming their commitment “to accompany the people of God with pastoral care, illuminating the way with the word of the Gospel and the Social teaching of the Church". (RG) (Agenzia Fides 25/7/2007: righe 26, parole 359)
