Mexico City Government Workers Clean Zócalo After 8M March
Mexico City, March 9th – More than 20 workers from the Mexico City government’s Ministry of Works and Services are engaged in extensive clean-up operations in the Zócalo, following the International Women’s Day march on March 8th. The efforts, which began yesterday, Monday, March 9th, involve removing graffiti and dismantling metal fences erected for security during the demonstration.
Intensive Cleaning Efforts Underway
Workers are meticulously removing paint and graffiti from various surfaces, including the Zócalo’s main square. Using thinner, rags, and wire brushes, they are working on their knees to restore the area. A worker, over 60 years old, commented, “We don’t shy away from work; let them see that we women can handle it.” Another young worker, with less than a year of experience, noted this is his fifth time cleaning up after protests, recalling the November 15th “Generation Z” demonstration.
Security Fences Being Removed
In parallel, dozens of other workers are busy disassembling and loading metallic fences onto approximately twenty cargo trucks. These fences were placed around significant landmarks such as the National Palace and the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation. Additionally, police officers from the Mexico City Secretariat of Citizen Security are loading 3.20 cm high fences that were positioned in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral onto coastal trucks.
Damage to Zócalo Metro Station
The clean-up also addresses damage to public infrastructure. The railing of the Zócalo station on Line 2 of the metro was torn off, and both the accesses and steps show signs of damage from hammering by protesters. Authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage to the metro station and other public spaces.
Context of the 8M March
The clean-up operations follow the annual International Women’s Day march, a significant event in Mexico City where thousands gather to advocate for women’s rights and protest against gender-based violence. While these marches are often peaceful, some participants engage in acts of vandalism, particularly targeting monuments and public buildings, to draw attention to their cause.
Government Response and Future Plans
The Mexico City government consistently deploys clean-up crews after major demonstrations to restore public spaces. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to maintain urban infrastructure and ensure public order. The government has not yet released an official statement regarding the cost of the damages or the total expenses incurred for the clean-up operations.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and are expected to provide updates on the restoration of affected areas. The swift response of the cleaning crews underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining the city’s appearance and functionality following large-scale public events.
Source: jornada.com.mx
