ALAMO, Texas – While listening to an incredible story from North Alamo Water Supply Corporation board member Anna Flores, Rio Grande Guardian reporter Steve Taylor stopped his interviewee to ask if she had heard of the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force.
Flores said, “no.” Taylor responded, “I think this group will want to hear from you.”
The Prosperity Task Force, set up by Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, is trying to address Hidalgo County’s high rate of poverty. As part of her work in the healthcare arena, Flores visits colonias.
The interview was staged to hear about Flores becoming the first woman elected to the NAWSC board of directors. However, the focus shifted when the healthcare specialist started talking about her day job. She said more and more colonias are popping up in the rural parts of Hidalgo County and that many are lacking basic necessities. Flores said many of the houses, if they can be called that, lack electricity, potable water or a sewer system.
“We run into it all the time, guys, people who don’t have light, don’t have water, people who have homes that are literally made out of plywood,” Flores said. “It’s incredible how it’s still happening.”
Taylor put it to Flores that surely that was an issue that got addressed 20 to 30 years ago. “No,” Flores responded, “it is still happening. I can take you there.”
Here is the interview:
Audio
Quality journalism takes time, effort and…. Money!
Producing quality journalism is not cheap. The coronavirus has resulted in falling revenues across the newsrooms of the United States. However, The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service is committed to producing quality news reporting on the issues that matter to border residents. The support of our members is vital in ensuring our mission gets fulfilled.
Can we count on your support? If so, click HERE. Thank you!
