Water, money and security during Momo celebrations

PANAMA. Two imperatives during Carnival season are plenty of water and money for everything else.

Water for the “culecos” (people dancing as they get hosed down) in the interior is taken from the rivers, but in the capital city, where there are communities requiring water tank trucks to cover their needs, the water company IDAAN made sure that water flows smoothly.

The company has placed supply points so that the water tank trucks can easily purchase water during the festivities. IDAAN is also facilitating a special work schedule at its metropolitan headquarters to cope with customer needs.

As for money, the Panamanian Association of Credit (ACP) launched a series of recommendations to properly oversee financing during the celebrations.

They highly suggest carrying only a small amount of cash, and for those who carry their debit or credit cards with them, it is advisable to have on hand the number to call in case the card or the pin number is lost.

Panama’s Carnival, as in many other places, is also a synonym for violence, reckless driving, and alcohol consumption.

This year, 15,000 police units have been dispatched across the country to provide security both to nationals and foreigners.

For the police operation “Safe 2009 Carnivals”, the government uses a helicopter, 109 scooters, and 25 motorcycles in the Ground Transport and Transit Authority (ATTT).

Additionally, 74 surveillance cameras have been installed along Transistmica and the Pan American highway.

The Social Security and the Ministry of Health are also on alert in case of emergencies. More than 1,000 health officials are on duty.