The visit by Colombian president Abelardo De La Espriella to Buenaventura, one of the areas affected by the earthquake that struck the country, ended up marked by a resident’s complaint questioning the priorities of the aid delivered during the emergency.
The man approached the president and uttered a phrase that quickly began circulating on social media:
“We need roofs, not balls”.
The resident asked for attention to be focused on the needs of families who lost their homes or whose homes were damaged. He also called for water, food, medical care, and materials to rebuild the affected houses.
The complaint came after images were shared of De La Espriella handing out soccer balls during his visit to areas affected by the earthquake, prompting criticism on social media over whether that type of aid should be a priority amid the emergency.
The situation in Buenaventura remains complex. The earthquake caused damage to homes, schools, and roads, while many families continue to need assistance.
The Government, for its part, maintains that the balls do not represent all of the aid sent to the area and says that medicines, medical supplies, and health personnel have also been distributed, in addition to preparing measures for families left without housing.
But the video of the complaint sparked a discussion that quickly went beyond social media:
What should be the priority when a community has just lost everything: a ball or a roof?