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Ecuadorians Turn to Generators and Rechargeable Lights Amid Energy Shortages

  By: Axel Chicaiza As Ecuador faces ongoing electricity shortages due to severe droughts affecting hydroelectric power generation, many citizens are seeking immediate solutions to cope with prolonged power outages. Reports indicate that demand for portable generators has surged, with sales increasing by over 300% in recent months. Families are turning to these generators to maintain essential services such as refrigeration and communication during blackouts that can last up to ten hours. Additionally, rechargeable lights have gained popularity, providing a sustainable and cost-effective lighting solution. Local retailers report that sales of solar-powered lanterns have doubled, as these lights not only offer convenience but also reduce reliance on traditional power sources. As the government struggles to stabilize the energy supply, the shift towards generators and rechargeable lights highlights a growing trend among Ecuadorians to adapt to the challenges posed by the energy crisi...

San Rafael Residents Fight Back Against Noise from Local Bars

San Rafael Residents Fight Back Against Noise from Local Bars Estephany Figueroa Residents of the San Rafael neighborhood in Quito are raising their voices in defense of their community's tranquility due to the growing disorder caused by several entertainment venues in the area. During a community meeting held last weekend, neighbors expressed their concerns about excessive noise, increased crowds, and traffic congestion during weekends. "We can't sleep due to loud music and the constant influx of people," commented Daniel López, a frustrated resident. Residents pointed out that the establishments operate late into the night, disrupting the peace in an area previously known for its calm atmosphere. They also expressed disagreement with the lack of regulation and oversight from local authorities. "We want businesses to thrive, but not at the cost of our peace," added María Gómez, another resident. In response to the complaints, the city council announced that...

Ecuador's Presidential Runoff Election Sparks National Debate

By Gabriela Falconi Ecuador is gearing up for a pivotal presidential runoff election, set for October 15, as candidates Daniel Noboa and Luisa González vie for the nation's highest office. Following a tense first round in August, the two remaining contenders are offering starkly different visions for Ecuador’s future. Noboa, a businessman and political newcomer, has gained traction with promises of economic reforms and stronger security measures, while González, backed by former president Rafael Correa, is campaigning on a platform of social welfare programs and returning to policies from Correa's administration. The election comes at a critical time, as Ecuador grapples with escalating violence linked to drug cartels, high unemployment, and widespread discontent with the current government. Voters are deeply divided, with some prioritizing economic stability and others seeking a return to social protections. As the nation awaits the final vote, the outcome could signal a sh...

SOLAR PANELS IN ECUADOR!

 SOLAR PANELS IN ECUADOR! Quito, October 8 2024 Written by: Adrian Romero Power outages force people to buy solar panels. This is a consequence of the climate problems that cause extreme droughts in Ecuador. This is a big problem since most of the energy produced in Ecuador comes from hydroelectric plants. I observed that people have decided to buy their own solar panels for domestic consumption. Ecuador benefits from an average solar radiation that varies between 4.5 and 6.5 kWh/m²/day, which positions it among the countries with the greatest solar potential in South America. The demand for solar panels in Ecuador has seen notable growth, with a 400% increase in the search for photovoltaic systems in 2023. Although solar panels are a relatively expensive alternative.  Given the increase in demand, increasingly cheaper panels are being offered, making it cheaper for consumers' pockets. While the government does not solve the country's energy problems, several people will conti...

Advances in the cultivation of non-psychoactive Cannabis in Ecuador

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  Photo taken by Paulina Avilés at INIAP Smart Greenhouse, March 2024 I am Paulina Avilés, a student of agricultural sciences, I want to share with you the advances in our country regarding the cultivation of non-psychoactive cannabis. In Ecuador, the Penal Code has been reformed, which opens the door to developing access to cannabis for therapeutic and medicinal purposes. The cultivation of Cannabis sativa L. has gained interest worldwide for its economic and therapeutic potential. According to the Cannamerica group and figures from the Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, and Fisheries, this industry is booming. As of October 2022, 150 producers have been registered; Companies such as Hemp Ecuador Labs, Cann Andes, and Bionoid have invested around 55 million dollars in research, sowing, and production. As a nascent industry, one of the biggest challenges is exporting to countries such as Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. In February 2021, the seven licenses granted ...

Crash on the General Rumiñahui Highway

 The sport journalist Anderson Guaman reports about car accident to involved two football players and other three people. Two of them deceased and others in reserve status. At the morning of Monday in the General Rumiñahui highway at approximately 5am, there was an accident while these highways WERE being repaired. With 3 people injured, one of them was Marco Angulo, player of LIGA DE QUITO. who is under guarded prognosis. And 2 other companions who died. On Monday morning, an accident occurred on the General Rumiñahui highway, which was suspended for bridge construction. A car, whose owner was Marco Angulo, exceeded the speed limit and crashed into these 5 Tn structures. One player from Independiente del Valle died instantly, and later another one was confirmed dead without being renotified. Marco Angulo in intensive care with serious injuries and 2 other presumed injured with reserve status. It is a serious accident where it isn’t known if it is due to the lack of responsibility ...

BREAKING NEWS ¡¡¡

  NON -TRANSPORTING ROADS Quito-Ecuador Tuesday, 8th, October, 2024. By Gianella Jacome After recovering the original route, the "Victoria" transportation line (Oriente quiteño —La Gasca) faces a new challenge: the unpaved roads make it difficult to provide comfortable and quick transportation. Today, October 8th, the "Victoria" transportation line (Oriente quiteño —La Gasca) recovered the original route, like a month ago, because four weeks past, the line used to take the "Trans Latino alimentador" line route for take the passengers, for the reason of partial closures at main stops as the Argelia on the route line, which were being repaved until yesterday, since the workers stopped their jobs on roads. Even if the line takes the original route, the roads are damaged, a product of unfinished work, most of Victoria's line roads are made of only pebbles and gravil The town's Municipality has not yet pronounced the problem, the people wh...