**Burgueño Distances Himself from Past Administration’s Mishandling**
Ismael Burgueño Ruiz, the Mayor of Tijuana, has firmly stated that he will not shoulder the blame for the mishandling observed during Montserrat Caballero Ramírez’s previous administration. Speaking on October 11, 2024, Burgueño highlighted irregularities discovered in the million-dollar pier project at Playas de Tijuana. He emphasized that those involved in the project’s irresponsibility would be thoroughly investigated.
According to Burgueño, the project was initiated irresponsibly while still incomplete, leading to various irregularities. The relevant authorities are set to provide updates on these findings, and current updates will be shared step-by-step by his administration. Due to identified concerns, the project is currently suspended indefinitely. The State Civil Protection Coordination initially halted the construction on September 16, citing inadequate signage and an incomplete civil protection plan from the overseeing company.
In light of these developments, Burgueño sees an opportunity for both the new City Hall and the State Government to collaborate on a revised project for the area. However, no start date has been proposed for these renewed efforts, pending the outcome of requisite investigations. The priority is securing the zone and planning a first-rate project surpassing the previous administration’s focus on basic maintenance.
When questioned about investigating past officials responsible for the initial project, Burgueño reiterated his stance on accountability, indicating all involved in irresponsible actions would be scrutinized.
**Secondary Article: Project Background and Financial Disbursement**
The initial blueprint under Montserrat Caballero envisaged enhancements along the coastal zone, including a pedestrian promenade with lighting, urban furniture, amphitheater refurbishments, wheelchair-accessible ramps, a viewing deck, and an emergency ramp for firefighters. The project had an estimated budget of 200 million pesos.
Contract allocations were as follows: Urbanizadora ROMA SA de CV received around 91 million pesos; Crisol Constructora SA de CV secured about 92 million over two contracts; Geocimentaciones de Tijuana was awarded nearly 945 thousand pesos through direct commissioning; and 1.376 million pesos was granted to PTC Ingeniería for executing the project plan. Furthermore, over a million pesos went to a third-party supervisor.
**Recent Developments: Investigations and Legal Actions on Other Major Projects**
Further to Tijuana’s infrastructural issues, there have been wider investigations into other projects backed by previous administrations in Baja California. These cases highlight an increased scrutiny on public infrastructure endeavors, aiming to tighten financial oversight and project management procedures. Government officials have expressed commitments to transparency and accountability, hoping to pave the way for more robust infrastructure developments in the future.