### Governments Deliver Incomplete Projects
On Tuesday, September 3, the Colosio Bridge, situated on Luis Donaldo Colosio Boulevard between Durango and Bordo de Contención in La Paz, was inaugurated. Governor Víctor Manuel Castro Cosío of Baja California Sur disclosed that the project cost slightly over 28 million pesos but was delivered incomplete.
Initially, the bridge was priced at 22.9 million pesos. However, factoring in a 16 percent VAT increased the total to 26.6 million pesos. Despite this, the final cost skyrocketed beyond 28 million pesos due to unexpected expenses. Jorge Alberto Cota Pérez, Director General of the State Road Board (JEC), justified the price hike by citing additional works like deeper foundation supports and slope protections, which weren’t initially projected.
The project was executed by Castores, Construcciones y Puentes, S.A. de C.V., in collaboration with Arturo Ramírez Valle. Engineering oversight revealed problems such as an exposed retaining wall that risked structural integrity and partial lightning issues.
Additionally, the bridge witnessed an accident just hours after its inauguration — a young student sustained a head injury after falling due to inadequate safety measures. The JEC highlighted that over 1,700 cubic meters of concrete and 300 tons of reinforcement steel were used. Ironically, despite these figures, some parts of the project were left visibly unfinished.
The inauguration of the Municipal Sports Center El Piojillo also echoed similar shortcomings. It took nearly two years for the authorities to declare the project essentially complete, yet machinery continued operating on-site post-inauguration. The facility’s budget of 435.6 million pesos did not exempt it from criticism regarding missing components and additional costs.
The local government had to request an extension for additional resources, which doubled the construction period without sanctions. Critiques extended to ignored environmental permits and the imposition of usage fees on citizens.
Citizens’ complaints reflect frustration over neglected basic infrastructural needs, such as potable water and adequate roads. Although the administration has initiated some pavement projects, consistent maintenance remains absent, leading to further public disapproval.
Victor Castro acknowledged the need for better communication with residents regarding public works, emphasizing that listening to community feedback can mitigate unnecessary expenditures and inconveniences.
### Secondary Article: Road Issues Increase Safety Concerns
Amid the criticisms regarding the hastily completed projects, another significant issue has emerged: the persistently deteriorated state of many roads in La Paz. Residents report rampant potholes and general neglect that have persisted since the beginning of the current administration.
A specific case in point involves Villa Natalia, a crucial road in the Fraccionamiento Villas del Encanto. Luis García, a local resident, highlighted that this street accommodates significant traffic but continues to be overlooked, creating safety hazards and accessibility issues.
The administration has committed to prioritizing road repairs and addressing the concerns raised by the community. However, the fulfillment of these promises remains to be seen as La Paz’s citizens continue to grapple with the immediate realities of incomplete infrastructural projects and hazardous road conditions.
For further reporting on this issue, visit TJGringo.com.
—
**Additional News on Public Works and Infrastructure:**
1. **Multa de 10 mil pesos a propietarios de perros que mataron tortugas:** Authorities in Baja California Sur have imposed fines on dog owners whose pets were responsible for the death of protected sea turtles.
2. **Se duplican casos de hepatitis A en comparación con 2023; Los Cabos, foco rojo:** Cases of hepatitis A have doubled compared to the previous year, with Los Cabos emerging as a hotspot for the outbreak.
3. **En fast track, aprueban reforma judicial en Congreso de BCS:** The Baja California Sur Congress fast-tracked a judicial reform bill, aimed at modernizing the legal framework in response to rising crime rates.
4. **28 embarcaciones hundidas desde “Norma” en Bahía de La Paz:** Since the onslaught of Hurricane Norma, 28 boats have sunk in the Bahia de La Paz, aggravating local maritime concerns.
For the latest updates, visit TJGringo.com.