**Governor Warns of Possible Land Expropriation for Housing Program**
As the housing program initiated by President Claudia Sheinbaum officially begins, the Governor of the State, Víctor Castro Cosío, has announced potential land expropriations. This action may be necessary due to the scarcity of land available for constructing homes during this administration. This is particularly challenging in the municipality of Los Cabos, where finding affordable land is difficult.
Governor Castro noted, “The land in Los Cabos is very expensive, and the Federal Government and the Ministry of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (Sedatu) are doing everything possible to expropriate lands. These actions are in the public interest.” He also mentioned that ejido lands, which are communal by nature, may also be expropriated if necessary, explaining that the government has acted similarly in historical contexts.
“Thanks to the efforts of the Ministry of Welfare personnel, a census is being conducted to accurately assess the population’s needs,” Governor Castro added. The aim is to kick-start housing construction by March or April 2025, potentially introducing ‘vertical’ housing models to conserve space.
The national housing program plans to build over 500,000 homes for vulnerable populations throughout the country, with 25,000 allocated for Baja California Sur. Out of these, 5,000 are designated for rental to young people, signifying a focus on aiding low-income individuals.
While the plan has been welcomed by some, it has also raised concerns among local ranchers and ejido members. Guillermo Trasviña Meza, President of “Rescate a los Pueblos y Tradiciones,” voiced apprehension about land expropriation and stressed the need to consider the implications for private properties, particularly large acquisitions by foreign entities.
**Secondary Article**
**Concerns Over Land Expropriation Impact on Bajacalifornian Communities**
The recent discussions about potential land expropriations to facilitate the housing program have stirred unease among residents and landowners in Baja California Sur. While the program aims to address the pressing housing needs of vulnerable groups, the implication of losing ancestral and communal lands has left local ranchers and ejido members uneasy.
Critics argue that the move could lead to significant changes in property ownership dynamics, with worries focusing on the prioritization of large corporate interests over local populations. There’s an increasing call for transparent dialogue to ensure the program’s public interest goals do not overshadow community rights.
The announcement has also triggered a broader conversation on how such governmental schemes should balance developmental goals with the protection of community and individual rights, highlighting the complexities involved in implementing large-scale public initiatives. The coming months will be crucial as both citizens and officials navigate these contentious issues to achieve a common ground that respects both developmental needs and community heritage.