### Malecón de Playas: A Million-Dollar Hasty Project
**Written by:** Julieta Aragón
**Date:** September 17, 2024
With delays and a lack of transparency, the administration under Montserrat Caballero Ramírez is overseeing the rehabilitation of the Malecón de Playas de Tijuana. This “emblematic” project, budgeted at 200 million pesos, is expected to reach roughly 30 percent completion by the end of September, coinciding with the conclusion of the current administration. By that time, at least 55 million pesos will have already been spent despite the absence of authorization from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat). This could lead to the project’s suspension by the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa).
The project does not include coastal protection measures, which may affect its longevity, similar to what happened with the wooden malecón built in 2010. According to city officials, once completed, the development will feature a pedestrian walkway, improved lighting, urban furniture, a revamped amphitheater, a ramp for disabled access, and various other amenities.
However, significant risks and inefficiencies have been highlighted. Civil Engineer Jorge González Belmont pointed out that no protective measures have been taken to prevent collapses and that the structural integrity of nearby buildings is at risk due to the vertical cuts and water seepage making the terrain unstable.
Construction is slow with fewer than a third of the designed foundations in place. González Belmont criticized the project for being structurally deficient and overly expensive, indicating poor planning and execution.
Furthermore, transparency is lacking, as detailed information about the project’s scope, phases, and the roles of different contractors is scant. Major contracts have been distributed among a handful of firms without a transparent bidding process, raising questions about effective use of funds and project management.
Community members and experts have voiced concerns over the necessity and material choice for the new development. Residents and environmental advocates argue that the rehabilitation should have used more cost-effective and ecologically friendly materials like wood instead of concrete. They also criticized the lack of community consultation and insufficient technical planning addressing coastal and environmental studies.
### Additional Insights from Recent News
**Ongoing Challenges and Community Responses**
Following further scrutiny, stakeholders continue to express dissatisfaction with the ongoing project. Community activists have staged demonstrations demanding more transparency and involvement in decision-making. The potential environmental impact raises further alarms, with experts suggesting that the use of concrete instead of wood could exacerbate flood risks during heavy rains due to the area’s natural drainage patterns.
**Delays and Financial Accountability**
Recent updates indicate further delays in the project due to unforeseen water leakage issues and the complex nature of coastal construction. Local authorities emphasize their commitment to resolving these obstacles, but project timelines and costs continue to escalate. The administration has faced criticism for not adhering to best practices in project management and fiscal responsibility.
**Potential Legal and Environmental Repercussions**
Environmental groups have indicated they are prepared to take legal action to halt the project if Semarnat approvals are not secured or environmental standards are not met. The debate over the malecón’s future highlights broader concerns about sustainable development practices in coastal regions subject to the impacts of climate change. Experts recommend a thorough review of construction practices and the immediate implementation of robust environmental safeguards to prevent long-term ecological damage.
For ongoing updates and community reactions to the Malecón de Playas project, stay tuned to TJGringo.com where we bring you the latest news and in-depth analysis.