# In Tijuana, Public Funds of 309 Million Pesos Remain Unaccounted For
The Secretariat of Territorial, Urban, and Environmental Development (SDTUA) in Tijuana is under scrutiny for the opaque handling of 309 million pesos allocated for infrastructure projects meant to aid populations living in extreme poverty or areas with significant social lag. According to Juan Enrique Bautista Corona, the head of SDTUA, 95 out of 115 sanctioned projects have already been contracted. However, questions linger regarding the transparency of the contractor selection process and the lack of information on which companies received the contracts.
Amid the recent resignations of the Director-General of Transparency, Conrado Jesús Macfarland Valenzuela, and Treasurer Raymundo Vega Andrade, only three contracts have been made public. Furthermore, these contracts, which were awarded through direct allocation, surpass the maximum amount permitted by regulations.
Bautista reported that 102.1 million pesos from the Social Infrastructure Contributions Fund (FAIS) have been disbursed for these projects, which is less than half of the federal funds allocated for Tijuana for 2024. By the end of the year, the administration led by Montserrat Caballero RamÃrez will have received almost all FAIS funds, with the last installment of 30.9 million pesos arriving in October.
The importance of transparency lies in the fact that, while the FAIS investment programs (both original and modified) with authorized projects are published, the actual execution is at the discretion of SDTUA and the Secretariat of Welfare, based on technical and social feasibilities. For instance, the rehabilitation of Agua Caliente Park, approved in 2023, was not carried out due to non-compliance with federal welfare guidelines, yet the budget was still not removed from the funding sheet.
As of August 1st, Bautista Corona claimed that out of the 95 contracted projects, 14 are completed, and the remaining 81 are in progress with an average completion rate of 65%. Efforts are being made to finish them within the current administration. Nevertheless, unforeseen issues, such as weather or technical difficulties, may delay some projects.
### Discrepancies in Reporting
Bautista Corona’s statements about the FAIS projects are inconsistent with the latest modified investment program and the federal welfare ministry’s quarterly reports, which are provided by the Tijuana city council. He mentioned that 20 out of 115 authorized projects wouldn’t proceed due to technical infeasibility, a greater number than the 14 projects estimated in the last investment sheet that had 27.9 million pesos removed.
SDTUA reports that the total contracted amount for the 95 projects is 286 million pesos, which is 11.6 million pesos less than the projected amount for authorized projects in April. Federal welfare reports show that only two projects were contracted in the first quarter, while the other 68 started in May and will conclude by December 31, 2024.
SDTUA provided a list of 95 projects; however, only three contracts funded by FAIS and authorized by the fund were found. All three were directly awarded in March:
1. A 1.6 million peso contract signed with Infraestructura Pública y Obra Civil, SA de CV for paving a segment of Misión San Ignacio Street.
2. A 1.1 million peso contract with Promogob, SA de CV for paving a portion of El Descanso Avenue.
3. A 399,404.85 peso contract with JALD Constructora, SAS de CV for rehabilitating an urban walkway in Cañón Jalisco.
### Lack of Citizen Engagement
Citizen advisors in the Otay Centenario delegation expressed that the local population was not consulted about the eight projected works for the area. They felt excluded after originally being presented with 13 projects, with three park rehabilitation projects receiving nearly 10 million pesos, an allocation they felt was excessive given other priority needs.
These advisors, along with councilor Rogelia Arzola Santillán, resisted signing the investment sheets and were particularly opposed to the construction of a roof at CETIS 58, a project pushed by the mayor and allocated 4.8 million pesos. Despite their objections, the project was inaugurated.
### Pending and Incomplete Projects
Despite claims of completed works, several projects remain unfinished or not yet started. The paving of Santa Verónica Street is nearly complete, while other projects like the paving of Guadalquivir Street and the construction of a roof at CBTIS 155 have not begun.
The investment program for 2024 reflects a concentration of funds in certain areas, with delegations such as La Presa Abelardo L. RodrÃguez, La Presa Este, and Sánchez Taboada receiving significant portions of FAIS funds. In contrast, other areas like the Delegation Center receive considerably less.
### **Secondary Article**
## Citizen Complaints About Unused Federal Funds in Tijuana
Recent developments in Tijuana highlight growing concerns among citizens and officials regarding the absence of transparency and public engagement in the allocation and utilization of federal funds for infrastructure projects.
Local citizens have voiced frustration about the lack of consultation in selecting projects intended to improve their communities. Many feel that their input is being disregarded in favor of decisions made by higher administrative bodies without considering pressing local needs.
Moreover, some council members have pointed out the unequal distribution of funds, with certain areas receiving disproportionate amounts due to political favoritism. This practice hampers equitable development across the city and undermines public trust.
Efforts for greater transparency and fairness in project selection and execution are critical for ensuring that federal funds genuinely benefit those in need and improve the overall quality of life in Tijuana’s communities.
For further updates and detailed analysis on this unfolding issue, stay tuned to TJGringo.com.