Overpass Closes Again: Another Broken Water Main

(Acapulco, AN 13 January) In what has become a recurring story, the much-heralded “Bicentennial Overpass,” considered by supporters of Manuel Añorve as a symbol of his efforts as mayor of Acapulco, has been closed again for repairs. Nine days ago the four-block-long elevated roadway was closed all day because Capama needed to repair a broken water main. Yesterday, it happened again. This time it was the outbound lane for local traffic, not the elevated, through lane. Water pressure broke the 20-inch pipeline and started to gush through the pavement. Capama started working at 8:00 am, effectively closing one lane of the roadway and cutting off water supplies in the traditional zone of the city. Workers estimated it would take about 20 hours to complete the work. Capama promises to return in February to install new water lines along the periphery of the new elevated roadway, to avoid further patches. Interim mayor José Luis Ávila Sánchez has been summoned to report to the State Legislature concerning this construction project. On January 20 lawmakers in opposition to Añorve’s party will have the chance to ask him if Capama’s problems are related to other suspicions, that the project was rushed to completion so that it could influence the gubernatorial election.