A Year Later, Construction Restarts on Las Playas Storm Drains

(Acapulco, El Sur 30 June) Almost one year ago, 2R Construction, the company hired to install the storm drainage system along the Costera Alemán in Las Playas, walked off the job with 186 meters unexcavated. The money had run out (or run away), and the last leg was said to be “pure rock,” meaning that laying the drainage pipe would be difficult and costly, if not impossible. The unconnected drainage was just paved over, and the $11-plus million peso investment in the completed portions – totaling 708 lineal meters in all – was simply abandoned. Untreated drainage water has continued to flow into the bay, aggravating the pollution problems in the waters between the marina and the Boca Chica channel.

This week, a new company, Proyectos y Construcciones Marlú, started work on the project, now called “Phase III,” which, if successful, will connect the two extremes, Phase I and Phase II. The Costera has been closed from Avenida La Suiza to the corner with Gran Vía Tropical. The new investment is $15 million pesos, and the project is scheduled to be completed by October 15, weather permitting, just prior to the next high tourist season.

Even though the machinery has not arrived that will dig up the pavement, work began officially by placing cones and yellow tape along the portion of the main avenue where the excavation will take place. A banner has been erected, stating that the improvement will cost $15,296,309.57 pesos.

Federal congressman Alejandro Carabias Icaza formally called for an audit of the previous construction firm because they spent the budget, but executed less than half of the project in terms of value. The formal inauguration of Phase III was attended by city council members, state legislators and other dignitaries.