Local government says it’s not their problem – CONAGUA- has to fix it
Looted beach now closed and theft appears to have stopped.
Sofía Medeles (Ajijic, Jal.)- After locals stopped the machinery that was looting sand from the lake to allegedly build a dock for private individuals, the pit created by the backhoe was left on the shore and filled in with water. Locals do not know its width or depth but it appears large enough for a person to drown in.
«There are people who fish nearby, or even on weekends they come and there are still people who come in to swim. That pit that is left is a danger, since someone could fall in there and drown, and I don’t see the authorities doing much,» commented a local, who preferred anonymity.
However, Ajijic Delegado Juan Ramón Flores claims the danger will not last long since according to him, the lake does not remain static and the waves will sooner or later fill the pit with sand. In any case, he said, that the solution to the problem is beyond his powers since the National Water Commission (CONAGUA) is responsible for the Federal zone where the pit is located.
Chapala Director of Ecology in Chapala, José Jaime Ibáñez said that he agrees the pit is a serious danger and said he will try to contact CONAGUA for instructions on how to proceed.
For the time being, he said that the only thing the municipality can do is place precautionary signs so that local fishermen and visitors from outside are aware that the terrain in that area can be treacherous
In an interview with Laguna, several residents have pointed out that local officials have not acted adequately or with the speed that this situation requires.
«They cannot leave that hole in the ground just like that for so long here in Ajijic. We know about it but the tourists who may come to that beach do not. The local government needs to act now – they should cover it up so people can’t fall in «, a local resident told Laguna.
Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan
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