The assembly, led by activist Alicia Córdova, collected signatures to present to town and the municipality
After the meeting, the inhabitants dedicated themselves to pointing out what they considered to be deficient works in the project that has not yet been delivered.
Sofía Medeles (Ajijic, Jal.)– They want their benches back. A large group of Ajijitecos assembled to protest in the main square for the return of the benches that were removed by the government during the remodeling of the Plaza. During the meeting they collected signatures on a petition for their return.
The assembled Ajijitecos, claimed that the benches the government is planning to use to replace the wrought iron benches removed for the plaza remodeling in no way compare to the originals – they are uncomfortable, ugly and poorly made. Those gathered there on Saturday June 5th also complained about the government’s failure to consult with the citizens before launching public works projects like the Plaza remodeling.
«It is important that there be a work plan between government and citizens that focuses on two areas; a citizens’ consultation where they can point out in advance where mistakes will be made., and on a maintenance plan including a cleaning schedule, maintenance of benches and on electricity and sound equipment. Without citizen input the agencies responsible lose focus and forget their responsibilities. We need to have a document — something written where citizens and government can monitor the public works and maintenance», said Francisco, one of those attending the assembly.
Those gathered there complained about the Ajijic Delegado, Juan Ramón Flores, about how they would like him to be more involved with the town’s problems.
«The delegate should work with the people. There should be a voluntary commission to work for Ajijic,. We are a very big team and we should work together like a team; this is a good opportunity for us to get together to do it,» added Paola de Watterlot, and influential member of the Ajijic community who attended the assembly.
The citizens also criticized the mistakes in the remodeling of the northern part of the plaza, where the benches were installed, ranging from the lack of cleanliness in the work, the government’s failure to replace the trees felled during the remodeling and the arrangement of the benches.
Among the demands that the citizens will make to the City Hall and the State Government are: the benches must be returned, the trees that were felled must be replaced by adequate and endemic trees, general maintenance of the plaza and planters be done, more lamps installed and the return of the cobblestone surface that was removed at the beginning of the work, whose whereabouts are unknown, although months ago the Ajijic Delegado indicated that it would be used for private use in the town.
One of the organizers of the meeting, Alicia Cordova, thanked those at the assembly for participation and for their support.
«When people respond to a call to correct problems, it is good, because it means that they are reacting to the injustices they commit. To the people, I say don’t be afraid, if the lake needs your help, the mountains, the Tepalo, the streets, the Cerro Colorado, we are there. We are many and we can achieve great actions», she said.
So far 84 signatures have been collected, they will continue to be collected, and will be taken to the Delegado of Ajijic, as well as to the municipality of Chapala, along with the written petitions.
Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan
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