Transformer that has not been repaired after a fire. It is located near the intersection of Ocampo and Francisco Villa. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).- A transformer in Ajijic has been out of order for more than a month, and repairs have not been performed by the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), despite multiple reports made by the town, neighbors, and the Chapala Directorate of Ecology.

On April 11, a fire in an electrical transformer located near the intersection of Francisco Villa and Ocampo streets was reported by nearby residents. The fire was extinguished; however, at the time of this writing, the transformer is still leaking oil.

More than 40 days later, those reports have not been addressed and the damage is still evident. Witnesses have commented that despite complaints, CFE does not provide any information other than the transformer will soon be attended to.

Since the incident, oil has been leaking and leaving a stain under the transformer. Photo: Sofia Medeles.

Ajijic acting delegate Maximiano Macias Arceo commented that he considers the oil spill to be a risk since he asserted that the oil is toxic and could cause burns if it comes into contact with the skin of passers-by.

«We have made countless reports and they have not attended [to repairs], we have even sent photos to the director of Ecology, and they have not attended the report either; we have not found the agency  responsive to the danger and the need to get the transformer fixed,» Arceo pointed out.

Some of the neighbors interviewed in that area state that the device has stopped leaking oil, but even so, they have not reported it. «We have only been without internet, but never electricity, this failure has not affected us in that aspect,» said Andrés.

«It’s not that it doesn’t pump oil, but that it pumps very little. That scares some of us, because if it runs out of oil and overheats, it could cause a serious incident. Let’s see if they hurry before the worst happens, and God forbid, there are fatal accidents,» said Gloria.

Translated by MaryAnne Marble