Versalles residents seek sewage solution

Approximately 150 residents and business owners from the Versalles and Díaz Ordaz neighborhoods met on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 26, to present to municipal authorities and Seapal the effects caused by intermittent sewage runoff in their streets. The Versalles neighborhood residents’ association convened the assembly, and the attendees discussed and described the conditions they face because of wastewater discharges in public streets for almost two hours. Those present strongly questioned the Seapal official. They said they were tired of living among sewage and demanded a concrete response. The residents said they do not oppose development but demand that it be orderly, comply with regulations, and not collapse public services. Silvia Montiel Sandoval welcomed the authorities and thanked them for attending to present a diagnosis of the problem and listen to those affected in search of a real solution. She asked that actions be implemented promptly to address the longstanding problem. Jeanett Encarnación Urquieta, president of the Díaz Ordaz residents, was also present.

Jaime Álvarez Zayas, the director of the Eighth Sanitary Region of the Jalisco Secretariat of Health, explained the components of sewage and the diseases it can cause when it runs through the streets. He said that the situation constitutes a public health problem. Jesús Hernández Hernández, the president of the parents’ association of Manuel López Cotilla primary school, testified about the unsanitary conditions faced by the students and said some students have become ill and missed classes. América Jiménez, a tenant representing those affected at Plaza Genovesa, said that prolonged flooding had already caused substantial economic losses. Attorney Carmen Alicia Castelo addressed the legal aspect and citizens’ right to enjoy a good quality of life.

Architect René Loranca, a member of the neighborhood committee, presented the technical and historical aspects of the problem and attributed it to poor planning. Carlos Alberto Ruiz Hernández, the general director of Seapal Puerto Vallarta, proposed a desilting project and a solution to the problem. An integral solution requires 50 million pesos. The Seapal director committed to solving the problem during the current administration. Councillors Arnulfo Ortega Contreras, Laurel Carrillo, Micaela Vásquez, and Marcia Bañuelos attended the meeting and committed to bringing the agreement before the City Council. Working groups involving residents and authorities will be established the following week to follow up on the agreement.