Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Residents of the coastal town of Mismaloya, located just south of Puerto Vallarta, are voicing growing frustration over neglected public services, citing significant shortcomings in public lighting, street paving, drainage, and environmental safety.
Local voices are raising alarms over a range of issues affecting daily life. Juan Manuel Aguilar Torres, a longtime resident, emphasized that outdated lighting – especially in the area surrounding the beach – is one of the most urgent concerns. “We need to replace the town’s lighting so that our community feels safe and connected, especially at night,” he stated.
Equally pressing is the deteriorating condition of the town’s streets. Fermín Guzmán described the local roadways as being in a state of disrepair, with residents forced to cover potholes and rough patches with dirt due to the lack of proper materials. “The patching and paving of our streets have become a community effort, but it’s not a long-term solution,” Guzmán said.
Beyond the roads and lighting, Mismaloya faces persistent drainage issues. The local sump system, which is vital for preventing flooding and water damage, has been neglected, contributing to waterlogging problems during the rainy season. However, residents warn that the most severe issue may be the discharge of sewage or chemicals from a nearby hotel, an environmental hazard that could pose risks to both public health and the local ecosystem.
Community members argue that these critical needs have been overlooked by municipal authorities, who appear to be focusing their resources on more prominent tourist areas like Puerto Vallarta. “I think they are focusing more on the Puerto Vallarta area and abandoning the southern part, like Boca Tomatlán, like Mismaloya,” Aguilar Torres lamented. He called for a comprehensive campaign to address these issues, including the creation of a recreational path linking the town to the city – a move that would enhance connectivity and improve quality of life for residents.
As the debate over municipal priorities continues, Mismaloya’s residents are urging local government officials to redirect attention and resources to ensure that their community is not left behind. The call for improved infrastructure reflects broader concerns about equitable service distribution in the region, with community leaders emphasizing that sustainable local development hinges on addressing these long-standing issues.
While municipal responses have yet to be fully disclosed, the voices from Mismaloya underscore a growing need for transparent dialogue and decisive action to safeguard the future of this cherished coastal town.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Residents of the coastal town of Mismaloya, located just south of Puerto Vallarta, are voicing growing frustration over neglected public services, citing significant shortcomings in public lighting, street paving, drainage, and environmental safety.