PUERTO VALLARTA, Jalisco – The Jalisco Congress has decided to intervene in the escalating water crisis affecting some 100 neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta that have been plagued with water shortages since April. Despite the lack of service, the Drinking Water, Drainage and Sewerage System (Seapal) continues to charge the affected residents, prompting outrage among the communities and lawmakers alike.
The water shortage, which is believed to have originated from tank replacement work, has left less affluent neighborhoods, specifically in the Upper Part of Vallarta, without adequate water service.
Municipal authorities had pledged to rectify the issue by June at the latest, however, that commitment fell through, triggering a large demonstration by discontented citizens on June 29. The protesters were promised water delivery schedules, or tandeos, to address the shortage.
Protesters argued that there was enough water in Puerto Vallarta but it was being redirected to the more affluent areas where most foreigners live and leaving the locals struggling as their resources were being stolen by the city government in favor of foreigners.
Following a proposal by City Council member, Yussara Canales, the local legislature has approved intervention measures. They have formally requested Mayor Luis Alberto Michel to ensure access to affordable, sufficient, and quality water supply.
In addition to urging the mayor, the Jalisco Congress has also demanded that the Seapal Board of Directors apply discounts to the bills of those affected by the water shortage. The legislative body has also instructed Seapal to cease charging for services until regular water delivery is restored, and to abandon the practice of applying any surcharges.
Canales criticized Seapal's handling of the crisis, stating, "They continue to be charged even up to surcharges, so the request of Congress is directed towards that direction, that they have a little awareness so that people have the service as such, but that all the time they have suffered from this shortage, should not be charged to them."
Out of the 437 neighborhoods in Vallarta, the 100 affected by the water shortage constitute nearly 23 percent of the city. Attempts to get a statement from Seapal were made, however, as of the time of writing, the agency has yet to respond.
