Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – Mayor Luis Ernesto Munguía González has admitted shortcomings in Puerto Vallarta government, particularly in garbage collection and drinking water supply. He acknowledged that both services still fall short of residents’ expectations, even though improvements have occurred since his term began. The mayor asked for public patience and cooperation as his team refines schedules and operations.
Munguía González said the city inherited only ten operational waste-collection vehicles. He described the task of expanding and modernizing that fleet as “complex.” Yet he noted progress through new vehicles and a pilot environmental route. This approach schedules trash pickup and encourages citizens to separate recyclables at specific points. Still, the mayor conceded that some neighborhoods lack daily service. He pledged to adjust routes and increase vehicle hours to cover every sector reliably.
He emphasized that success depends on citizen collaboration. “We took over with a limited fleet,” he reminded residents. “Now we have a different scenario, but it requires logistics and scheduling work from everyone.” He urged communities to follow designated pickup days and use separation bins to help crews operate efficiently.
Plan to review collection contract and water rates
The mayor also addressed the contract with the private concessionaire handling waste collection. Munguía González did not dismiss the idea of canceling that agreement, but he stressed its legal complexity. Any decision will undergo thorough Council review and legal analysis to avoid service interruptions.
On water matters, Munguía González recognized that current rates date to the previous administration. He assured families that his team will scrutinize the 2026 Revenue Law to prevent disproportionate rate hikes. “We want the service to stay accessible,” he said. He added that many consumer accounts are overdue. The administration will work to regularize those accounts and help the utility return to a positive financial balance.
The mayor reported a request from the water utility’s Board of Directors for greater operational autonomy. He agreed that autonomy can drive efficiency, but stressed that the City Council will keep oversight on rate setting and service-quality standards.
Commitment to infrastructure and public service improvements
Despite these admissions, Munguía González reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening municipal infrastructure. He outlined plans to expand the waste-collection fleet further and refine schedules based on neighborhood demand. He also pledged a transparent review process for water rates and public hearings before any change takes effect.
The Council will monitor performance metrics for both services. Monthly reports will track vehicle deployment, coverage percentages, and water-supply interruptions. Residents can review these updates to hold officials accountable.
Munguía González closed by reiterating his administration’s promise to address the shortcomings in Puerto Vallarta government. He said this candid admission marks a new phase of collaboration between authorities and citizens. As the city grows, he stressed, its public services must evolve through shared effort and open oversight.
