Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco — Seapal Vallarta, the municipal water operator, is facing a financial crisis with debts exceeding 200 million pesos, according to the organization’s internal controller, José Manuel Villaseñor García. The revelation was made during a recent Board of Directors meeting, highlighting challenges that could hinder the supply and distribution of water to nearly 300,000 residents.
Villaseñor García reported that the current administration inherited the decentralized public organization (OPD) in a state of abandonment, lacking funds and burdened with significant debt. “This financial situation makes it difficult to operate and invest in infrastructure necessary for our municipality,” he stated.
An initial analysis of the handover process indicates that the previous administration—led sequentially by Salvador Llamas, Jorge Alberto Castillo Núñez, and Eraclio Galván Mendoza—left Seapal Vallarta not only financially strained but also in dire need of substantial investment for expanding and rehabilitating its hydrosanitary infrastructure.
Key findings from the delivery-receipt process reveal that the organization’s financial statements do not accurately reflect its actual fiscal condition. Significant discrepancies were found between the authorized budget, actual expenditures, and pending payments.
Alejandro Padilla Viorato, the current operating director, emphasized the urgency of addressing the infrastructure backlog. He informed the Board that overcoming these challenges requires “a multimillion-dollar investment” to develop and rehabilitate water supply sources. Critical projects include the refurbishment of the North Treatment Plant II and the Central-North Collector, among other essential facilities.
“The goal is to ensure a sufficient and reliable water supply for the population,” Padilla Viorato said. “We are working on strategies to secure the necessary funds and investments to move forward.”
The administration is now tasked with navigating the substantial debt while seeking solutions to improve the city’s water infrastructure. The situation underscores the importance of transparent financial management and the need for immediate action to support the community’s essential services.
No statements have been received from members of the previous administration regarding these findings.
