Costa Maya, Q.R. — A large group of Ejido’s blocked a section of the southern highway Sunday claiming the government owes them money. The group used large branches to block the road to Escárcega for approximately four hours.
The protesters, which came from five different southern area Ejidos, said the Ministry of Communications and Transportation (SCT) owes them compensation for damage to their land after the expansion of the Chetumal-Escárcega highway.
Former deputy José de la Peña arrived to discuss the issue, however, the protesters refused to talk with him. It wasn’t until the newly appointed Secretary of Government, Cristina Torres Gómez, arrived that talks began.
Torres was successful in talking with the group, ensuring their concerns would be presented before the federal government. The initial conflict dates back to 2012 when the highway was expanded. The group also claimed new damages to their land due to the construction of section 7 of the Maya Train.
The Ejido group organized their public protest on the same day a new governor and legal cabinet were sworn in for the state of Quintana Roo.