Isla Mujeres, Q.R. — Work is being done in the central shopping area of the island to bury power lines. Mayor Atenea Gómez Ricalde says the downtown area is the first in a series of phases to modernize the overhead lines to an underground electrical system.
On Monday, Mayor Ricalde announced the starting of the first phase to convert the central overhead electrical system on Guerrero Avenue. She says her administration is working with the CFE (Comisión Federal de Electricidad) to exchange the badly damaged poles with exposed wiring to an underground system.
Electrical work is also being done on the island’s main Rueda Medina Avenue. According to Ricalde, underground power grids not only improve urban image but are also safter, especially during storms.
“With the goal of improving the urban image of the downtown area, providing safety for pedestrians and reducing risks from natural disasters, Mayor Atenea Gómez Ricalde led the flag-off of the first phase of the conversion of the overhead electrical grid to an underground one on Guerrero Avenue,” City Hall reported Monday.
Accompanied by civil and naval authorities, representatives of the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) and residents of the downtown area, Atenea Gómez emphasized that this important project fulfills a commitment to the island community.
The project, she explained, involves converting the electricity cables currently exposed on poles to an underground system which will significantly improve the urban image of the downtown area, strengthen security and reduce risks during hurricane season or heavy rains.
“We are committed to continuing to beautify and modernize Isla Mujeres, not only for its image, but also for the safety and functionality of our public spaces,” said the Mayor.
She said the Guerrero Avenue project is a continuation of the undergrounding process already underway on Rueda Medina Avenue which has become a turning point in the urban transformation of the heart of the island.
“We continue to move forward with an orderly and comprehensive vision in the restoration and modernization of public spaces for our families and visitors,” said Ricalde. Ricalde did not say how many streets will be converted to the underground wiring system.
