Isla Mujeres, Q.R. — Isla Mujeres City Council will create regulations in the construction of municipal palapas says Civil Protection.
Municipal Civil Protection head Merced Ortiz Maya explained that after the March palapa roof collapse that resulted in the loss of a life and several injured, the municipality is now obligated to create regulations to ensure it does not happen again.
He said up until now, the only requirement for palapas is that they be fire retardant, noting that there were no municipal policies in place regarding their construction. He says that they will work with Urban Development to create a regulation to prevent a repeat of events, adding that the accident that happened at the Albatros Beach Club happened in a newly constructed palapa.
“We can see it is a new palapa, but we do not know the hidden defects that may exist in its construction, which is why it is important to monitor these projects,” he said when explaining that they will be inspecting municipal palapas. Owners will be encouraged to correct any found with defects.
After the March collapse, the agency proceeded to close the Albatros Beach Club property, but clarified that it is the State Attorney General’s Office who will define responsibilities while the company takes care of the expenses of the injured.
