I have followed all the comments sent by my neighbors and friends in Isla Mujeres who live along the airstrip where the CFE (Federal Electricity Commission) placed an industrial plant, allegedly temporarily, while awaiting authorization for the submarine cable installation.
From the start, this plant generated noise levels of up to 90 decibels, harmful to anyone. There were days when it operated for over eight hours. All of us affected protested to the authorities, requesting the relocation of this machine to another site. However, we were never heard simply because we are the ones living in the area where the machine is located. It is a mere 15 meters from my house.
When the submarine cable was approved, we hoped this issue would be resolved, but that hasn’t been the case as the demand for energy continues to grow due to the permits granted for building more hotels in the “New Paradise.” This benefits the municipality and those who can build and rent spaces, with each room naturally requiring air conditioning. It’s obvious that the energy from the mainland will never be enough.
On one occasion, a TV report was done by a journalist sent by Denise Maerker, filmed from my garage. Yet, no one showed interest in resolving the problem. During a meeting with the Municipal President and CFE leaders, some residents fought for the right to keep the machine running.
I replied to one woman that we oppose the operation of this industrial machine in a residential area due to the terrible noise and diesel pollution. We simply ask for its relocation, not its shutdown. I told her, “If you are so convinced of its usefulness, why not request it be installed in front of your house?”
We bought this house in 1982, dreaming of a place for our retirement. In 1988, Hurricane Gilbert nearly destroyed it, and it took us over five years to rebuild. We’ve always defended our space for our old age. Now, we are elderly and can only stay home when it’s cold, as the machine runs less due to lower energy demand.
The current authorities care little about addressing our concerns, despite having submitted requests and testimonies from all affected residents to City Hall and providing copies to all council members.
My question remains the same: Is it more important for the municipal government to fill the boardwalks with marine figures and colorful paving stones than to address the complaints of residents facing this machine?
It makes me think that the administration is incapable of handling serious, core issues. It seems they lack ideas on how to resolve the matter, especially after it was revealed in a meeting that the only available space had been taken by the outgoing governor, leaving no possibility to move the machine.
Why not move it to the end of the airstrip instead of using that area as a dumping ground for official vehicles? At least there, the vegetation might reduce the noise. There would undoubtedly still be some affected, but fewer. Or perhaps build a wall to separate us from the machine. I’d rather lose my charming view than lose my home. Or why not urgently request a modern, new plant if they will never remove this one?
All we can do is keep protesting, but the outcome will always be the same. We pay taxes, and on average, the shortest residency among us is 20 years. In my case, it’s been 42. But who cares?
I would love for the authorities to attend a meeting here at night when the machine is running. We’ll make sure they experience the five hours it operates until 4 AM. They shouldn’t worry about any harm, after all, they are deaf, and we, though we speak, know that we are voiceless.
A government that doesn’t listen to all the citizens it supposedly represents equally is undoubtedly regrettable and inefficient.
Sincerely,
The Neighbor Across the Street
