Chetumal, Q.R. — State officials have held their second meeting in relation to the severe Chetumal flooding experienced by the city in June. A majority of the city was left under water after storm drains were overwhelmed by ongoing torrential rains.
Over the weekend, the Strategic Projects Agency of the State of Quintana Roo (Agepro) held its second meeting with specialists to address the challenges related to the storm collector systems in Chetumal.
Agepro (Agencia de Proyectos Estratégicos del Estado de Quintana Roo) is promoting policies that seek a common, comprehensive and sustainable good for the state in a coordinated effort to improve urban infrastructure and guarantee the safety of its inhabitants.
The head of Agepro, José Alberto Alonso Ovando, said “coordination between specialists and government agencies is crucial to face the challenges presented by the weather conditions in our state. These proposals will be part of a comprehensive strategy to address the current situation and strengthen our response capacity to future weather events.”
During the meeting, one of the proposals presented was to improve the urban and solid waste collection system by creating a register of drains and rainwater collection structures and ensuring their maintenance.
Agepro will also establish a program to preserve existing stormwater infrastructure, and improve drainage by intercepting stormwater before it reaches the lowest points, redesigning storm drains and building new interceptors.
Another proposal includes specific actions in various neighborhoods and areas of Chetumal such as the construction of collectors and storm drainage lines in the neighborhoods of Las Casitas, Flamboyanes, Arboledas and Nueva Generación.
The proposals also include the expansion of the large canal and the reconstruction of storm drains on Boulevard Bahía and the clearing and dredging of the natural canal from the savannah to Laguna Guerrero.
In June, the state spent millions in aid to help waterlogged homeowners get back on their feet after a week of torrential rains left Quintana Roo under water. State resources were also spent draining streets and repairing general damage left behind by the excessive water.
