Introduction to Clara Brugada and Her Initiative
Clara Brugada Molina, the Head of Government for Mexico City, has initiated a program called “Mi Ciudad se Pone Guapa y mi Colonia También” (My City Gets Beautiful and My Neighborhood Too). This initiative aims to enhance public spaces and services while rescuing the city’s barrancas (ravines) in collaboration with local governments.
Program Overview
- Every Saturday, a different neighborhood, town, or district will be transformed with public services and attention to citizen requests.
- Clara Brugada has instructed the comprehensive rescue of 8 kilometers of the Río Mixcoac barranca and urged citizens not to litter or discharge wastewater into these ecosystems.
Key Actions and Impact
During her visit to the La Araña neighborhood in the Álvaro Obregón alcaldía, Clara Brugada led a cleanup of the Río Mixcoac barranca. She emphasized that public servants from the capital government, along with local governments, will intervene in neighborhoods to improve public spaces and services.
Barranca Rescue Program
One of the main actions will be cleaning the city’s barrancas, removing trash while the Secretaría del Trabajo y Fomento al Empleo implements a temporary employment program. This will turn residents into watchmen to prevent further littering in these ecosystems.
Community Involvement and Climate Change
Clara Brugada highlighted that the recent heavy rains are the most intense in 40-50 years, and Río Mixcoac barranca has experienced the most rainfall. Climate change has made these rains more extreme, causing blockages and flooding due to litter. She urged citizens to join efforts in not littering and contaminating these areas.
Benefits for Residents
The new Cablebús line will have a station at Pilares Santa Lucía, benefiting residents by providing faster access to the Mixcoac metro station. Additionally, the secretary of Environmental Protection, Julia Álvarez Icaza Ramírez, explained that barrancas provide essential environmental services such as water infiltration and serving as habitats for native flora and fauna.
Collaborative Efforts
Mario Esparza Hernández, head of the Integral Water Management Secretariat (Segiagua), mentioned that coordinated and preventive work has been done to avoid flooding. Over 17,000 tons of sludge have been removed from dams and drains since last year, improving river conditions and increasing dam storage capacity.
Program Execution
Raúl Basulto Luviano, the Secretary of Works and Services, reported that 300 workers participated in the program’s launch to rehabilitate public staircases, install new lighting for safety, and address issues like potholes, slopes, and facade improvements in the La Araña neighborhood.
Additional Services
The program also includes a health fair, offering nutrition services, vaccinations, glucose tests, dental health, breastfeeding promotion, HIV and syphilis testing, sexual and reproductive health services, condom distribution, and more.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the “Mi Ciudad se Pone Guapa y mi Colonia También” program? It is an initiative by Clara Brugada to enhance public spaces and services while rescuing Mexico City’s barrancas.
- Which ecosystems are being targeted for cleanup? The Río Mixcoac barranca is one of the main areas for cleanup efforts.
- What services will be provided to the communities? Public servants and local governments will offer improved public spaces, services, and attention to citizen requests.
- How will the community be involved in maintaining cleanliness? A temporary employment program will turn residents into watchmen to prevent littering and contamination.
- What benefits will residents experience from this program? Faster access to the Mixcoac metro station via the new Cablebús line and improved environmental conditions through barranca rescue.
