Overview and Importance of the Program
The Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportes (SICT) has announced the expansion of the School Review and Rehabilitation Program across Mexico. This initiative aims to assess and enhance the structural safety of educational facilities nationwide, focusing on urban areas, seismic zones, and regions prone to extreme weather events.
Key Figures and Their Roles
During a dialogue with engineers at the Mexican Institute of Civil Engineers (CICM), Laura Suárez Medina, General Director of Technical Services at SICT, emphasized the critical nature of maintaining infrastructure such as schools, which safeguard “our children, our present and future.”
Program Details and Objectives
Initially launched in Mexico City, this program seeks to conduct technical diagnostics to identify structural risks and initiate necessary rehabilitations.
- The program includes the national accreditation of Directors Responsible for Construction (DRO) and Corresponding in Structural Safety (CSE), who will ensure that educational buildings meet safety standards in each federal entity.
- In cases where a structural risk of collapse is identified, the program will evaluate the feasibility of rehabilitation projects. Although this is the most expensive option, it ensures the safety and longevity of schools.
- The program will also analyze the conditions and capabilities of Directors Responsible for Construction across the country.
Collaboration and Support
Mauricio Jessurun, President of the XL Board of Directors at CICM, welcomed the announcement and proposed strengthening collaboration between the Institute and SICT.
“We are ready to contribute our knowledge and commitment to the tasks of the General Directorate of Technical Services and Secretary Jesús Antonio Esteva Medina, with the goal of building a more connected, just, and secure Mexico.”
– Mauricio Jessurun, President of the XL Board of Directors at CICM
Road Maintenance Efforts
In addition to its focus on schools, the Technical Services General Directorate also actively participates in supervising and evaluating road conditions.
- Between 2010 and 2024, the program addressed 338 conflict points with an investment of over 2,050 million pesos.
- During this period, 86 braking ramps were installed, and plans are underway to add 33 more.
Urgent Need for Technical Services
Juan José Orozco y Orozco, Vice President of CICM, stressed the strategic importance of technical services and highlighted the urgent need for increased budgetary resources.
“Technical services must be considered a strategic necessity. We emphasize the urgency of allocating greater budgetary resources and offer our support in training and technically certifying professionals responsible for school construction projects nationwide.”
– Juan José Orozco y Orozco, Vice President of CICM
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main goal of the SICT’s School Rehabilitation Program? The primary objective is to ensure the structural safety of schools across Mexico, focusing on urban areas, seismic zones, and regions vulnerable to extreme weather events.
- Who are the Directors Responsible for Construction (DRO) and Corresponding in Structural Safety (CSE)? DROs and CSEs are professionals responsible for ensuring that educational buildings meet safety standards in their respective federal entities.
- What other areas does the Technical Services General Directorate oversee besides schools? The General Directorate also supervises and evaluates road conditions, installing braking ramps and planning further projects for improved safety.
- Why is collaboration between SICT and CICM important? Collaboration ensures the effective implementation of technical services, leading to safer and more connected communities across Mexico.
