The Importance of Integrated Planning in Infrastructure Development
Mauricio Jessurun Solomou, president of the board of directors of the Mexican Civil Engineers Institute (CICM), highlighted that large-scale infrastructure projects alone are insufficient without a comprehensive plan for regional development. Historically, in the southeast of Mexico, employment drops after major projects are completed without parallel regional development. This issue is evident in states like Tabasco (with Dos Bocas), Quintana Roo, Campeche, and Chiapas (with the Tren Maya), where construction has taken place but not an integral regional development.
Water as a Persistent Challenge
Jesús Campos López, general director of the 33rd National Congress of Civil Engineering, emphasized that water scarcity is a constant challenge. In 1900, Mexico had 31,000 cubic meters of water per capita annually. Today, with a population of 130 million, the country barely reaches 3,100 cubic meters per capita annually. This decline is driven by population growth and climate change, requiring the construction sector to plan infrastructure solutions.
The current challenge is to “do more with the same water availability,” as per capita water has decreased by 90% in a century. Long-term organization is crucial, as this crisis was not anticipated in the past, and ignoring it now would be detrimental.
The Valley of Mexico faces an annual water deficit of over 700 million cubic meters. To address this, water extraction must be reduced, and water importation from other regions should be considered. However, the core issue lies in tariffs not reflecting real service costs, promoting wastage. While daily consumption in the Valley of Mexico is 300 liters per person, cities like León consume only 150 liters, highlighting the impact of tariffs.
Continuity in Investments
Jessurun Solomou stressed the need for Mexico to plan with foresight, providing appropriate infrastructure to meet population needs. An investment of around 5% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to achieve sustainable development, boost the economy, and enhance competitiveness amid globalization challenges and nearshoring opportunities.
Preparations for the 33rd National Congress of Civil Engineering began in April in Chihuahua, with the first regional meeting. Subsequent meetings will take place in July for central states and August in Chiapas, covering all regions.
Infrastructure projects should stimulate regional development. Successful examples include the Interoceanic Train, where development poles are being built to attract industries and create jobs. The project’s success lies in connecting both oceans, facilitating goods flow, and boosting local economies through sustainable growth coordination between infrastructure, private investment, and public policies.
