Background on Marisol Ávila Córdova and AECO
Marisol Ávila Córdova, the president of the Asociación de Empresas de la Construcción en Puebla (AECO), has called for transparency regarding the execution of public works projects by municipalities in Puebla, Mexico. AECO represents construction companies in the region, and Ávila Córdova’s request aims to ensure accountability in the allocation of resources for public works and security.
Key Points from Ávila Córdova’s Statement
- Transparency: Municipalities should disclose information about the contractors involved in public works projects within eight months of their tenure.
- Resource Allocation: AECO supports the state government and legislative branch in ensuring municipalities allocate resources according to the Constitution Politica del Estado and invest appropriately in security and public works.
- Project Progress: Not all municipalities are progressing at the required pace, especially those in Puebla’s interior. Some only began projects a month ago, while others received funds starting from early February or March.
- Citizen Demands: The primary concern of citizens is the implementation of bacheo (patching) programs, which should begin at the start of each year to maintain road conditions. Many municipalities delayed these programs, only starting a month ago.
- Public Works Improvement: Ávila Córdova suggests that municipal authorities, particularly in the metropolitan area where 60% of economic activity is concentrated, should undergo training on proper bacheo techniques to minimize material waste and other issues.
AECO’s Collaboration Offer
Ávila Córdova emphasized that AECO is willing to collaborate with municipal authorities to ensure improvements in streets and avenues. She highlighted the need for experienced, corruption-free companies to execute bacheo projects and avoid recurring issues caused by poor workmanship.
Currently, there are approximately 200,000 potholes across 23,800 frontages in the metropolitan area. The state government has allocated 100 million pesos to support municipal efforts in addressing this issue.
Municipal Responsibilities
- Bacheo Program Funding: In Puebla city, the municipal authority will allocate 17% of the public works budget (approximately 633.7 million pesos) to the pothole program.
- Timing of Bacheo Programs: These programs should be implemented during dry seasons to prevent potholes from softening again due to rain.
- Job Creation through Public Works: In juntas auxiliares (neighborhoods), municipalities should licitate projects to create local employment opportunities for construction companies committed to hiring local labor.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main concern of Marisol Ávila Córdova? Transparency in the execution of public works projects by municipalities and ensuring accountability in resource allocation.
- Why is it important for municipalities to report on public works within 8 months? To ensure timely and efficient use of resources for public works and security.
- What is the primary demand of citizens regarding public works? Implementation and maintenance of bacheo (patching) programs for road conditions.
- What role does AECO play in addressing these concerns? AECO offers collaboration with municipal authorities to ensure proper execution of public works projects and job creation through local hiring.
