Chemuyil Excluded From Housing Project: Residents Protest

TULUM — The frustration of residents in Chemuyil erupted in an open protest against what they have labeled an act of marginalization and social injustice. They state that, despite years of peaceful struggle and their willingness to follow legal procedures, the town has been excluded from the project of 400 Bienestar homes being built in the area, while neighboring communities like Akumal accumulate illegal land invasions and irregular settlements.

With signs and chants, the protesters issued a direct and blunt appeal to the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, and the Governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama Espinosa, demanding immediate action.

"Claudia Sheinbaum and Mara Lezama practically left many families out of the Bienestar project. Here we are still living, several entire families in a single house. That is not fair. The people who came to collect the documents in Tulum behaved in a despotic and rude manner with the people of Chemuyil. We ask that they listen to us. We want solutions, because people are tired," the inhabitants denounced.

The dissatisfied residents emphasized that for years they have sought peaceful alternatives to achieve certainty over their land and a dignified patrimony for their children, but the authorities have simply ignored them.

"We have tried to do things the right way, but when will it be our turn? The town needs to grow. Akumal has two or three land invasions, and we are left behind. Right behind us they are building the Bienestar houses and Chemuyil was left out. That is not possible. We want something fair and dignified," they reproached.

The anger was further fueled by the memory of what they describe as a deception committed in past years by the Secretariat of Territorial, Urban, and Sustainable Development (SEDETUS), when—according to testimonies—they were charged money under the promise of delivering land that was never assigned.

"A while ago they made us pay and we were never given anything. Now we see how they are building 400 houses right here and we are excluded again. It is a mockery for the town and a contempt for our people," they stated indignantly.

The general feeling is that Chemuyil has been systematically sidelined from social housing and urban development plans. Meanwhile, hundreds of families live in overcrowded conditions, sharing roofs and without certainty of a space of their own for their children.

"Here there are families who have been fighting for a plot of land for decades. No one gave us anything for free; we have always tried to do the right thing, but the only thing we receive are rejections and mistreatment. They tell us to wait, but we cannot wait any longer," they expressed through community leaders.

The protest was not only an act of discontent but also an ultimatum: the residents warned they will not allow their needs to continue being ignored while the government touts social programs and major housing projects.

"The official discourse speaks of social justice, well-being, and providing shelter to those who need it most, but here in Chemuyil the reality is different. We are witnesses to how houses are built in front of us and how, at the same time, we are condemned to continue without a piece of land of our own," they stressed.

The families demanded transparency and clarity in the beneficiary selection criteria, asserting that no one in their community was taken into account. They even mentioned there was favoritism towards other sectors while they, who have worked and remained in the place for years, were ignored.

"We want an explanation for how we were left out. Who decides who has the right to dignified housing and who does not? The people of Chemuyil are not second-class; we deserve the same attention as any other community," they affirmed.

The complaint was forceful: they feel betrayed by a government that promised inclusion and well-being for all but, in practice, has once again left them in abandonment.

"The people of Chemuyil are tired. Enough of nice speeches and broken promises. What we are asking for is something elementary: a dignified home for our families. We are not asking for luxuries, we are asking for justice," they emphasized.

Now, with a unified voice, the residents warn they will not back down from their demand and will continue to raise their voices until Claudia Sheinbaum and Mara Lezama address their claim directly. The town made it clear that they will no longer accept deceptions or handouts: what they seek is certainty, respect, and a dignified space where new generations of Chemuyil can grow.