48-Year Wait Over: Chetumal School Gets New Dome

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — After nearly five decades without adequate infrastructure for outdoor school activities, students at the "Rufo Figueroa" primary school in the Polígono II neighborhood of Chetumal finally received a long-awaited dome. Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa inaugurated the structure, marking a significant milestone for the 286 students who will benefit from the new facility.

A Decades-Long Wait Comes to an End

The dome, constructed with a public investment of over 3.3 million pesos, will serve 150 girls and 138 boys. Governor Lezama emphasized that the project reflects the state’s commitment to combating corruption and redirecting funds toward essential public services.

"Today, after more than 48 years, the children of 'Rufo Figueroa' finally have a space that not only protects them from the sun and rain but also symbolizes dignity, social justice, and a commitment to quality public education," Lezama stated during the inauguration ceremony.

The governor was accompanied by José Rafael Lara Díaz, head of the Quintana Roo Secretariat of Public Works (SEOP), who highlighted the broader effort to address infrastructure deficiencies in schools across the state. At the start of the administration, 1,109 schools lacked domes—a gap now being addressed through targeted projects.

Breaking the Cycle of Neglect

Governor Lezama framed the dome’s completion as a critical step in reversing years of institutional neglect. "This is an action that breaks with decades of delays, ensuring that children’s rights become a real and visible priority," she said.

Following the ribbon-cutting, officials signed the New Agreement for Well-Being and Development of Quintana Roo, reaffirming their commitment to improving educational infrastructure.

Lara Díaz reiterated the administration’s pledge to transform school conditions. "We promised to change the current state of our schools, and today we are delivering on that promise," he said.

A Historic Moment for the School

The "Rufo Figueroa" primary school opened its doors on September 10, 1977. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Othón P. Blanco Municipal President Yensunni Martínez, SEQ head Elda Xix Euán, SABGOB Secretary Reyna Arceo Rosado, and XVIII Legislature Deputy Saulo Aguilar Bernés, among other officials, parents, and students.

Also present were Aldo Castro Jiménez, Director General of IFEQROO; school principal Carlos Aguilar Tuz; student representative Melani Jiménez Hernández; and Guadalupe Arguello Maza, president of the project’s parent committee.

The dome represents a tangible improvement for a school that had waited nearly half a century for such an upgrade, underscoring the state’s renewed focus on equitable access to education.