Federal Funds Reach Communities in Yucatán-Quintana Roo Border Dispute

Playa del Carmen — Punta Laguna and Hidalgo y Cortés, border localities caught in a territorial conflict between the governments of Yucatán and Quintana Roo, have already received federal resources after the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples (INPI) granted them recognition as communities belonging to the municipality of Playa del Carmen.

César Uuh Chi, Director of Indigenous Affairs for Playa del Carmen, reported that these two communities benefited after the City Council approved 10 percent of resources for infrastructure in the municipality’s most remote communities.

In this regard, the official specified that approximately 200,000 pesos were allocated for Hidalgo y Cortés, and 250,000 for the community of Punta Laguna.

He emphasized that these amounts are now managed by the local authorities themselves, who were designated by the residents of these communities.

Both communities are located southwest of Playa del Carmen, near the borders with the municipalities of Tulum, Lázaro Cárdenas, and Valladolid, Yucatán.

The official also recalled that the conflict with the government of Yucatán over the ownership of both communities continues; however, he pointed out that this issue is being handled by the State Congress.

“This is a matter that falls under the jurisdiction of the State Congress, because there are territorial issues. While there is a process, we must wait for the legal and territorial process that these two communities are undergoing,” he said.

He added that, while this conflict is being resolved, the municipal government is bringing basic services to both communities.