Mahahual’s Economic Growth Blocked by Infrastructure Issues

Mahahual, Quintana Roo — Despite being one of the tourist poles that generates the highest economic income for Quintana Roo, Mahahual still faces obstacles that prevent greater economic growth in the tourism sector and also hinder residents of more than four neighborhoods from enjoying quality basic services.

Gerardo Pérez Zafra, head of COPARMEX, and Luis Gómez Joaquín, leader of 27 restaurants in the aforementioned locality, identified four points that should already have been addressed by the mayor of Othón P. Blanco and the governor of Quintana Roo, but which nevertheless remain unresolved.

In this regard, both leaders stated that the neglect of the famous destination stems from a lack of communication from the state and municipal governments, which are unaware of the deficiencies faced by residents and the working sector due to a lack of proximity.

They noted that since the cruise ship trust fund was established in August 2024, which consists of a payment of $5 per passenger, they have not received reports on how the approximately one billion dollars collected since the fee was implemented has been invested. “We don’t know what is happening with that money collected from cruise ships. We don’t see a single peso,” they stated.

In relation to this, they mentioned that one of the points that should be considered for investment from the trust fund is the repair of Avenida del Puerto, which has remained in evident deterioration for several years.

This section is considered the main route of Costa Maya and covers at least 15 streets, which have large potholes, holes, and depressions that represent a constant danger for both workers and tourists.

Furthermore, they highlighted the lack of public lighting and the constant blackouts that occur at least twice a week in the neighborhoods of the locality, a problem that directly affects the quality of life of approximately 90 percent of workers in the tourism sector.

Regarding sargassum, Pérez Zafra stated that an emergency plan similar to that for hurricanes should be developed to address the arrival of the thallophyte.

He mentioned that it is important to expedite actions before the arrival of sargassum during the high season and reinforce cleaning efforts, as the accumulation of the thallophyte represented a drop of up to 40 percent in tourist visits to various restaurants and hotels on the boardwalk, even during vacation periods that should be considered high.

He stated that although business owners have direct contact with the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar) to address the thallophyte problem, it is necessary for the Secretariat of Ecology and Environment (SEMA) to also maintain contact with tourism service providers to reinforce attention to the thallophyte.

In this regard, Gómez Joaquín revealed that there was incomplete support from the State Government, as the investment in cleaning materials was covered by the workers themselves, and he stated that last year he invested up to 2,000 pesos in the purchase of wheelbarrows, shovels, and rakes to maintain the cleanliness of the coastline.

Additionally, Zafra Pérez stated that it is necessary to implement cultural activities that revive tourism on the locality’s boardwalk, as at least 80 percent of visitors come from cruise ship arrivals, a fact that does not adequately supply the establishments and perpetuates the belief that the community lacks history and culture.

Finally, they asserted that medical services such as ambulances and health centers should also be a priority issue, as these currently lack both medical personnel and supplies that would allow them to provide quality care.

They reiterated the need to create a dialogue table with the State Government and learn how the trust fund money will be invested, in addition to reaching a consensus with residents and business owners to identify points that need to be addressed, an action that is completely lacking and causes the locality to grow without order, while the State Government maintains total secrecy.