Cancún’s Hidden Crisis: 1 in 3 Lack Basic Services

Cancún, Mexico — The municipality of Benito Juárez faces a serious challenge in its urban development, with more than 213 irregular settlements housing approximately 350,000 residents. This phenomenon has created a situation in which nearly one-third of Cancún's population lacks access to essential services such as potable water, electricity, drainage, and paved roads.

The updating of the registry of irregular settlements reveals the magnitude of the infrastructure deficit and provides a solid foundation for designing public policies that address both the regularization of these communities and the progressive supply of infrastructure.

Uncontrolled Urban Growth Leaves Over 350,000 Residents Without Access to Water, Electricity, and Drainage

The accelerated expansion of the city, driven by tourism and population growth, has surpassed the planning capacity of the authorities. Without adequate infrastructure, many neighborhoods remain in precarious conditions, affecting the quality of life of their inhabitants.

The precise identification of these zones will allow for the prioritization of social investment projects, in addition to fostering coordination between different levels of government to reduce inequalities.

This diagnosis reflects the urgency of implementing comprehensive strategies to manage the growth of Cancún in a sustainable manner, ensuring all residents have access to basic services and improved living conditions.