Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The Solidaridad municipal government has launched a review process that could lead to financial and administrative penalties against the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) for leaving large amounts of vegetative waste on public roads after maintenance work.
The problem began after CFE crews carried out preventive tree trimming to clear branches obstructing high-voltage lines in several neighborhoods of Playa del Carmen. Workers then left behind piles of trunks, branches, and leaves on sidewalks, medians, and streets.
Flood risk and health hazards
Municipal authorities said the practice not only harms the city’s appearance but also poses a safety risk. The debris blocks water flow into drains and absorption wells, increasing the risk of flooding during the rainy season.
Residents in affected areas also reported that the accumulated green waste attracts pests and forces pedestrians to walk into traffic lanes.
Local ecology regulations
The Public Services Department and the local Ecology and Environment Secretariat warned that municipal regulations clearly prohibit dumping or abandoning waste in public spaces. If the CFE does not promptly and coordinately remove the debris, it will face heavy fines.
The city government reiterated that while it supports maintaining the power grid to prevent blackouts, federal agencies and companies must collect and transport their own waste to authorized disposal sites. Officials said they will remain vigilant to ensure local environmental rules are respected.
