Playa del Carmen Residents Struggle for Property Titles

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — Residents of the Luis Donaldo Colosio neighborhood in Playa del Carmen continue to encounter obstacles in the regularization of their properties, despite commitments made by federal authorities in previous administrations. The process remains stalled due to bureaucratic hurdles and the involvement of agencies that should no longer be part of the procedure, according to local advocates.

Bureaucratic Delays and Alleged Irregularities

Sonia López Cardiel, a former local legislator and member of the Union of Colonos, accused agencies such as Sedetus, Indaabin, and Derimaya of creating unnecessary delays and engaging in irregular practices, including improper fees. She asserted that only the National Institute of Sustainable Land (INSUS) should oversee the process, as stipulated in a regularization decree issued during the administration of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

"The decree is clear regarding fees. They should not be appraising constructions as if they were real estate developments. Families have been building on these lands for 30 years, and now they want to value the titles as if they were commercial properties," López Cardiel explained.

She further emphasized that the issue extends beyond property valuation, as many residents have already made payments that have not been officially recognized.

Unaccounted Funds and Demands for Transparency

The Union of Colonos estimates that approximately 17 million pesos were collected by Derimaya for titling procedures during its tenure as an intermediary. However, many of these payments have not been acknowledged by INSUS, leaving numerous families in legal limbo. Some residents reportedly paid up to 90% of the required amount without receiving their property titles.

In response, the organization has demanded that the federal government transfer the property formerly occupied by Derimaya to the residents as compensation. Additionally, they have initiated proceedings with federal agencies, including the Ministry of Public Administration, to investigate the handling of the collected funds.

Appeals to Federal Authorities

López Cardiel confirmed that residents have reached out to President Claudia Sheinbaum following a protest in Cancún, where demonstrators carried signs reading, "Stop the Theft by INSUS." According to López Cardiel, the president was receptive and directed her team to address the issue.

"She already knows us and is aware of the problem. We trust she will intervene to ensure the decree is enforced," López Cardiel stated.

Meetings have also been held with Wendy, the federal government’s representative in the state, as well as working groups in Chetumal and Playa del Carmen. However, progress has been slow, with residents subjected to repetitive paperwork.

"We are still waiting. They say they will review each case individually, but in the meantime, people have no legal certainty or refunds," López Cardiel added.

Legislative Efforts and Ongoing Frustrations

López Cardiel recalled that during her term in the local Congress in 2018, she submitted a formal request for Derimaya to explain its regularization process. She also sought audits through the Ministry of Finance and the then-Ministry of Public Administration, but these efforts were blocked by legislators from the PRI, PAN, and PRD parties.

Residents insist they are not asking for additional benefits but simply for the enforcement of the existing decree.

"We are not asking for more bureaucracy or more offices. We just want the decree to be respected and our payments recognized. We want our titles and an end to the legal uncertainty," López Cardiel concluded.