Chetumal, Quintana Roo — The government of Quintana Roo has allocated more than 400 million pesos ($21 million) to combat the influx of sargassum seaweed, Governor Mara Lezama announced Tuesday.
Lezama said the state is working with the Mexican Navy on a proposal to the federal government to acquire additional ocean-going sargassum collection vessels and install more containment barriers farther out at sea to prevent the macroalgae from reaching the coast.
“We have spent more than 400 million pesos so far, and the goal is to contain it in deep waters,” Lezama said. “We are presenting another proposal with the Navy for more investment, for more ocean-going sargassum vessels and containment with tugboats and barriers in even deeper waters. It took a lot of research, the Navy helped us, and we are about to deliver the proposal next Friday. We are the most advanced state in monitoring and containing this phenomenon.”
The governor emphasized that the aim is to stop the seaweed from washing ashore and causing damage in key tourist destinations such as Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Mahahual, where crews are working tirelessly to remove as much sargassum as possible.
In a separate matter, Lezama reported that the rehabilitation of the Subteniente López bridge is 40% complete. The new concrete bridge will include a 2.6-meter-wide pedestrian walkway, replacing the current metal structure. The project aims to boost connectivity, tourism, and commercial activity in the border community of Santa Elena.
“This bridge will give life to Subteniente López,” she said. “It will have a sidewalk where people can walk, which is not possible on the new bridge now. It will revitalize Santa Elena and reactivate the economy between both countries, benefiting the people of Chetumal.”
Lezama added that additional projects for the southern region are expected to be finalized this year to meet long-standing demands from residents and business groups.
