A controversial highway Xiaabas The state governor announced that its construction has been delayed for nearly 20 years after the referendum approved the project by residents of five municipalities.
Monday morning, Governor Edwardo Ramarez Aguiler announced the results in a social media post“The highway is ours! The path of Maya cultures is recognized by the people!”
Ramarez thanked the public on Sunday “a role model voting day” and said that the highway was only recognized against 919 with 39,321 votes.
The highway is connected to the former state capital of San Christopal de Los, which is called the Gateway of the Ancient Mayan Ruins, with the city of Balenk. Balenk, founded in 1567 and is primarily popular by tribal Maya communities, There is also the residence of former President Andrez Manuel Lopez Obrador (2018-2024).
Residents of the municipalities of sleep, Ogoso, Ceylon, Water Jumping and Thumbala Rope Area General advice. The approval was only requested to the area of the highway between Balank and Okoso.
State officials said that votes were cast in Spanish, Deltal and Soul Native languages, so that “they should encourage the full participation of all who want to hear their voices.”
As determined by the Constitution of Mexico, the government needs public consultations at any time to take legislative or administrative measures that affect the country’s native groups and their land.
The new highway will be formed in central highlands and will replace the highway 199 in the northeastern part of the state. It is 68 kilometers south of Okoso Palanku, but the highway reaches Palengi through the forest for 199 119 km.
The old highway connects Okoso into the southwest with San Cristopal de Los Casas, but it takes about two and a half hours for driving 95 kilometers.
The opponents of the Chiabas Highway Project land, the destruction of the culture
Since the project was first delivered nearly two decades ago, subsequent state and central governments have protected the highway to the state’s poorest areas.
“We are fully determined by the people of Chiabas,” said Governor Ramerez in February. “We want to improve the connection. At the same time, help those who need help, especially the most vulnerable.”
Prior to Sunday’s public consultation, Ramirez said the highway would be in public hands and no private privileges would be made.
Reviewers of the long -lasting highway plan He argues that construction will destroy the environment and eliminate the locals and its resources of their land. They also claim that residents have not been fully informed about the proposal and its consequences.
Last month, the regional organization movement (mode White) has been campaigning against the project for 12 years. It has issued a letter submitted to the state government He described this plan as another example of “colonialism and racism, transnational benefits, extraction, drug dealers and the government.”
Although not opposed to progress, “We are against violating our rights; (we) are against the dumping and dictatorship that will benefit some people and harm the land that is the source of life for our people.”
On the contrary, Grubo único Kottako, a base -based bus company -based bus company, called the highway project, which called “an important step for modernization and regional development” that will increase tourism and benefit the local economy.
With reports from DayOvarian Chiabas quadratonOvarian Process And Chiabas diary
