Almost two months after the inauguration of the highway to Puerto Escondido, concerns from the inhabitants of Oaxaca began to arise regarding different points such as road safety, security at the destination, and fear of pollution.
‘I believe that the new highway to Puerto Escondido has many edges,’ says Filiberto García, a resident of the capital.
He explains that in recent weeks there has been an increase in road incidents, in the number of visitors to the port, and consequently, the amount of solid waste that they produce and leave on the beaches.
Economy for some Don Filiberto points out that although this highway will benefit the economy of Puerto Escondido due to the increase in tourism and economic spillage, ‘on the other hand, there could be a loss for the towns that are no longer a transit from the city to Puerto.’
He also mentions that although it is good that there are new projects in economic terms, on the other hand, gentrification could be counterproductive for a sector of the local population.
Patricia Pando also points this out, saying that the highway is a project that, despite the short time since its inauguration, the impact has already been observed, both in the economy and in tourism.
‘Now we see that there are more bus routes to Puerto Escondido or even taxi drivers are taking advantage of making trips to that place, which seems fine to me, but it is necessary that there be regulation,’ she assures.
Road safety Doña Patricia regrets that almost every day she hears that there was an incident on this highway, which is a sign that preventive measures need to be implemented.
‘It’s now fewer hours to Puerto Escondido and there are many people who would like to make little time or I don’t know why they go so fast on the road, besides that they say there are unfinished stretches; it’s very dangerous for them and the other motorists,’ she explains.
She mentions that although it was a good initiative not to charge at the toll booths, when she saw that urban buses and mototaxis were taking the route, she began to think it was a bad idea.
‘People are risking a lot, all to get to know the new highway and use it. I remember there was an accident with a mototaxi. It’s good that they said they would fine them, although I don’t know if they are actually doing it,’ she questions.
Pollution and gentrification Lucía Salomón, a resident of the Oaxacan capital, explains that she has heard good references about the highway, that it is very beautiful and the hours are few; however, not everything is good.
‘I think that urgent actions for the improvement of services are required because there will be an increase in the demand for them, and if it is not addressed in a planned manner, the consequences of pollution, deterioration, gentrification, and traffic that already exist, will intensify,’ she warns.
She points out that the increase in waste on the beaches is already noticeable, as well as people who are damaging the beaches, facilities, and flora of the place, so she explains that the intervention of the authorities is necessary, either with fines or limitation of entry, because otherwise, Puerto Escondido will lose its charm and nature.
The journey from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido takes 3 hours.
‘I think that urgent actions for the improvement of services are required because there will be an increase in the demand for them, and if it is not addressed in a planned manner, the consequences of pollution, deterioration, gentrification, and traffic that already exist, will intensify.’”
Source: NVI Noticias
