The maintenance of more than 100,000 km of power grid transmission lines, 1,350 water treatment plants and 400,000 km of roads and highways stands out
The construction and maintenance of infrastructure in Mexico is one of the challenges facing both the current government and the incoming administration; however, engineering experts say that this area offers a range of opportunities to boost economic and social development, promote sustainability and foster innovation.
According to Cedric Iván Escalante Sauri, technical advisor of the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (CIIT), the country faces a deficit of railway, electrical, water, tourism, housing and transportation equipment, which must be addressed as soon as possible to ensure the potential for growth in the face of phenomena such as nearshoring (relocation of companies).
“There is talk of around 300,000 million dollars of investment coming to the country, but the same amount needs to be invested to facilitate the flow of goods and people through nearshoring. Mexico is ranked 48th in terms of competitiveness and 54th in terms of infrastructure at a global level. This rating indicates that we do not have sufficient infrastructure in all areas,” said the expert.
During a round table discussion held at the College of Civil Engineers of Mexico (CICM), Escalante explained that, among the main infrastructure challenges for the coming years, the following stand out:
Rehabilitation and maintenance of more than 100,000 kilometers of power grid transmission lines.
Construction of around 40,000 hotel rooms and more than 1 million homes.
Development of at least one large dam.
Rehabilitation and maintenance of 1,350 water treatment plants.
Conservation and maintenance of more than 400,000 kilometers of roads and paths of all kinds.
Installation of an estimated 3,000 kilometers of railway tracks.
“All of this is a challenge, but it also gives us growth potential. Investment in infrastructure has a multiplier effect on the economy, generates employment, attracts investment and improves the quality of life,” said Escalante.
Likewise, the engineer said that Mexico can take advantage of this moment of planning for the future to build infrastructure resilient to climate change, promote the use of renewable energy and encourage technological innovation to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
“The expansion of transport and communications infrastructure can better integrate the country’s regions, facilitate trade and reduce inequalities,” he said.
Source: eleconomista
