In the community of Santa María Colotepec, Oaxaca, a controversy erupted when a foreign woman attempted to block access to El Tomatal beach by placing concrete posts on a public road. This act provoked an immediate reaction from local residents, who confronted the woman and demanded intervention from municipal authorities.
According to reports, the woman argued that her property extended to the road leading to the beach, thus justifying the installation of the posts to delimit her land. However, this action allegedly impeded the free movement of residents and visitors to the beach, generating annoyance and concern in the community.
In a video posted on social media, the woman, wearing pink shorts, a maroon T-shirt, and sandals, is seen arguing with residents and requesting the presence of the municipal trustee to resolve the land dispute. Faced with this, the people stranded at the scene began recording videos to record the woman’s behavior and provide evidence to file a complaint with the appropriate authorities.
So far, no specific legal action has been reported against the foreign woman. However, this case underscores the need for constant vigilance by the authorities and the community to ensure that collective rights are respected and public access to the country’s beaches is maintained.
Neighbors in the area were unable to travel through the area due to the woman’s construction. Credit: Twitter Acierta Oaxaca
Can a public road be blocked?
It is important to note that, according to Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution, beaches are considered national property and, therefore, cannot be privatized or sold to private individuals. Access to beaches must be public, except in cases where there is a legal justification for restricting it, such as the protection of endangered species or risks to the safety of visitors.
Colotepec residents have expressed concern about these types of actions that seek to limit access to public spaces. They have also requested intervention from state authorities and the National Migration Institute to address the foreigner’s behavior and ensure that the community’s rights are respected.
This incident highlights the growing tension in some tourist areas of Mexico, where foreign investors and residents acquire properties near beaches and sometimes attempt to restrict public access to these spaces. The Colotepec community has made it clear that it will defend its rights and unrestricted access to its natural resources, appealing to the legal framework that protects these spaces as national heritage.
Source: infobae
