The Cathedral Plaza in San Cristóbal de las Casas was built 30 years ago and, since then, has not received any maintenance, nor has the underground portion that serves as a parking lot and offices. Currently, this space is used as a night market by more than 1,000 artisans who set up shop from 6 p.m. until they leave at dawn. Unfortunately, it has a large hole and cracks in its walls, posing a serious risk to those passing through the area.
Architects and civil engineers have indicated, through a phone call, that the work was carried out by a company from the State of Veracruz. Since its construction, the walls, roof, and underground space have not received any maintenance. Meanwhile, the upper part of the plaza, where a wooden cross stands, hosts more than 1,000 street vendors every night, with the risk of the material or concrete collapsing, as the structure’s condition has not been addressed. Civil Protection is unaware of the serious problem existing in the plaza.
Hole in San Cristobal Square
During a tour of the square and the underground, a large hole measuring approximately 30 cm was observed near the access ramp to the parking lot. There is a risk of a minor or adult being injured in this area, as many children play there. An architect commented that it is urgent to maintain the walls, floor, and the square in general to prevent further deterioration. If action is not taken soon, it could collapse in the coming years, as the underground structures are supporting tens of tons.
The local police’s internal unit is conducting the relevant investigations to clarify the facts.
Unfortunately, when questioned by phone, Civil Protection personnel said they were unaware of the problem with the hole in Cathedral Square, but they promised to conduct a tour to verify the damage. Dozens of people walk through the lower part, while more than 1,000 artisans set up shop above each night. The collapse of the roof represents a real danger if the structure is not maintained.
“Maintenance is needed for the Cathedral Plaza, along with the subway, because it’s been more than 30 years since they were built. The subway contains government offices and parking lots, and if it’s not maintained, it could collapse in the coming years. It’s urgent that Civil Protection conduct a survey to observe the damage and determine if it was caused by someone. If so, it means there’s no surveillance in the city center. If it wasn’t caused, then the plaza is in danger of collapsing,” one of the architects said in a telephone interview.
Meanwhile, people continue to transit normally through the Cathedral Plaza and its subway, with no authority showing any interest in this serious danger. It’s urgent that the authorities conduct a study to determine what’s happening with this structure, built more than 30 years ago by a Veracruz state company, before an accident occurs.
Source: oem
