The Secretariat of Sustainable Urban Territorial Development (Sedetus) has confirmed that at least 152 government-owned properties in Cozumel have been invaded or sold illegally, sparking concerns over potential fraud and legal conflicts.
According to Genaro Sena Vidal, Director of Liaison and Housing in the municipality, the problem stems from a lack of follow-up on the formal delivery and occupation of the lots. This has led to invasions, illegal sales, and disputes between landowners.
In some cases, the lands have been cleared, allowing for preventive action. However, on others, housing has already been built, requiring more complex legal procedures to resolve the situation.
“We are working to bring order to this problem,” Sena Vidal explained. “In several instances, people who were registered as beneficiaries have come forward to report that their properties have been occupied.”
The director emphasized that while Sedetus provides support, it is the legitimate landowners who must file complaints with the Prosecutor’s Office to initiate legal proceedings.
Sedetus has warned that invasions of public land are considered crimes under state law, and action will be taken in accordance with the law when sufficient evidence is gathered to prove illegal occupation.
To prevent further attempts at occupation, the agency has begun installing informational banners on the properties.
In addition to addressing the issue of land invasions, Sedetus faces a significant debt portfolio of over 44 million pesos in Cozumel, stemming from unpaid land awards in neighborhoods such as San Miguel I and II. These debts date back more than 40 years.
An ongoing analysis of the legal status of the properties and their ownership is underway, with citizens being urged not to acquire land without proper documentation and to report any attempted fraud related to the sale of state-owned land.
Source: Por Esto
