After five years of neglect and multiple public complaints about cost overruns, the controversial construction of the bridge connecting the Mexico-Querétaro highway resumed this Tuesday, June 17, following the outcry generated by opposition council members who brought the complaint to President Claudia Sheinbaum’s La Mañanera del Pueblo (Morning Press Conference).
Their allegations of alleged acts of corruption even reached the morning press conference, forcing the municipal government to respond.
The construction, which was originally tendered for 160 million pesos, has already consumed more than 400 million pesos without being completed.
The project has been emblematic of alleged irregularities committed during three consecutive administrations led by the Zuppa Villegas family: first the father, Ángel, and now the daughter, María de los Ángeles, both accused of alleged embezzlement of public funds.
Although work has already resumed, the opposition warns that the resumption of construction does not erase the possible crimes committed.
“Even if they try to cover up the traces of corruption with concrete, the audit and criminal proceedings are already underway,” said Councilwoman Beatriz Sandoval.
In addition to the multimillion-dollar expenditure, the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) maintains disqualifications linked to the case, another indication of the seriousness of the administrative irregularities.
In fact, the mayor of Tepotzotlán, for the Citizen Movement, was disqualified for seven months by the Administrative Court of the State of Mexico (TRIJAEM) for alleged irregularities in the contracting of public works during her first term. However, she returned before being permanently removed from office.
Also disqualified were her father, former mayor Ángel Zuppa, and three officials from the current City Council: Pablo Romero, Director of Public Works; Leobardo Figueroa, Director of Education; and Laura González González, from Economic Development and Promotion.
These actions are linked to the payment of more than 200 million pesos for the construction of the highway’s vehicular bridge, which is only 20 percent complete after five years.
This work began during Ángel Zuppa’s administration in the 2018-2021 period. In response, the complainants have stated that “there is no logical way to justify the cost overruns or the years of neglect.”
The Zuppa Villegas family, who once criticized the PRI administrations for corruption, now face even harsher accusations.
Construction work continues under strict public oversight and is expected to be completed in the coming months. However, the case remains under the supervision of state and federal agencies.
Source: infobae
