The rapid expansion of real estate developments in Mérida, Mexico has led to a perfect storm of problems, warn local researchers. Without proper planning and regulation, the city’s infrastructure is struggling to keep up with the demands of its growing population.
“It’s like a broken plate,” says Dr. María Elena Torres Pérez, an urban development specialist at the Autonomous University of Yucatán. “The city was never designed for this kind of growth. We have neighborhoods that are essentially cities unto themselves, but without proper services or infrastructure.”
Dr. Jorge Pacheco Castro, an anthropologist at the Dr. Hideyo Noguchi Regional Research Center, agrees that the city’s growth is unsustainable. “These new complexes are not for Mérida residents,” he says. “They’re being developed to attract outsiders who want to move here and take advantage of our affordable housing.”
The consequences of unchecked growth are already being felt in Mérida. Water shortages are a major problem, with many neighborhoods facing restrictions on water usage. The heat is also becoming unbearable, with temperatures often reaching 45 degrees Celsius (113°F) during the summer months.
“We have to be careful,” warns Dr. Pacheco Castro. “This city of peace can become a city of disaster, not only socially, but also environmentally and in all areas of our city’s life.”
To address these problems, researchers are calling for greater regulation and oversight of real estate development in Mérida. They argue that the current system is flawed, allowing developers to build without proper permits or regard for the needs of existing residents.
“We need to review our building regulations,” says Dr. Torres Pérez. “The trend towards ‘minimum-minimum-minimum’ housing is taking its toll on our city. We’re building houses with short lifespans that are already defective after just a few years.”
Researchers also point out that Mérida’s growth has created social and cultural tensions between long-time residents and newcomers. The influx of outsiders has led to clashes over land use, customs, and practices.
“It’s not just about the physical changes we’re seeing in our city,” says Dr. Pacheco Castro. “It’s also about the cultural shock that comes with the arrival of new people who don’t understand or respect our way of life.”
To mitigate these problems, researchers are calling for a more balanced approach to development in Mérida. They advocate for greater investment in infrastructure and services, as well as a more nuanced understanding of the city’s social and cultural dynamics.
“It’s time to take a step back and think about what we’re doing,” says Dr. Torres Pérez. “We need to find a way to balance our growth with the needs of our existing residents. We can’t just keep building without regard for the consequences.”
Source: Diario de Yucatan
