As Yucatán prepares for the onset of the rainy season on May 15th, the Mérida City Council is undertaking a series of measures to safeguard against potential flooding and puddles in the capital.
The municipality has invested heavily in its stormwater drainage infrastructure, boasting an extensive network of 120,000 ditches equipped with grates, 110,000 collection wells, and 71 cisterns. These vital components are crucial for ensuring a smooth and efficient flow of water during heavy rainfall.
However, despite these efforts, the City Council still receives an average of 6,956 citizen reports related to drainage issues each rainy season. The most common complaints include requests for ditch dredging, street drain repairs, and manhole cover replacements.
To address these concerns, the Municipal Public Services Department has deployed specialized equipment to expedite responses. Citizens can expect a turnaround time ranging from two to seven days, depending on the type of service required. In urgent cases, such as flooded areas, immediate attention is provided.
Distribution of Equipment Across Mérida
According to reports from the City Council’s press office, equipment has been strategically allocated between the east and west sectors to ensure broad coverage in responding to citizen requests.
In the western sector, a total of 11 heavy-duty machines are deployed, including three desilting machines, three tankers capable of holding up to 20,000 liters of water, deep well drills, and dump trucks. These assets enable swift responses to reports of damage caused by rain in this area.
Similarly, the eastern sector has also been equipped with essential machinery, allowing for comprehensive coverage and rapid response times.
Preventative Measures Implemented Under Current Administration
Since taking office, the Mérida City Council has implemented a range of measures aimed at mitigating flooding and puddles. Notably, more than 6,218 citizen reports have been addressed in the western sector, resulting in the maintenance of over 10,600 ditches with grates, the construction of new infrastructure, and extensive dredging operations.
These efforts include:
* Maintenance of 10,600 ditches with grates
* Construction of 76 new ditches and 114 wells
* Dredging of 60 collection wells and 971 deep wells
* Removal of 33 debris wells
* Draining of over 6.1 million liters of water
* Repair of 451 curb holes and 541 ditches with grates
Storm Drainage System Maintenance Continues
In the city’s first area, specific maintenance has been performed on 299 ditches with grates and 152 deep wells to reinforce busy zones. While work in this region is ongoing, progress has already led to enhanced flood protection for residents.
Additionally, the “Street by Street” program has brought benefits to various neighborhoods and precincts through the maintenance of grated ditches, dredging of deep wells, and curb repairs. In the eastern sector, a total of 13,888 linear meters of collection ditches have been dredged, along with extensive well maintenance.
The Mérida City Council’s proactive approach in addressing drainage concerns showcases its commitment to safeguarding citizens during the rainy season.
Source: Diario de Yucatan
