Cancun Beach Recovery Update June 9, 2009
Noticaribe is reporting that the Secretary of Tourism announced today that a company has finally been contracted to restore the devastated beaches of Cancun and Quintana Roo. The Mexican company "Dragados" has been selected to rebuild the beaches of Cancun, Playacar, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, with the project slated to start in fifteen days, for a duration of approximately four months. While visiting Quintana Roo last week, President Felipe Calderon pledged one billion pesos toward the project, though he offered no explanations of how the money was to be administered. The project is funded through a trust involving the federal, state and municipal governments, responsible for the initial operations and a ten year period of maintenance.
Since Hurricane Wilma in 2005, the beaches of Cancun and Quintana Roo have suffered greatly. In 2006 the original beach recovery program was implemented, though the suggested maintenance and erosion prevention measures were not taken and the beach was once again swept out to sea. The planning of this second attempt has been fraught with delays and impediments, from debates over which parties would pay for the work to environmentalists' concerns over the ecological effects. One thing is perfectly clear. The state is in desperate need of this program, with the negative press about Mexico and the resultant decline in tourism, it's vital for the beach to come back. Bring back the beach, bring back the tourists, bring back the jobs and get people working again. It's certainly not the only thing that needs to be done, but it is a high priority.
So, salud, cheers, let's hope it all goes smoothly, on time, on budget and without any hurricane interruptions. (Is my skepticism showing?)
Comments
Thank you once again for all the great information!
MD in Texas- I'm pretty sure it's Playa Norte that they are going to be helping out with on Isla. I know a lot has been done already, but some touch ups here and there can't hurt. Have a couple of great trips!
Rosas Clan- Put Noticaribe on your reader, they're very good at getting news up about Quintana Roo quickly (and without too much editorializing). :)
KfromMichigan- I'm with you, cross your fingers on this one!
Louise- Thanks for stopping in while on vacation, very nice of you! I'm so jealous you are swimming with the whale sharks, be sure to tell me all about it! Good to hear the Cancun Palace beach is back, last time I was out there it was a disaster! Seems to change week to week, glad it's good right now.
American Mommy- Good question, thus my skepticism. Well, one of the reasons for my skepticism. I hope that they do it right this time, maintenance will be needed but hopefully we won't have to be doing the big ole dredging project every few years, it could be devastating for the ecology of the area.
Nick and Brenda- You are going to be on THE best stretch of beach in Cancun (IMHO), it's gorgeous right there. The north side is in great condition, particularly at the Presidente and Ambiance Villas (right next door to you). Have a great trip, thanks for commenting!
also worried about the weather.....is it raining this time of year?