SICT to Restart Abandoned Infrastructure Works

Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) announced its commitment to take up the construction of abandoned infrastructure in Mexico, while highlighting the current administration’s advances in terms of paving works for isolated communities. 

Minister of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport Jorge Nuño Lara told the joint commissions in Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies that the government will prioritize the conclusion of abandoned infrastructure projects in the country that date back to 10 years or more. The new head of SICT said that the entity will work for economic development, safety and well-being in Mexico. 

During The Gloss of the 4th Government Report before the United Commissions of Communications and Transport and Infrastructure of the Chamber of Deputies, Nuño pointed out that Mexico has a historical debt with numerous communities that have major connectivity problems. He highlighted that "no one should be left behind, and that no young person who wants to study or play sports should have their dreams cut short due to lack of connectivity,” according to SICT. 

SICT successfully implemented the Road Paving Program for Municipal Headquarters between September 2021 and June 2022. The program led to significant progress in land connectivity for numerous Mexican communities, with the completion of paving works in a total of 36 access roads that cover nearly 307 km. SICT invested MX$1.2 billion (US$60 million) to complete the works in different regions of the country. The program began in Oaxaca and later expanded to Hidalgo, Veracruz, Guerrero, Chihuahua and Tlaxcala. The Mexican government forecasts that it will commit MX$20 billion (US$1 billion) worth of funds to the infrastructure program, which aims to cover 4,013 km before the end of the current administration. 

“This program has generated various benefits for 2 million people. On the one hand, it boosts employment and fosters the economy of medium, high and very highly marginalized localities, and, on the other hand, it brings health, education, recreation and food services closer to the most vulnerable populations in the country, so that communities can be masters of their own destiny,” said Nuño. 

Nuño explained that SICT has the obligation of implementing adequate projects and solutions for economic development, security and well-being of all Mexicans. “SICT is the guarantor of protecting everyone’s right to mobility throughout the country, which translates into greater road safety, accessibility, efficiency, sustainability, quality, inclusion and equal opportunities for all Mexicans,” explained SICT.