Marina del Pilar defends water strategy amid criticism over rising debt

Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda responded to allegations of rising state public debt, asserting that every peso has been invested in strategic projects, primarily to guarantee the water supply in an entity facing a severe water crisis.

Tijuana, Baja California—Amid the controversy surrounding a report that ranks Baja California as one of the states with the fastest-growing public debt, Governor Marina del Pilar has come out to defend her financial policy. The state leader emphasized that the debt is not a whim, but rather an "unpostponable necessity" to resolve structural problems.

During a working visit to Tijuana, the governor was questioned about the 22.3% increase in debt. Her response was forceful: water is and will always be the priority.

"I understand that the word 'debt' may cause concern, but I want Baja Californians to know that we are acting with complete responsibility," said Ávila Olmeda. "We could no longer postpone the necessary works to ensure water reaches all the neighborhoods of Tijuana, Ensenada, and our entire coastal area. This investment guarantees water supply for decades to come."

He mentioned that a significant portion of the resources has been allocated to modernizing water supply systems, building treatment plants, and implementing new technologies for water management.

The governor also sent a message to the opposition parties, who have been the main critics of her debt policy.

"To those who criticize, I ask: what do they propose to solve the water crisis? It's very easy to criticize from a desk. We are on the streets, working and making the difficult decisions required. I invite the opposition to join in the solutions instead of just obstructing them."

The state government has committed to maintaining a policy of transparency in the use of these resources, publishing the progress of the funded projects through the Ministry of Finance's website.

However, political pressure and scrutiny over the management of public finances are likely to continue to be a central theme in the political debate in Baja California.

Do you agree with the governor's strategy? Is the debt justifiable if it's used to resolve the water crisis? Share your opinion.

Follow us on our X La Verdad Noticias profile and stay up to date with the most important news of the day.