After the damage caused by Hurricane Otis, in terms of social, urban and tourist infrastructure, the Government of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador presented, on November 1, the General Plan for Reconstruction and Support for the Affected Population in Acapulco and Coyuca de Benitez.
The approach consists of various points that seek to help the population, as well as rebuild both territories. Among the actions included are the following:
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Provide all necessary support to relatives of those who lost their lives due to the cyclone and intensify the search for missing people.
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Advance two months of payment for all welfare programs (Universal Pension for Older Adults, Pension for the Welfare of People with Permanent Disabilities, and Support for the Welfare of Fishermen and Aquaculturists, among others).
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Incorporate 10 thousand people into the Youth Building the Future program, to support cleaning, construction, painting and other activities.
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Grant six months of extension in the payment of Infonavit, Fovissste and Social Security.
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Exempt from payment of electric energy service from November 2023 to February 2024.
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Deliver a weekly basic basket of 24 food products to 250 thousand families for three months.
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Deliver a package of household goods to all affected families (bed, stove, refrigerator, fan and dishes).
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The federal government will allocate 10 billion pesos from this year’s public budget for the supply and improvement of water distribution lines, drainage, street repairs, public lighting, hospitals, schools, the two airports and other services.
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Exempt from paying taxes (VAT, ISR and others) in Acapulco and Coyuca de Benítez from October of this year until February 2024.
It cannot be ignored that in times of crisis and natural disasters, like the one that just happened in Guerrero, those who suffer the most are the most vulnerable people. The plan implemented by the federal government for the affected population in the aforementioned municipalities also seeks to reduce the inequality gap that affects the population systematically marginalized for years, particularly during the neoliberal period.
On the other hand, at this time we see a people that trusts their institutions, because they are the ones who now, in a coordinated manner, provide the best of themselves so that Acapulco and Coyuca de Benítez are rebuilt as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, President López Obrador recognized the staff and management of the Federal Electricity Commission for their effective work—unprecedented in the world—in the face of the emergency. In one week, he noted, they practically managed to restore all electricity service in Acapulco, after Otis destroyed 10,000 light poles.
Likewise, the president highlighted the work of the 19 thousand elements of the Army, the Mexican Navy and the National Guard, who since the beginning of the tragedy have been working and have been responsible for applying the DN-III-E Plan. the Marine Plan and the GN-A Plan, in addition to carrying out cleaning tasks, lifting trees, supplying food and water, medical care, transporting sick people, and public safety.
It is important to recognize the Governments of other latitudes that offered their help and support to our nation, such as the United States, Cuba, Honduras, Chile, Canada, the European Union and Argentina. The people of Mexico will always appreciate international solidarity in times of crisis.
The impact of Hurricane Otis shocked and raised awareness in many aspects of our country. However, the institutional and social response has been supportive, timely and effective. Without a doubt, the challenge of reconstruction is great, but the will to get back on our feet once again is greater.
ricardomonreala@yahoo.com.mx
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