Authorities denounce 'sabotage' and vandalism of municipal infrastructure in La Paz, BCS; damages exceed 350,000 pesos

Municipal authorities in La Paz, Baja California Sur, have denounced acts of "sabotage" and vandalism targeting critical infrastructure, including potable water wells, sports facilities, and the municipal landfill. These incidents have resulted in damages exceeding 350,000 pesos in recent weeks and have disrupted public services.

The most recent damage occurred at the La Ardilla 1 and La Ardilla 2 water wells over the past weekend. The estimated cost to repair these wells is around 200,000 pesos, necessitating immediate work to restore the water system's operation, according to Abimael Ibarra Abúndez, head of the Municipal Operator of the Potable Water System of La Paz.

In response, municipal officials have filed a complaint with the Public Ministry, providing photographic evidence, surveillance videos, and other materials to aid the investigation and identify those responsible. These incidents add to previous damage, including the theft of cabling and vandalism at the "El Piojillo" Municipal Sports Center, which incurred losses of approximately 150,000 pesos. Additionally, two fires were deliberately set at the landfill, and another well located on Virginia Peralta boulevard was also affected.

Municipal Comptroller Pavel Castro Ríos indicated that since no equipment or materials were stolen from the water wells, the investigation is focusing on potential "acts of sabotage against public infrastructure." This is a crime defined in the Penal Code of Baja California Sur, though the final legal classification will be determined by the ministerial authorities. Acting Mayor Amor Fenech Montaño emphasized that such actions directly impact public service delivery and urged the public to avoid behavior that harms the community.

These reports of infrastructure damage come amidst heightened political activity in the state, with intensified work by aspirants for the Morena state coordination leading up to the governorship. Accusations and social media campaigns have also escalated.