Stalled beach project in Tijuana becoming a ‘nuisance,’ residents say

SAN DIEGO ( Border Report ) — People who live or have businesses along Tijuana’s oceanfront say a stalled project to remodel the boardwalk is becoming a nuisance and is keeping people from enjoying the beach.

They are asking the city to restart construction, if not, clear out all the heavy equipment and fencing from the area.

On Sept. 13, the previous administration put a halt to the work citing a lack of adequate signage in and around the construction zone.

“We’re really not sure why they stopped working,” said Pompilio Ramírez Reyes, a member of Tijuana’s Defend our Beaches Association.

Ramírez Reyes told reporters the project is badly needed as it will beautify the area and bring in more people.

“We understand the need for safety, civil protection is within its right to oversee the work, but why did they wait until the project was starting, why didn’t they secure this before — this is becoming an eyesore and a nuisance to many citizens in the area” he said.

He pointed out the situation is affecting businesses and is preventing people from enjoying the coastline.

“You can’t walk anywhere, you can’t move around because of this project, there are fences everywhere, this is affecting many businesses and most of all the community, those who like to walk their pets or exercise on a daily basis.”

Ramírez Reyes is concerned the work stoppage is going to have a greater effect unless construction resumes.

“This is not limited to just those who live and work here, it’s all residents in the city who can’t access the beach with their families, this has been snatched from them,” he said. “The beach is an iconic symbol of our community, we regret that officials are trying to sell us the idea that they’re actually trying to do things right.”

The city’s civil protection office says it is working to rectify issues involving the lack of warning signs to make sure there are no injuries at the site.

“We noticed a few areas where signs were needed where heavy equipment was operating too close to people and an accident could occur,” said Salvador Cervantes, Tijuana’s civil protection coordinator.

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