Veracruz towns press officials over untreated ditches and absentee mayor

Residents of Coetzala, the smallest municipality in the state of Veracruz, say the ditches along the main road are clogged with vegetation and stagnant water. They warn that the blockage could cause flooding and spread disease during the rainy season and have asked municipal president Geremías Nereo Apale Tehuintle to carry out urgent cleaning and desilting.

In the neighboring municipality of Yanga, citizens have complained that mayor Rafael Aguilar Martínez is frequently absent from the municipal palace, halting public services, budget approvals and repairs. They are demanding set public office hours and a more present leadership to restore confidence in local government.

Both complaints highlight growing concerns over municipal neglect and infrastructure problems in Veracruz.