Piedras Negras municipal infrastructure and planning issues

Residents and community members in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, have raised various concerns regarding municipal infrastructure, urban planning, and public services.

Initial scrutiny focused on the Valle del Roble housing project near Río Escondido. Critics questioned the feasibility of the development, specifically whether existing hydraulic and sanitary infrastructure could support the approximately 129 new homes. Concerns were also raised regarding hydrological conditions, soil compaction studies, and the impact of nearby industrial activity, including dust and pollution from LABASA.

Discontent has since expanded to include broader issues of municipal neglect. In the Villa de Fuente sector, residents reported deteriorating streets, flooding, and waste accumulation attributed to drainage issues involving the water utility, SIMAS. Additionally, the local cemetery has faced criticism for poor maintenance, including overgrown vegetation and damaged graves. Tensions have also emerged regarding Mayor Jacobo Rodríguez’s plan for a new municipal cemetery, which residents in the Praderas neighborhood fear may divert land intended for schools, parks, and other essential community services.

Legislative challenges have further complicated the administration. The City Council recently rejected the proposed 2027 Revenue Law in an 11 to 9 vote. This proposal sought to collect approximately 1.316 billion pesos, an increase of over 60 million pesos from the 2026 budget. Mayor Rodríguez has also addressed disputes regarding SIMAS revenue, proposing a 4% increase to account for inflation, while accusing political opponents of attempting to paralyze the utility by opposing budget adjustments.