Mexico to Build Military Barracks in Acapulco

Mexicos government has announced plans to build 38 new military barracks in the resort city of Acapulco, which was devastated by Hurricane Otis in October. The barracks will house 9,500 to 10,000 National Guard troops.

Mexico's government has presented reconstruction plans for the hurricane-ravaged resort city of Acapulco, prioritizing the construction of military barracks alongside the reopening of hotels. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador expressed hope that around 35 out of the 377 hotels in Acapulco would be operational by March or April, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm that struck the city on October 25.

Barracks Construction

In addition to the existing five barracks, the government intends to build 38 new barracks in the resort for the National Guard, a quasi-military force. Each barrack will accommodate 250 Guard troopers, amounting to a permanent deployment of between 9,500 and 10,000 troops in Acapulco. This number is comparable to the troop presence during the aftermath of the hurricane, which claimed at least 48 lives.

Security Concerns

The deployment of the National Guard in Acapulco aligns with President Lopez Obrador's promise to establish a barrack in every neighborhood of the resort, which has been plagued by drug cartel violence for nearly two decades. The president has entrusted the armed forces with the primary responsibility of combating the cartels and has proposed placing the National Guard under army command.

Financial Support for Hotels

Despite the extensive damage sustained by most hotels, including blown-out windows and walls, President Lopez Obrador has declined to provide government loans or grants for their reconstruction. Instead, he has offered to cover half of the interest on reconstruction loans obtained from private banks. However, many hotel owners doubt their eligibility for substantial private bank loans due to their lack of cash flow.

Budget Allocation and Protests

The president's refusal to allocate specific funds for reconstruction efforts in the 2024 budget has sparked demonstrations. A protest caravan of Acapulco residents traveled to Mexico City this week, demanding a rebuilding program approximately four times larger than the USD 3.4 billion plan announced by the president. The protesters, led by Evodio Velazquez, a former mayor of Acapulco and an opposition party member, called for dignified treatment for Acapulco in the federal budget.

Ongoing Relief Efforts

A significant portion of the USD 3.4 billion aid program will be directed towards providing financial assistance to affected families, creating temporary job programs, and ensuring free electricity for several months. The government is also distributing appliances such as refrigerators and fans, along with weekly food packages for each family.

Reopening of Stores

Some stores in Acapulco have cautiously reopened this week, offering only basic goods and limiting the number of customers allowed inside at a time. The federal civil defense agency estimated that 220,000 homes were damaged by the hurricane, with thousands losing their tin roofs.

As Acapulco embarks on its reconstruction journey, the government's focus on military presence and limited financial support for hotels raise concerns about the city's future. The need for a comprehensive and inclusive rebuilding program that addresses the pressing needs of both residents and businesses remains paramount.