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Written by GR Staff
Saturday, 16 June 2007
Dear Sir, It is the calm before the storm. The gentle rains of early June predict a longer rainy season this year. As the days and weeks of late Spring have passed with increasing heat, humidity and now the eventual rain, the tropical storm season is approaching. This year, the summer rainy season could be a period of discontent. The concern with the summer rains of 2007 will be the possibility of mudslides and property damage throughout the Puerto Vallarta area, particularly in Amapas and Conchas Chinas. When tropical vegetation is removed from steep inclines, slides can be common. Several projects currently under construction have been declared at risk. The properties located down the hill from them are also at risk. A few weeks ago, Proteccion Civil recommended that Planeacion Urbano inspect 15 building projects in Amapas and Conchas Chinas. Seven of these have been declared as high risk. Government authorities, developers and real estate agencies have all made statements implying that others are responsible for the current situation. Over the years, I have gained great respect for the natural elements in tropical Puerto Vallarta. "God always forgives, man sometimes, nature never" is a popular saying that gains relevance here. The Grupo Ecologico de Puerto Vallarta has actively denounced the uncontrolled building in Vallarta, particularly over the last three years. We believe that we have now reached the point where this is obvious to almost everyone. If uncontrolled building continues, if laws and regulations continue to be ignored, if common sense is not observed, this could be the first summer of discontent of many more to come. Ron Walker, member, Grupo Ecologico de Puerto Vallarta