On World Water Day, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo inaugurated a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant in Tlaxcala and initiated the Atoyac River Cleanup Initiative, marking one of the administration’s most significant environmental projects. She emphasized that this innovative facility serves as a model to be replicated nationwide under the slogan: «From Tlaxcala to all of Mexico.»
Addressing River Pollution
President Sheinbaum highlighted the urgency of tackling river pollution across the country, focusing on heavily contaminated rivers such as the Atoyac, Lerma-Santiago, and Tula. The comprehensive plan includes four main actions:
- Construction of advanced wastewater treatment plants.
- Implementation of marginal drainage systems.
- Strict regulation of industrial discharges.
- Enhanced water management in collaboration with municipalities and states.
Benefits to Tlaxcala
Governor Lorena Cuéllar Cisneros noted that the new plant will benefit 130,000 residents and facilitate irrigation for 300 hectares in Irrigation District 056. She also reported the rehabilitation of 26 additional treatment plants, elevating Tlaxcala to the second-highest state in water access coverage nationwide, achieving 99.31%.
Technological Advancements and Community Involvement
Efraín Morales López, Director General of the National Water Commission (Conagua), stated that the inaugurated plant employs innovative technologies to ensure efficient wastewater treatment, supporting the irrigation of parks and agricultural areas. He also detailed that the Atoyac River Cleanup Initiative involves over 8,000 individuals from 70 municipalities, utilizing heavy machinery for cleaning and dredging the riverbed.
National Water Plan Investment
As part of the National Water Plan, the federal government will invest 24 billion pesos in strategic water projects, supplemented by state and municipal funds, totaling 36 billion pesos. These efforts aim to improve water quality and availability across Mexico.
