Complying with a recommendation by the Jalisco Human Rights Commission (CEDHJ), members of the Chapala city council voted in favor of offering a public apology to six residents of Ajijic who complained of being subjected to stigmatization and threats derived from their opposition to the government’s street improvement project in the village center.
The complainants took part in public protests against the resurfacing of sections of calles Colon, Parroquia and Marcos Castellanos with stone work sunk in cement, voicing a preference for traditional cobblestones set in sand that was ignored by local authorities.
The project went forward from last October through January with the blessing of local construction workers who gained temporary employment on the job.
The CEDJH finding set a precedent, with instructions for the government to hold consultations with neighbors to explain and resolve doubts prior to initiating future public works projects.