Residents across eight neighborhoods in Tijuana and Playas de Rosarito are joining forces to secure clean drinking water and proper sewage systems through a community-driven self-management initiative where residents contribute funding toward infrastructure costs while the State Commission of Public Services of Tijuana (CESPT) delivers technical oversight.
Mónica Vega Aguirre, Director General of CESPT, explained that the self-management model empowers communities to organize to formally request utilities and share construction costs. CESPT then evaluates site conditions, calculates budgets, and guides residents through each stage of execution.
“Self-management provides a vital path forward for underserved communities,” said Vega Aguirre. “Neighbors take direct ownership to bring these projects to life, while CESPT supplies the engineering support needed to ensure the networks operate safely and reliably.”
In Tijuana, drinking water expansion projects are underway in the neighborhoods of Ley del Servicio Civil, Unión Antorchista, Atenas, Polígono 6, El Encinal, Granjas Familiares Unidas, and Valle Imperial. Meanwhile, in Playas de Rosarito, efforts are focused on constructing sanitary sewer systems in Primo Tapia.
To launch a project, residents submit a joint petition. CESPT then surveys the terrain, maps out benefited parcels, sets cost estimates, and outlines service requirements. Construction begins once the technical standards are satisfied and the community’s financial portion is secured.
Vega Aguirre noted that inter-agency partnerships are coordinated to expand regional utility coverage. Through the Drinking Water, Drainage, and Treatment Program (PROAGUA), the agency is collaborating with the National Water Commission (CONAGUA) on six additional initiatives: three dedicated to potable water and three to wastewater management.
The combined PROAGUA venture represents an investment of $47.7 million pesos, funded jointly by CESPT (28.6 million pesos) and the federal government (19.1 million pesos).
Together, these projects will bring modern sanitation and water access to approximately 5,827 residents across Maclovio Rojas, Viñedos, Ampliación Leyes de Reforma, Valle Dorado, Brisa Marina, and Villa de la Palma in Tijuana and Playas de Rosarito.
