Tijuana authorities are stepping up maintenance at stormwater basins following recent rainfall, as accumulated sediment and illegally dumped garbage complicate efforts to keep the city’s drainage infrastructure functioning.
Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz toured several facilities on Tuesday, October 13, including the Aguaje de la Tuna 3 basin, where crews are working to clear debris and maintain the flow of stormwater.
A Basin Serving 50,000 Residents
The Aguaje de la Tuna 3 basin measures 160 by 22 meters and has a capacity of 10,200 cubic meters. Its maintenance directly benefits approximately 50,000 people.
The facility is part of a system of five basins that help manage water flowing through the area, particularly during rainfall. Keeping the channels clear is intended to reduce blockages that could cause flooding and damage homes.
However, officials said sediment and garbage have delayed cleanup work, even though maintenance efforts began weeks before the latest rainfall.
Tires, Beds and Mattresses Found in the Area
Virginia Vargas, Tijuana’s secretary of urban development, said the recent rains brought additional sediment into the basin. Crews have also found substantial amounts of trash dumped in the surrounding area.
The discarded items include tires, beds and mattresses, all of which make cleanup more difficult and increase the risk of obstructions in the stormwater system.
Burgueño said maintenance of sediment basins and stormwater channels has been ongoing since the beginning of his administration. He urged residents not to dump garbage in these areas, warning that blockages can increase flooding risks and affect the broader community.
