In Mexico, Critics Say Political Corruption Worsened Impact of Dual Storms Elisabeth Malkin - The New York Times
go to original September 22, 2013

Mexico counts cost of storms (ReutersVideo)

MEXICO CITY — The twin storms that tore through the country last week, unleashing rains that sent mud crashing down hillsides, buckling roads and flooding coastal cities, have renewed criticism that corruption and political shortsightedness made the damage even worse.

... The storms battered both the Pacific and Gulf Coasts starting last weekend, a rare double hit from tropical systems at the same time. But experts said officials had not learned from earlier hurricanes and had failed to prepare for disaster, which magnified the losses this time.

“If we had the right development plan, the country wouldn’t fall into chaos,” said Angel Macías Garza, the vice president for infrastructure at the Mexican Construction Industry Chamber.

Corrupt officials give permits to developers to build along riverbeds and in canyons, Mr. Macías said. State governors build roads without containing walls in flood-prone regions because they prefer to spend the money they save on handouts. The federal disaster fund allocates only 5 percent of its budget on prevention and the other 95 percent on reconstruction.

“Politically, prevention doesn’t pay,” Mr. Macías said. “There is a lack of vision and a lack of resources.”

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