This is clearly an issue the Mexican government needs to recognize as a priority and begin to address — even if only to post signage to prevent swimming and fishing within the immediate outfall area. There have been no serious efforts on the Mexican government to address this issue, nor the necessary outrage on behalf of their constituency to demand better practices of their own government.
Our own government in Washington has also mishandled this issue. The State Department’s IBWC arm has had the opportunity to show leadership on this issue in proposing a solution and expediting its implementation. Instead, we’ve seen nothing but vacillation in approach and advocacy. The result is a delayed project that they don’t appear to be committed to realizing.
Congressman Bob Filner has been a strong proponent of a solution for this matter but cannot succeed alone. The IBWC and the Mexican government need to recognize the urgency of this problem and pledge to do whatever to expedite a solution. It is the responsibility of the general public to write letters to the IBWC and the newly elected Mexican government leaders to show that we care. I will be doing my part in meeting with our Mexican neighbors and also meet with our representatives in Washington. As I meet with them, having them receive your letters would be very helpful.
— BEN HUESO