Inequality Crisis: Isla Mujeres Residents Denied Basic Services

Thousands of residents in Isla Mujeres, particularly in the continental zone, are struggling with a lack of access to basic services. The 2020 population census revealed that this region had 3,714 inhabitants, a number that has increased alongside social inequality. Residents are urgently calling for municipal and state authorities to expand service coverage to reduce disparity and combat poverty. Despite some progress, the improvements remain insufficient.

The Federal Government's 2025 report on poverty and social backwardness indicates that in Quintana Roo, 27% of the population live in poverty. In Isla Mujeres, this figure rises to 50.3%, with 8% living in extreme poverty. The continental zone likely has the highest percentage of impoverished residents.

Residents in the continental zone of Isla Mujeres are also grappling with a lack of drinkable water. Mayor Atenea Gómez Ricalde has initiated infrastructure projects to improve the conditions for hundreds of marginalized families. These projects, which include improvements in the suburb of La Guadalupana, are part of an urban development model aimed at addressing the population's needs.

Recent investments have brought improvements to streets, sidewalks, and street lights. Absorption wells have also been installed to prevent flooding during the rainy season. However, residents still criticize the lack of health services, with only 21% of the population having access to them. Other issues include the poor condition of secondary streets and an abundance of stray animals.

Isla Mujeres has a total population of 23,455, with 12,032 men and 11,423 women, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi). The population of Quintana Roo has increased nearly tenfold in 33 years, with Isla Mujeres experiencing a 40% growth since 2010.

The population growth has been steady, adding approximately 3,000 new residents every five years. This growth has increased the demand for services, outstripping supply, especially in the continental zone. The average age of residents is 30, highlighting the need for basic services for young families. The majority of recent migrants to Isla Mujeres have come from Guatemala, the United States, and Argentina, primarily for work-related reasons.

Of the total population, 7.33% speak at least one indigenous language, with Maya, Tseltal, and Tsotsil being the most common. The illiteracy rate on the island is 3.24%, with a higher percentage of women being illiterate than men.

In Isla Mujeres, 34.7% of the population lacks access to potable water, a problem that is particularly acute in the continental zone. Despite efforts to reduce inequality and combat poverty, the measures taken so far have been insufficient.

Infrastructure improvements have been made in recent years, but there is still a significant lack of investment in water, electricity, and infrastructure services. The Municipal Development Plan aims to guarantee quality public services to residents and reduce crime rates.

Healthcare is a major issue in the continental zone of Isla Mujeres. The few existing clinics lack adequate infrastructure and staff, limiting their ability to provide quality services. Patients often have to travel to other localities for care.

Despite the creation of a community center and other measures to improve services, significant challenges remain. Consultation hours at the community center are limited, and there is a lack of ambulances. However, Mayor Mara Lezama recently reported that 61 new ambulances were delivered for the region, with an investment of over 133 million pesos.

Stray animals are another significant problem in the region. Despite claims that all animals have owners, many are seen without collars, lacking food and water. The construction of the first Animal Welfare Center is underway to address this issue. Despite government campaigns and sterilization and vaccination programs, the problem continues to worsen.