Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara Cruz announced a landmark 14.277 million pesos investment for schools, roads, water, health and agricultural support in Santiago Tapextla, home to a significant Afro-Mexican community.
Governor Salomón Jara Cruz unveiled the largest single investment in the history of Santiago Tapextla, pledging 14 million 277 thousand pesos to advance infrastructure, education, health and agricultural projects in the municipality, which is known for its vibrant Afro-Mexican heritage. The announcement came during a ceremony held in the town square, where local residents gathered to witness the governor’s commitment under the “Trabajo que Transforma tu Municipio” initiative.
The funding package allocates significant resources to educational infrastructure. First among these is the completion of the Gabriela Mistral kindergarten sports court, inaugurated on the same day as part of a pledge from Jara Cruz’s previous visit. In addition, the state’s educational construction institute (Iocied) has already concluded full repairs on one primary school, reached 90 percent completion on new sanitary facilities for another kindergarten, and begun building a media room for the local telesecundaria—all efforts funded by this unprecedented budget commitment.
Governor Jara Cruz emphasized that these projects reflect a human-centered governance philosophy, noting, “Our government is by and for the people. I visited last year with commitments to support you, and today I return to fulfill them”. In this second visit to Santiago Tapextla, he also authorized fresh investment in additional school facilities, including new restrooms, bathroom rehabilitation and shade structures across various campuses, further enhancing student learning environments.
Beyond education, the comprehensive plan addresses critical public services. A joint investment with the municipal government will initiate the first phase of the road rehabilitation project on the Montesillos-Cuajinicuilapa–Punta Maldonado route leading into Santiago Tapextla, budgeted at 6 million pesos. The state’s health infrastructure will also see upgrades: one million pesos will refurbish a rural medical unit via the “La Clínica es Nuestra” program, improving equipment and facilities for local patients.
Agricultural producers in the region will benefit from a dedicated allocation of 852 thousand 282 pesos through the Secretariat of Rural Development (Sefader). This fund will support 73 maize farmers under the “Abasto Seguro de Maíz” program, as well as cover artificial insemination services, distribution of breeding stock and forage maize to bolster local livestock operations. Additionally, the Welfare Pharmacies network will provide free medical consultations and basic medications to 17 residents, funded at 204 thousand pesos, while the Margarita Maza card program will extend bimonthly cash transfers to 13 single-mother households, totaling 156 thousand pesos.
To address long-standing water needs, the governor announced a 50/50 coinvestment with the municipal council to rehabilitate and expand the town’s potable water system, ensuring reliable supply for all neighborhoods. Complementary support from the state DIF will bring targeted food programs—such as “Desayuno de Letritas” and “Guisos de mi Pueblo”—to vulnerable families, reinforcing both nutrition and social welfare objectives.
Local leaders and community members welcomed the announcement, highlighting the historic scale of the commitment. Santiago Tapextla, with its rich traditions like the Danza de los Diablos and deep Afro-Mexican roots, has long faced challenges from geographic isolation and underinvestment. Residents expressed optimism that these measures will catalyze economic growth, improve quality of life, and preserve cultural heritage.
As the “Primavera Oaxaqueña” government rolls out these projects, officials have pledged transparent progress reporting and active community participation through assemblies and municipal oversight bodies. Work on the sports court and school repairs is already underway, with road and water projects set to commence in the coming weeks. The broad portfolio of social, educational and infrastructure investments represents a milestone for Santiago Tapextla and underscores Governor Jara Cruz’s pledge to deliver transformative development that reaches every corner of Oaxaca.
Looking ahead, further visits are planned to monitor implementation, engage with beneficiaries, and adjust programs as needed. Until now, no other administration has matched this level of commitment to Santiago Tapextla—today’s announcement cements a legacy of inclusive governance and sets a new benchmark for municipal investment in Oaxaca’s diverse communities.
