MND Local San Miguel de Allende: Investments, golf, midwives and a decline in violent crime

In recent San Miguel de Allende news, federal funding has been proposed to address a water contamination issue at Presa Allende, a dam located southwest of the city. The Ignacio Allende Dam, which impounds the Presa Allende reservoir and surrounding tributaries such as the Río Laja, has been plagued by water hyacinth infestations due to untreated municipal sewage and fertilizer runoff.

These invasive plants harm wildlife and create a breeding ground for mosquitoes, while also restricting water levels and obstructing recreational activities. A comprehensive sanitation plan, including the removal of water hyacinth, improvement of water quality and pollution control, is included in Mexico's proposed 2027 federal budget, which allocates 100 million pesos (around US $5.6 million) to clean up the Presa Allende.

Meanwhile, growing opposition to a proposed golf course near El Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden has resulted in an online petition with over 84,000 signatures and 336 comments opposing the development. The petition highlights concerns about the environmental and water supply threats and advocates for the preservation of wildlife habitat and green spaces.

Local organizations, such as Amigos de la Presa, Audubon de México, and Rotary Club of San Miguel de Allende-Midday, have sponsored cleanup projects and raised awareness about the water contamination issue.

Additionally, Mexico's first midwifery center has opened in San Miguel de Allende, providing free maternal healthcare that combines traditional and professional midwifery with specialized medical services. The Excellence Center for Midwifery and Wellbeing is part of the national IMSS-Bienestar system and is located at Indalecio Allende 4 in the San Rafael neighborhood.

The center was inaugurated by President Claudia Sheinbaum via video conference on September 18, following an approval process involving traditional midwives and obstetrician-gynecologists. This marks the first midwifery center of its kind in Mexico.