Budget cuts at the Communications and Transportation Ministry

Amid the implementation of the Republican austerity policy and in a bid to generate some savings, the Communications and Transportation Ministry (SCT) canceled the lease on its main headquarters, as well as the lease on all its computers. A few weeks ago, Javier Jiménez Espriú left the SCT and the President appointed Jorge Arganis Díaz Leal as the new minister, this coincided with the end of the lease.

Although the new minister took office at the same time when the SCT canceled its lease , the decision was made during Jiménez Espriú’s administration. Now Arganis Díaz will have to decide where the ministry will be based, and supervise the resuming of activities.

Regarding the lease of computers in the Communications and Transportation Ministry and other government departments, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said the decision was made because the lease was costly and the contract established unfavorable conditions for the treasury. Although it is positive to end these contracts and concessions granted without a tender or a transparent process, this must not mean the government departments should be paralyzed and risk the operation of public administration.

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The Communications and Transportation Ministry ( SCT ) is crucial for the execution of public projects concerning communication but if it doesn’t have computers or offices, it puts its operation at risk, which is essential for the country, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and after natural disasters hit affect several regions and roads.

To operate, SCT employees require satisfactory conditions that allow them to work the best way possible, proper offices, and enough equipment. The workers have voiced their concern about being relocated to other facilities under overcrowding conditions amid the pandemic.

The SCT must review the conditions under which the staff will operate because it is a strategic department for the operation and development of the country.

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