Construcciones y demoliciones: Participación social y deliberación pública en los proyectos del acueducto de El Novillo y de la planta desaladora de Hermosillo, 1994-2001

Abstract

Social participation and public deliberation are crucial for the feasibility of public projects, and for achieving democratic governance in an environment of democratic transition. This article specifically reviews two projects: an aqueduct to Hermosillo in 1995 and a desalinization plant in 1999. The first one was analyzed in a closed manner, without the effective participation of social actors, or with any public deliberation. In contrast, the second case had greater participation and public debate, thanks to which the project design was modified. In both cases, however, the final cancellation of both projects was related to changes in Mexico's economic and political context.