Mexico’s plan for a nationwide housing boom goes bust

Americas Now

A housing scandal is affecting the lives of millions in Mexico. And with no electricity, running water, or trash removal many are deserting their homes.

Back in 2001, it was hailed as a “miracle.” Millions of low-wage factory workers were promised new, affordable homes under an ambitious plan to launch a residential construction boom. It was set in motion by then-President Vicente Fox and the World Bank.

Today, however, that “miracle” is being described as a social and financial catastrophe. Citizens in these now-troubled developments across Mexico are inflicted with daily hardships and hazards, according to a recent in-depth investigation by the Los Angeles Times.

Correspondent Mike Kirsch recently toured one such region of broken homes and broken dreams in the northern Mexican state of Baja California.