The governor of Baja California, Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, announced a decreed issue that exempts 86 children’s homes and two temporary DIF shelters in Baja California from paying for water services. This measure published on the Official Journal of Baja California benefits girls, boys, and teenagers who live in these areas, giving them enough resources for a dignified and high-quality stay.

Marina del Pilar stated that this issue is a priority for the state administration, which is why this exemption is being added to the several deliveries of aid that the two temporary shelters and children’s homes in the state receive. She said:

This is great news for all the institutions who are working with their heart above all to support children and teenagers who are currently living in children’s homes and shelters. This is why with this decree we are working in favor of all people, especially those who need it the most.

For her part, the president of DIF Baja California, Mavis Olmeda García, highlighted that thanks to this decree the payments scheduled in the Income Law for the 2023 Tax Year will be exempted. This applies to institutions that are part of the several different utilities commissions whose activities are established in Article 4 in the Social Assistance Law of Baja California, bringing care to socially vulnerable children and teenagers.

In addition, children’s homes will need to show a document issued by the Secretariat of Wellbeing of Baja California that matches the activity they’re carrying out.

Due to the weather conditions in the state, for Mexicali and San Felipe, payment will be cancelled for up to 30 cubic meters, while for Tijuana, Ensenada, Playas de Rosarito, Tecate, and San Quintin, it will be cancelled for up to 25 cubic meters.

An additional benefit for these institutions is that past obligations, fines, and penalties accumulated due to lack of water payments will be cancelled. This decree, published on January 27, is valid until December 31, 2023.

Marina del Pilar concluded by saying:

In our government, we are providing all the support to guarantee the rights of children and teenagers in this institution. We will continue to work every day to increase the aid they receive, as they deserve the best life conditions. I express my admiration and acknowledge those who are work at these children’s homes and provide love and support for the children and teenagers who need it.