The president Claudia Sheinbaum presented the “National Program of Efficient Wood Stoves for Well-being” as part of the Justice Plan for the Purépechas. The program will have an initial investment of 500 million pesos to install stoves in indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities across the country.
According to the Ministry of Energy, the project will start in 146 communities in Michoacán, with the installation of 16,500 stoves in the first stage. The goal is to contribute to the health of families, especially women and children, by reducing exposure to smoke caused by traditional wood.
The problem is that, far from being seen as a structural solution, this program is perceived by many citizens as an insufficient and opportunistic measure.
On social media, there is an abundance of criticism about the true impact of this policy.
Meanwhile, millions are invested in stoves, underlying problems such as marginalization, violence, or lack of access to basic services remain unsolved.
The cost per unit has also caused suspicions. Although the government speaks of efficiency and well-being, an investment of 500 million pesos for just 16,500 stoves represents an average of more than 30 thousand pesos per unit. This has raised questions about possible overpricing and favoritism in the allocation of contracts.
