Some time ago I posted about the underground utilities project on my street, Aldama. Now the time has come to pay the piper. Pictured below is a notification I received from the Treasury Department of San Miguel de Allende.

It informs me that the value of my property has increased, on account of the work placing the power lines under the street. The increase in the assessment is such that my taxes will increase by 20%.

Below you can view the appearance of my street now that the work has been completed. I'd show you a "before" picture so you could judge the amount of improvement for yourselves, but alas, it would look the same.

Yes, conduit has been buried under the street and wires for the electrical supply have been snaked through. But they are connected neither to the transformer nor to any of the houses along the street. Nor is there any sign this is going to happen soon.

This is typical of Mexican construction: part of the job gets done, then everything screeches to a halt.

Compounding the problem, it seems no plans appear exist for placing TV cable and telephone lines underground. Rumor has it that Telmex isn't cooperating with the city, casting doubt over whether telephone lines will in fact ever be buried.

I really have little cause for complaint. My new tax bill will still be less than $300 per year. I'm impressed that the city is able to supply as many services as they do for that amount.

But I still get a sense of deja vu. Once again, I'm paying money for which I'm not receiving anything in return: a common experience for anyone who lives in Mexico, whether citizen or transplanted gringo.