The Mexican government collaborated with private developers to undertake the largest residential construction program in all of Latin America. From 2001 to 2012, an estimated 20 million people moved into newly built developments. The program cost more than $100 billion promising affordable housing to one sixth of Mexico's population. Yet most of this new suburbia was improperly built leading to the eventual breakdown of these communities. 

On the outside these developments appeared normal, however as residents moved in the structural issues became apparent. These new suburban developments were in many cases abandoned by builders leaving unfinished communities and services. Incomplete or broken waste water systems and electrical grids lead to sewage in the streets and fires in the homes. Water treatment plants broke and were never repaired leaving many of the developments without running water for years now. Improperly built houses were destroyed by flooding resulting in many of the developments to be abandoned entirely. No one has been held accountable for the issue and these developments only worsen as time goes on. 

Uncover the full Los Angeles Times investigation.