Financial mechanisms for the delivery of disaster aid in Mexico

ConstruApoyo, a program of CEMEX Mexico that helps rebuild communities affected by natural disasters, was created in late 2005 after hurricanes devastated the south of Mexico.

It uses debit cards pre-funded by the government to enable households and communities in need of rebuilding to receive the building materials they require.

The regional government identifies beneficiaries and provides the funds. CEMEX supplies the debit cards, produces a catalogue of materials at fixed prices, manages the entire supply chain, and provides the government with an audit trail and real-time tracking of the delivered materials.

The program reduces the time taken to distribute aid and accelerates the rebuilding of homes and communities, quickly improving beneficiaries' quality of life. Since the program began, 17,500 families have received funds totaling US$1.9 million. The ConstruApoyo model can also support other initiatives that require the efficient, effective, and transparent transfer of subsidies for building materials. These include self-construction and school renovation programs in rural areas.