Wal-Mart Builds At Archaeological Sites

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. refused on Oct. 6 to halt construction of a discount store in the shadow of ancient Mexican pyramids, despite local opposition that has sparked a hunger strike.

Construction of the Bodega Aurrera, a unit of Wal-Mart, is scheduled to begin soon near Teotihuac?n, Mexico.

After weeks of contentious debate, Wal-Mart’s Mexico unit issued a brief statement, making clear it would open the outlet as planned. “This represents the chance to continue investing, generating jobs and economic development,” Wal-Mart said.

In early October, three protesters launched a hunger strike to stop the project. They represent a group of Teotihuac?n residents who say the outpost of U.S. consumer culture will mar the ruins, kill local enterprise and change the local way of life.

Activists and some opposition leaders back his cause, but local authorities and many neighbors want the store for the jobs, investment and low prices it will bring to Mexico State, which rings the capital and is home to the ruins.