Mara Lezama Ensures Public Control of Water Service

Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa has stated that the water service in northern Quintana Roo will not be privatized. This comes amid discussions about the future of the drinking water and sewerage service concession currently held by Aguakan, a company which is reportedly unwilling to comply with its terms.

The state government is in talks with the Federation to determine the course of action if the concession, held by Desarrollos Hidráulicos de Cancún (DHC), also known as Aguakan, is terminated early. The concession covers the provision of drinking water service in the municipalities of Solidaridad, Puerto Morelos, Benito Juárez, and Isla Mujeres.

Governor Lezama Espinosa has reiterated that her administration has no intention of transferring the concession to another private company. She emphasized that the main goal is to protect citizens and ensure their right to a sufficient and high-quality water supply.

She also noted that the results of a public consultation carried out in 2022, which are binding, will be taken into account. The governor stressed that her government will not ignore the demands of citizens, as transparency and the welfare of the people of Quintana Roo are key considerations in this process.

Governor Lezama Espinosa stated that her administration is not willing to make secret agreements with Aguakan. Any actions taken need to be public and transparent, with the sole beneficiaries being the residents of Quintana Roo.

Regarding the possibility of Aguakan terminating the concession early, the governor noted that such a decision should be made at a fair price, as the cost would be borne by the people of Quintana Roo.

Governor Lezama Espinosa also mentioned that a team of lawyers, technicians, and other specialists are working on the case. She assured that the assets of the company's employees will not be affected, as the primary aim is to improve the drinking water service, which is a fundamental societal need.

Last week, Aguakan suggested that the authorities had proposed an early purchase of the concession, with a substantial amount of money at stake. However, the government secretary, Cristina Torres, clarified that it was Aguakan who had initiated the meeting and offered the possibility that the state could acquire the concession.

Aguakan currently operates the drinking water, sewerage, and sanitation service in the municipalities of Benito Juárez, Solidaridad, Isla Mujeres, and Puerto Morelos. The permit for this service, originally set to expire in 2022, was extended until 2053 during the tenure of former governor Roberto Borge Angulo and a state Congress dominated by the PRI.