Future of Aguakan in Limbo: Uncertainty Looms Over Water Service Concession

The local Congress of Quintana Roo's plans to terminate a concession granted to Aguakan, a water company, seems unlikely to happen soon. The concession, which was supposed to last until 2054, has been a contentious issue in recent political campaigns. Despite calls from Governor Mara Lezama and the Attorney General's Office to return water and sewage services to the public sector in four tourist-heavy municipalities, the company's operation continues.

Aguakan provides water to 1.5 million people through 463 thousand connections in Benito Juarez (Cancun), Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, and Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen). The company has invested over 8 billion pesos into infrastructure, including 217 extraction wells, 71 drinking water tanks, and 13 wastewater treatment plants. Despite this, the company has faced numerous complaints about high water rates. However, Aguakan claims its main issue lies with its association with the controversial Grupo Mexicano de Desarrollo construction company and businessman Jorge Ballesteros.

There are rumors that the Quintana Roo government has promised the concession to another operator. However, the state's Water and Sewerage Commission would struggle to provide the service without expropriating the infrastructure, a move that would entail high costs and legal complications.

The general director of the Water and Sewerage Commission, José Enrique Torres López, has stated that the contract with Aguakan will be terminated by the end of 2024. However, Jorge Sanén Cervantes, president of the Government and Political Coordination Board, emphasized that the matter is still in legal proceedings. The case is being handled in conjunction with various legal departments of the State Government and the affected municipalities.

The review of Aguakan's concession began after a 2022 public consultation where residents of Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, and Benito Juarez voted for Aguakan's departure. Despite this, the company continues to operate due to a protective verdict that temporarily halted the withdrawal of the concession. Cervantes reiterated that Congress, along with state and municipal authorities, remains committed to returning potable water services to public hands in the four municipalities where Aguakan operates.