Sheinbaum Demands Fair Ruling in Aguakan Water Case

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called on the judiciary to resolve the legal dispute between the Quintana Roo government and the water utility concessionaire Aguakan with justice, prioritizing public interest and the human right to water. The president emphasized that the state government had previously won an injunction in the case and criticized the Supreme Court’s lack of a definitive ruling after recently returning the matter to a federal district court.

Legal Battle Over Water Concession

Sheinbaum stated, "The state government had won a very important injunction. It would have been good if they had already made a decision, but now that the case has been sent back, it is crucial that the court reviews it thoroughly and prioritizes the public good, the welfare of the people, and water as a human right. We will wait to see how it progresses, but this is very important."

The legal conflict centers on Aguakan’s concession for potable water and sanitation services in municipalities including Benito Juárez (Cancún), Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, and Puerto Morelos. For years, social groups and local authorities have denounced service deficiencies, lack of infrastructure investment, and high tariffs.

Criticism of Privatization

The president argued that this case exemplifies the negative consequences of privatizing essential services. "Most privatizations have presented many problems, especially in the water sector: no investment, high costs, and neglected systems," she said.

Aguakan has defended the legality of its concession and filed legal appeals to maintain it. However, in 2022, the state government initiated legal action to revoke the concession, citing contractual breaches and lack of public benefits.

Support for Public Control

Sheinbaum reiterated her support for the Quintana Roo government and affected municipalities seeking to regain public control of water services. "They have not complied, the water service does not function well, they do not make repairs, and they want to keep the concession. The state and municipal governments have been demanding its return to public hands," she stressed.

The Supreme Court had taken up the case for review but recently declined to issue a substantive ruling, instead sending it back to the originating federal court, leaving a final resolution pending.

Hope for Judicial Reform

The president also expressed hope that changes in the Supreme Court’s composition, expected in September, would bring a stronger commitment to social justice. "We hope it will be a Court that prioritizes justice above all else," she concluded.