The Yucatan state government (Japay) has confirmed a massive incentive package for housing developers participating in the federal “Bienestar” housing program, exempting them from paying water service connection fees. The waiver is set to remain in effect until the end of the current administration on September 30, 2030.

The move has drawn criticism as a significant fiscal incongruity. While the state government is reportedly borrowing funds to finance the “Bienestar Metropolitano” plan—which will see the Japay receive significant resources to improve infrastructure—the state agency is simultaneously providing direct financial “gifts” to private developers.

According to the agreement (JAPAY 02/2026) published in the Official State Gazette, the exemption applies specifically to companies involved in the federal government’s social housing program. Developers who do not have existing contracts with the state for independent construction projects will still be required to pay the standard connection fees.

Economic Impact and Projected State Losses

The Japay typically charges connection fees ranging from 3,045 to 20,806 pesos, depending on the value of the property. For the social housing in question, which ranges in value from 624,089 to 1,212,516 pesos, the state would normally collect between 6,298 and 9,569 pesos per unit.

Based on official data, the state is projected to lose substantial revenue in three key municipalities where the Japay manages water services:

• Kanasín: 2,488 planned housing units.
• Umán: 5,664 planned housing units.
• Mérida: 3,552 planned housing units.

For these 11,704 units alone, the state is projected to forgo between 73.7 million and 111.9 million pesos.

However, analysts suggest the situation could be even more dire if the state manages the expansion of water services into the interior of the state. Because many of these new housing programs are being established in areas currently lacking municipal water coverage, if the Japay takes responsibility for these connections, the state could lose between 458.3 million and 696.3 million pesos.

Beneficiaries of the Waiver

The waiver specifically benefits private real estate companies. Among the primary beneficiaries are firms linked to prominent businessmen, including David Lago Ancona, Ricardo Mañe Lara, and Pedro Espadas Cervantes.