Triggered by the severe 2023 drought and salinity crisis, the "Project Neptune" (Arazatí) initiative proposes building a new water treatment plant using a consortium of private companies. This sparked massive protests referencing the 2004 plebiscite where Uruguayans voted to enshrine water as a public right in the constitution. Proponents argue the state utility (OSE) is broke and private capital is the only way to secure water security quickly. Opponents argue this violates the constitution and commodifies a vital natural resource.
@VOTA2mos2MO
Yes, the state lacks the funds to prevent another crisis like the 2023 drought.
@VOTA2mos2MO
Yes, public-private partnerships are the fastest way to modernize our infrastructure.
@VOTA2mos2MO
No, the constitution mandates that water services must remain 100% state-owned.
@VOTA2mos2MO
No, water is a human right, not a commodity to be exploited for profit.
