Uncovered anomalies in the water contract assigned to Coca-Cola in La Calera
In the small town of La Calera, Colombia, a long-standing dispute has arisen over the renewal of Coca-Cola's water concession. The multinational corporation, which has been operating in the region for over four decades, paid approximately 1,300 million pesos in local taxes last year. However, the controversy lies not in the taxes paid, but in the compensation for water use.
According to the Community of La Calera and human rights defenders, the payments made by Coca-Cola for water use are negligible compared to the volume exploited. This is not the only concern, as the legal formula for calculating the payment for water concessions is insufficient and requires reform.
The local mayor has differentiated between taxes and water compensation payments made by Coca-Cola. He stated that the taxes are used for the general development of the town, while the water compensation payments do not directly reach the municipality. This has led to questions about the transparency of the process.
María del Mar Pizarro, a legal expert, has questioned the legality of the extension of Coca-Cola's concession, citing Article 55 of the National Natural Resources Code, which states that no concession can be extended beyond ten years. The decision on whether or not to renew Coca-Cola's concession is still pending.
The debate has intensified due to the lack of transparency and the apparent negligence of the environmental authority. The community of La Calera and human rights defenders prioritise access to water for the local population, especially during droughts. They argue that the water concession should be used to ensure the community's water security, not for corporate profits.
Meanwhile, other issues have arisen in the region. A disciplinary process has been opened against Councilman Julián Forero 'Fuchi' for the blockades registered in the city on September 16. Additionally, Canada denied entry to the ex-wife of Gustavo Petro, despite claiming an urgent situation with the president's son.
The controversy surrounding Coca-Cola's water concession in La Calera is a complex issue that touches on issues of corporate responsibility, environmental sustainability, and local governance. As the debate continues, it is clear that transparency and accountability are crucial for resolving the issue and ensuring the community's water security.
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