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African coalition rejects water privatisation
29 January 2007
Campaigners from over 40 African countries have condemned international aid donors and governments that promote 'private sector participation' and commercialisation as the solution to Africa’s water crisis.
At a meeting in Nairobi at the World Social Forum - the civil society event that mirrors the Davos deliberations - 250 representatives announced the launch of a new African Water Network to counter what they say is a ‘misguided push for water privatisation.’
“The launch of this network should put the water privateers, governments and international financial institutions on notice that Africans will resist privatization”, said Ghanaian activist Al-hassan Adam, “We demand governments provide access to clean water through efficient public delivery.”
Virginia Setshedi of the South African Coalition Against Water Privatization said:
“Today we celebrate the birth of this network to resist the theft of our water, tomorrow we will celebrate access to clean water for all!.”
From Britain, Vicky Cann, water campaigner for the World Development Movement said:
“Strong public water utilities across the developing world are delivering clean water to the poorest communities at an affordable price. Government’s in aid donor countries should heed the voice of people on the ground and stop pushing privatisation. The real need is for an international mechanism to enable public utilities to share advice and expertise on a not-for-profit basis.” ENDS
For more information, contact:
Kate Blagojevic
Press officer, World Development Movement
0207 820 4900/4913, 07711 875 345, Email:
Al-hassan Adam (Ghana Coalition against Privatisation of Water), 0736155485 (from local); 00254 736155485 (from abroad) - from Saturday 20/1, email
Anil Naidoo (Blue Planet Project), 0736539620 in Kenya; 001.613.233.2773 after the World Social Forum – email
Notes to editors
[1] The network outlined five non-negotiable principles
To fight against water privatisation in all its forms
To ensure participatory public control and management of water resources
Oppose all forms of prepaid water meters
Ensure that water is enshrined in national constitutions as a human right
Ensure that the provision of water is a national project solely in the public domain
[2] Britain’s Department for International Development has channelled over £30 million of its aid through the Public Private Infrastructure Facility, designed to pay consultants to push privatisation in poor countries. Details in the World Development Report Down the Drain – how aid for water sector reform could be better spent.
www.wdm.org.uk/resources/reports/reports/water/downthedrainreport26112006.pdf
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