African coalition rejects water privatisation
Posted: Monday 29th 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.”
