There’s a new issue of Defend the Global Commons, Food and Water Watch’s water newsletter.
One story highlights the fight to stop privatization and recognize the right to water in Columbia. Columbian unions, environmental, scientists and users groups are promoting a referendum on a constitutional amendment that would put a stop to water privatization and establish water as a fundamental human right. The alliance is alarmed by dramatic increase in water prices across the country since cost-recovery tariffs and privatization were introduced. Bogotá, Colombia now has the highest water rates in South America.
The alliance plans to collect more than a million signatures to push for a vote in Congress. If the congressional initiative is rejected the proposal could go to a popular vote.
Other stories in this issue includes Norway’s decision to pull funds from a World Bank infrastructure fund that pushes privatization, the Tanzanian government’s fight to end a disastrous contract with water privateer Biwater, the latest on RWE’s sale of American Water and much more.