Bolivians Win Water War II

The events in El Alto and La Paz follow the landmark 2000 Water War in Bolivia’s third largest city, Cochabamba. After five months of dramatic public revolt, the people of Cochabamba regained control of their water system from U.S. giant Bechtel and its water privatizing partners. May these actions serve as an example for the future to model further anti-privatization water rights organization, mobilization, and action.

On Monday neighborhood organizations in the Bolivian city of El Alto launched an indefinite general strike demanding that Aguas del Illimani-a company operated by French giant Suez-immediately return the city’s water system to public control. By Thursday they were marching en masse to the capital to claim their victory and reiterate demands that extend to issues of electricity and gas.

On Friday, Suez spokesperson Luan Greenwood says “Aguas del Illimani has not been informed officially that the water contract has been revoked.” But Bolivian news reports say the government has issued “Supreme Declaration 27973” which cancels the contract with Aguas del Illimani for water and sewer services in the twin cities of El Alto and La Paz, the national capital. Given the overwhelming and inescapable public pressure, the government appears to have had little choice.

Greenwood says “shareholders will use all the legal recourses at their disposal to protect their rights. Ending a contract that is compliant and obtaining indisputable results will not be an easy task for the Bolivian government.” Suez owns 55% of Aguas del Illimani shares, the World Bank 8% and South American investors the remainder.

Closed for business

While presidents, prime ministers and mayors around the world confidently declare…

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