Corporatization and the Right to Water in Colombia: A Struggle for Water Justice

Water is a fundamental human right, essential for life and dignity. However, in many parts of the world, water is increasingly being commodified and privatized, threatening the right to water for millions of people.

Colombia is a case in point. The country has abundant water resources, but these resources are increasingly being controlled by private corporations. This trend is known as "corporatization," and it is having a devastating impact on the right to water in Colombia.

Corporatization and the Right to Water in Colombia: Conflicts, Citizenship and Social Inequality (Earthscan Studies in Water Resource Management)

by Jerome Dean Mahaffey

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5291 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	168 pages
Item Weight	:	5.6 ounces
Dimensions	:	4.49 x 0.27 x 7.44 inches

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The Corporatization of Water in Colombia

The corporatization of water in Colombia began in the 1990s, as part of a broader wave of privatization that swept through the country. The government sold off state-owned water utilities to private companies, and these companies have since raised water rates and cut off service to those who cannot pay.

The corporatization of water has had a number of negative consequences for the right to water in Colombia.

• Increased water rates: Private water companies have raised water rates significantly, making water unaffordable for many people.
• Water shutoffs: Private water companies have also cut off water service to those who cannot pay their bills. This has led to water shortages and health problems in many communities.
• Reduced water quality: Private water companies have also reduced water quality in many communities. This has led to waterborne diseases and other health problems.

The Struggle for Water Justice in Colombia

The corporatization of water in Colombia has sparked a growing movement for water justice. This movement is made up of community groups, environmental organizations, and human rights activists who are fighting for the right to water for all.

The movement for water justice in Colombia has achieved some important victories. In 2015, the Colombian government passed a law that recognized the right to water as a fundamental human right. This law requires the government to provide water to all citizens, regardless of their ability to pay.

However, the struggle for water justice in Colombia is far from over. Private water companies continue to profit from the commodification of water, and the government is not always willing to enforce the law. As a result, many people in Colombia still do not have access to safe and affordable water.

The Importance of Water Justice

Water justice is essential for human dignity and well-being. Water is necessary for drinking, cooking, sanitation, and many other basic human needs. When people do not have access to safe and affordable water, they are more likely to suffer from waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and other health problems.

Water justice is also essential for environmental sustainability. Water is a finite resource, and it is essential to protect it for future generations. When water is privatized, it is often used unsustainably, leading to water shortages and pollution.

The struggle for water justice in Colombia is a global struggle. In many parts of the world, water is increasingly being commodified and privatized, threatening the right to water for millions of people. The movement for water justice is a powerful force for change, and it is working to ensure that everyone has access to this essential resource.

We must all stand up for water justice. We must demand that governments recognize the right to water and protect this essential resource from privatization. We must also support the movement for water justice, which is fighting for the right to water for all.

Corporatization and the Right to Water in Colombia: Conflicts, Citizenship and Social Inequality (Earthscan Studies in Water Resource Management)

by Jerome Dean Mahaffey

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5291 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	168 pages
Item Weight	:	5.6 ounces
Dimensions	:	4.49 x 0.27 x 7.44 inches

FREE