Water for the Planet, not Profit
Vivi Boot | 19.05.2005 09:33 | G8 2005 | Globalisation | London
As part of the International Protest Against (Multi National Water Privatisor) Suez Lyonnaise on the day of its AGM, of which Lord Simon of Highbury is a Director, The Bolivian Solidarity Campaign, War on Want and the World Development Movement put on a spectacle outside the Houses of Parliament before delivering a letter by hand to Lord Simon, asking him to do everything within his power to ensure that Suez does not sue the highly indebted Bolivian government, for 'lost future profits' after the country cancelled Aguas Del Illimani's contract.
The contract with Suez was terminated as a result of the massive popular protests in El Alto in December 2004 and January 2005. This led Bolivia's President Carlos Mesa to cancel Suez's contracts to provide water to the city.
The failed privatisation had left 200,000 people without access to water (Bolivia's Minister of Public Services) whilst guarenteeing a 13% rate of return on the companies' investment.
countless others were unable to afford the US$435 connection fees that are almost 8 times Bolivia's monthly minimum wage.
The failed privatisation had left 200,000 people without access to water (Bolivia's Minister of Public Services) whilst guarenteeing a 13% rate of return on the companies' investment.
countless others were unable to afford the US$435 connection fees that are almost 8 times Bolivia's monthly minimum wage.
Vivi Boot
e-mail:
vivboot@yahoo.co.uk
Homepage:
http://boliviasc.org.uk
