By Juliet Umeh
A coalition of community groups, civil society organizations, and trade unionists from across Africa are calling for equitable access to safe water, free from the dangers of privatization.
The Our Water, Our Right African Coalition, OWORAC, launched its fourth annual Africa Week of Action Against Water Privatisation to highlight the urgent need for the continent to address its water crisis and reject corporate control schemes.
OWORAC urges governments to abandon privatization and adopt a community-centered approach to water management.
The coalition demands accountability from governments and corporations for their actions related to water access.
OWORAC emphasizes the need to prioritize the needs of communities over corporate profits.
Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, Akinbode Oluwafemi, while speaking at the forum said: “As protests rise across the continent in response to rampant corporate greed, it is imperative for us to examine how this greed impacts even our most fundamental rights and essential services.
“The privatisation and corporate control of water service is an affront to the human right to water and an inexcusable abdication of duty by our governments.”
OWORAC’s concerns include rising costs, stating that privatization often leads to increased water tariffs, making access unaffordable for many.
Also, on deteriorating infrastructure, it stated that private companies may neglect maintenance and upgrades, resulting in poor water quality and service.
It said: “Privatization can lead to job losses and reduced working conditions for public sector water workers.”
OWORAC urges governments, communities, and civil society organizations to unite in demanding equitable access to safe water.
It noted: “By prioritizing public welfare and rejecting corporate control, Africa can ensure a sustainable and just future for all its citizens.”