Leasing the rain geo

Disclaimer and Context

  • This document is a machine-generated PDF provided by Cengage Learning with specific disclaimers about its accuracy and intent.

  • Focus of the content: The ongoing struggles for access to fresh water in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

Overview of the Water Crisis

  • World is facing a significant fresh-water shortage due to increased demand and limited supply.

  • Cochabamba serves as a prominent example of these crises and the resulting protests against water privatization.

Key Events

The Water Wars in Cochabamba

  • Protests erupted in 2000 following a significant increase in local water rates.

  • Reaction marked by civil unrest, violence, and a demand for the removal of a foreign-led water consortium.

  • Victor Hugo Daza, a 17-year-old student, was killed by military forces during protests, exacerbating tensions.

  • The Bolivian government declared martial law to control the protests.

Demand vs. Supply of Fresh Water

  • Less than 3% of the world's water supply is fresh, with a majority being inaccessible due to location.

  • Between 1950 and 1990, global water demand tripled; further projections suggest demand will exceed supply by 56% by 2025.

  • Highlight of the Aral Sea's drastic decline as a result of mismanagement and environmental alterations.

  • Serious aquifer depletion issues, notably in regions like northern China and the Ogallala Aquifer in the U.S.

Public Health Concerns

  • More than 1 billion people lack access to clean drinking water; nearly 3 billion live without basic sanitation.

  • Waterborne diseases claim 5 million lives annually, driven largely by rapid urbanization in the Global South.

Privatization of Water Supplies

Corporations in the Water Sector

  • Major players include French companies Vivendi Environment and Suez, along with Bechtel from the U.S.

  • Global South, especially Bolivia, is a focal point for water privatization, often driven by debt and structural adjustment policies imposed by the World Bank and IMF.

Impact on Local Communities

  • Structural adjustments led to market openings for foreign investors while neglecting local needs and conditions.

  • In Cochabamba, existing public institutions proved inadequate, reinforcing calls for privatization.

Case Study: Villa San Miguel

  • Fredy Villagomez led efforts to establish an independent water cooperative to serve needy residents in an impoverished community.

  • The cooperative provided clean water by drilling a well and significantly reduced water costs for residents.

Water Privatization Auction

  • In 1999, an auction for the Cochabamba water system was held, resulting in the selection of a single bidder, Aguas del Tunari, which included Bechtel as a partner.

  • Contract terms were highly favorable to the consortium, including guaranteed returns and exclusive rights over water sources.

  • The new regulations allowed for significant rate hikes and potential expropriation of community-managed water systems.

Public Opposition and Mobilization

  • The formation of a broad coalition named La Coordinadora emerged to fight against water price hikes and privatization.

  • Led by Oscar Olivera, the movement was marked by public meetings and protests, drawing in supporters from various sectors, including peasants, labor unions, and students.

Government Response and Escalation of Conflict

  • Government's initial response to protests included arresting leaders and deploying military force.

  • A national state of siege declared, martial law imposed amidst rising tensions and opposition.

Fatal Consequences

  • The military’s fatal tactics led to heightened public outrage, particularly following the death of Victor Hugo Daza.

  • Protests grew increasingly organized, and local determination to reverse privatization intensified.

Resolution and Political Aftermath

Changes in Water Management

  • Following mass demonstrations and public pressure, Bechtel withdrew from Cochabamba, and the management of water was returned to the public utility, SEMAPA.

  • A new water law was enacted, prioritizing community rights and needs over profit.

Continuing Challenges

  • Issues of infrastructure and service persist, particularly for poorer neighborhoods.

  • Despite victory against Aguas del Tunari, broader issues of resource management and governmental support remain unresolved.

Future Implications

  • The fallout from the Water War influences the perception of foreign investment in Bolivia, resulting in reduced confidence among potential investors.

  • Current Bolivian leadership, while optimistic, acknowledges significant economic challenges, emphasizing the necessity for private investment in future water management strategies.

Conclusions

  • Lessons from Cochabamba highlight the complex interplay of local resistance, international dynamics, and the urgent need for sustainable public resources management in water.

  • The struggle for water in Cochabamba reflects a broader global narrative regarding resource access, community rights, and the implications of privatization.