World Water Day: Protecting Our Most Precious Resource
Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and various Civil Society organizations, forming the ‘Our Water Our Rights Africa Coalition (OWORAC),’ have issued a stern warning to governments at all levels against proceeding with plans to privatize water resources.
The coalition adamantly opposes the commodification of water, asserting that it is an essential human right that cannot be compromised. This cautionary message was delivered on the occasion of the 2024 World Water Day.
Their concerns stem from ongoing efforts by subnational governments in Nigeria and across Africa to privatize water resources. For instance, in December 2023, the Lagos government terminated the employment of over 450 workers from its water corporation, hinting at a move towards privatization. Similarly, in January 2024, the Enugu State government dismissed 20 workers from its water corporation for failing to meet revenue targets.
Despite strong admonishments from the UN in 2020 highlighting the adverse effects of privatizing water services on the human rights of lower-income Nigerians, policymakers seem undeterred in their pursuit.
Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA’s executive director, along with other activists, emphasized the perils of water privatization during a press briefing in Lagos. They argued against the efficacy of public-private partnerships in addressing water challenges and urged federal and state governments to increase budgetary allocations to revitalize the water sector. This includes refurbishing infrastructure, upgrading existing water facilities, and constructing new ones to ensure widespread access to clean and safe drinking water.
The neglect of water infrastructure has resulted in approximately 113 million Nigerians enduring hardships due to water scarcity, a situation exacerbated by the profit-oriented management of water supply by state authorities.
The coalition expressed particular concern over the situation in Lagos State, where over 8 million residents lack adequate access to potable water despite its status as a mega-city. Despite previous warnings and advocacy efforts, water infrastructure remains in disrepair, leaving citizens reliant on expensive alternatives provided by non-state actors.
The speakers emphasized the failure of privatization models and stressed the importance of democratic ownership and public control of water services to address the injustice of water inaccessibility.
Representatives from OWORAC underscored the need to reject all forms of water privatization and corporate control, advocating for increased public investment in water services and meaningful participation of communities, civil society, and workers in decision-making processes.
