Staff writer
The Combined Harare Residents Alliance (CHRA) has said water privatization plan being proposed by the local authority is a threat to the human right to water and will among other issues, increase inequality in communities.
“Privatization increases cost for water as private companies operates on a profit motive, making water unaffordable among the urban poor and marginalized groups,” said CHRA.
“When water services move from the public to the private sector, then control is transferred to the private company.Once the water rights are gone, there is little that can be done to ensure that the private company works for the best interest of the community.Protecting the community is often a secondary concern for private firms in this industry.”
CHRA said privatization of water can lead to corruption.
“The checks and balances that are in place in the government do not exist in the private corporate world.Water contracts are worked out behind closed doors, with executives and elected officials free to make deals that satisfy their own interests instead of considering what the public requires.
“Water tariffs hikes are the easiest way for private companies to maximize their profits.The government does not have a profit motive, but a private organization does if they want to stay in business.These private companies are under no obligation to provide water to those who can’t pay since it becomes a marketable commodity in this type of market.”
CHRA said the proposed smart meters are prepaid water meters which undermine public health.
“Prepaid water meters force households to reduce their consumption of water affecting household hygiene patterns.As a result, families survive on less than the World Health Organization recommended minimum water consumption for life of at least 25 litres of water per day for basic survival (100 litres per day is needed to sustain human development.”
A growing number of stakeholders and civic organizations are pushing back against the Harare City Council’s plan to privatize water supply, urging Mayor Jacob Mafume to halt the process.