WATER ABLAZE - Patagonia Sin Represas

WHAT ACTION CAN WE TAKE –
AS LOCAL AUTHORITIES, INITIATIVES
AND INDIVIDUALS
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13.1 Spreading Information
The first thing we can do in the fight against the commercialisation
of drinking water supplies is to gather and then spread information
relating to problematic water issues at all levels. Project days or weeks
could be organised in schools, and citizens’ action groups could hold
informative events and arrange panel discussions with the active
participation of experts from other towns and states. Authentic
encounters with activists, or people who have been directly affected by
privatisation measures, can often be very effective because accounts of
personal experiences tend to reach an audience more directly than any
amount of arguments. Other possible plans of action include seeking
dialogue with district councillors from all fractions, informing the
press, distributing enlightening material or organising a local citizens’
referendum.
13.2 Withdrawal from Existing Contracts and the
Remunicipalisation of Services
In cases where public property has already been sold, people should examine
possible ways of bringing about a reversal of the deal. This procedure could
prove difficult, though, since contractual agreements cannot be declared
invalid unilaterally. Even if the sale of public assets contradicts the law
of the land, this does not automatically render the transaction null and
void. That remunicipalisation is nevertheless possible is illustrated by
various successful cases. Encouraging examples can be found in different
places to demonstrate the kind of positive changes that can be made.
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