Hundreds of anti-water privatization activists gathered outside
“This country has among the lowest levels of potable water coverage in
Catholic-based Cáritas, the environmental group UNES, ASTAC and 17 other groups contributed to the development of the proposal.
“This law would regulate water usage, rates and service providers
and in a way that puts the service under human control,” said Zoila Quijada, an FMLN deputy, whose party is supporting the measure.
Surprisingly, the right wing National Conciliation Party (PCN in Spanish), often at odds with the FMLN on high-profile issues, also supports the Potable Water proposal. Quoted by the Diario CoLatino, PCN deputy Orlando Arévalo hinted that, rather than a whole-hearted backing of the measure, his party’s support is based on frustration with the ARENA government’s repeated failure to present water sector reform legislation. The future of both proposals is unclear.
The music group Exceso de Equipaje serenaded the crowd outside the Legislative Assembly.
Morazán Gathers to Contest Water Privatization
More that 200 people from San Ysidro held an open forum on water privatization last Saturday. Water workers, a local Catholic priest, and a Conjunto band sought joined residents, many of whom traveled from nearby casillos and cantones (towns and villages). The event was moved outside after the number of attendees exceeded capacity at the local community center.
“As workers at ANDA (
Despite promises from high-ranking officials, a government-sponsored proposal for a “General Water Law,” has been stalled for months. The proposal would apply to all surface and sub-surface waters in
Many attendees said they would oppose any government attempts to privatize the resource in Morazán.