Chile: Protesters demand end to Pinochet era privatisation of water
- 11 years ago
Around 6,000 protesters took to the streets of Santiago on Earth Day, Monday, to march against the privatisation of Chile's water and bring attention to other environmental issues. Environmental and indigenous groups marched in three different parts of the city, which then converged at La Moneda presidential palace.
Demonstrators demanded an end to the privatisation of Chile's water, which they say exploits natural resources, and called for the re-establishment of collective ownership.
Chile's current water code was passed in 1981 under General Augusto Pinochet's military government. The law allows water to be sold and traded by private companies like a commodity rather than a natural resource, thus creating a water market.
One of Chile's major water suppliers, Aguas Andinas, was recently in the press for compensating Chileans after leaving them without water in January and February. The incident highlights how many people are affected and depend on these private companies for their water supply. The water cuts by Aguas Andinas left 70% of Santiago without drinking water and around 800,000 clients will receive deductions in their water bill as compensation.
Demonstrators demanded an end to the privatisation of Chile's water, which they say exploits natural resources, and called for the re-establishment of collective ownership.
Chile's current water code was passed in 1981 under General Augusto Pinochet's military government. The law allows water to be sold and traded by private companies like a commodity rather than a natural resource, thus creating a water market.
One of Chile's major water suppliers, Aguas Andinas, was recently in the press for compensating Chileans after leaving them without water in January and February. The incident highlights how many people are affected and depend on these private companies for their water supply. The water cuts by Aguas Andinas left 70% of Santiago without drinking water and around 800,000 clients will receive deductions in their water bill as compensation.