EPSU workers form human chain for world water day
(22 March, Brussels) EPSU today held an action to mark World Water Day in the heart of Europe. A human chain of 1000 people was formed between the offices of AQUAFED (the International Private Water Company Federation) and the European Commission headquarters.
"This action was to demonstrate that private water companies continue to pressure EU decision makers to make the case for water privatisation", said EPSU deputy General Secretary, Jan Willem Goudriaan. "This is despite a mountain of evidence that shows that this model simply does not work".
The chain of 1000 people passed buckets of water and dollar signs to visually illustrate the risk of water access being considered only as a business and not as a human right. Aquafed was established 5 months ago with the express purpose of "promoting private sector participation in water and wastewater management" and it continues to resist demands to reveal its member organisations.
This action was particularly well timed in light of the ongoing Services (Bolkestein) directive debate, which still includes the water sector within its scope.
Belgian NGOs and Trade Unions supported the action in large numbers.
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