‘Our Water, Our Right African Coalition’ (OWORAC), a non-governmental organization has called on African governments to prioritize the human right to water and reject the growing influence of privatization across the continent.
The group decried the devastating consequences of privatization on communities’ access to safe and affordable water, urging leaders to adopt sustainable, public-centered water management systems.
They made the call on Monday in commemoration of the Africa Water Week at a press conference held the head office of the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)in Lagos.
The Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Akinbode Oluwafemi, in his charge called on the governments to put people over profit.
“Africa is facing a critical moment,” said Akinbode . “The privatization of water services is a direct threat to the human right to water. It’s time for our leaders to reject corporate control over water resources and take bold action to secure affordable, clean water for every citizen.”
Akinbode stressed that privatization has consistently failed to deliver equitable access to water across Africa. The negative impacts of corporate-controlled water systems—ranging from soaring prices to unreliable service—have left millions without the basic necessity of life. “Water privatization only serves to line the pockets of corporations, while leaving our communities, especially the poor and marginalized, to suffer,” he said.
“Governments must end their reliance on these failed models and instead invest in strong public water management.”
OWORAC through a press release, co-signed by influential civil society leaders across the continent, pointed to alarming examples of privatization’s toll on African nations.
The strong-worded release was signed by Senegalese Water Justice Network (Senegal), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) (Nigeria), Revenue Mobilisation Africa (Ghana), Syndicat Autonome des Travailleurs des Eaux du Senegal (Senegal), Corporate Accountability (USA), African Centre for Advocacy (Cameroon).
Others are; Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya (Kenya), Institute of Black World (USA) Ecumenical Water Network of Nigeria (Nigeria), Network of Water Rights Initiative (Nigeria), Cheriehomes Global Initiatives (Nigeria), Citizens Free Service Forum (Nigeria), Syndicat National Autonome des Travailleurs de l’Energie, de L’Eau ef des Mines du , Cameroun (SYNATEEC) (Cameroon).
The group noted that multinational corporations, with the backing of financial institutions like the World Bank and IMF, are pushing privatization policies under the guise of development.
These schemes, according to the coalition, have undermined public access to water and damaged public institutions tasked with providing essential services.
Sharing various examples of privatization’s harmful effects, the group said in Lagos, Nigeria , privatization efforts are being supported by international agencies such as USAID and the UK’s FCDO who have displaced unionized workers and increased the threat of further privatization of water systems.
“In Ghana, the reckless behavior of mining companies has caused widespread water pollution, with dangerous chemicals like mercury and cyanide leaching into rivers, endangering local communities.
Meanwhile, in Senegal, the French multinational Suez has taken over the management of the water system, resulting in unreliable water access and rising costs.
Unionized water workers in Senegal have been at the forefront of resistance, but Suez has fought back with heavy-handed tactics to suppress worker dissent.
These stories, repeated in many African countries, underscore the widespread failure of water privatization. Kenya, for instance, is grappling with the effects of a new Water Amendment Act that has created conditions for the privatization of water services, while Mozambique faces the looming threat of privatizing its national water utility.
OWORAC further noted that despite some positive steps, such as the rollbacks of privatization efforts in Cameroon and Gabon, the fragility of public water systems in these countries continues to create openings for corporate takeover.
OWORAC’s leaders however insist that the solution lies in empowering public water systems that are transparent, sustainable, and accountable to the people. The coalition called on African governments to invest in their public institutions, protect workers’ rights, and engage communities in managing water resources.
“We have the solutions right in front of us,” said Oluwafemi. “Community-driven, public water management can ensure that every African has access to clean, safe water. We just need the political will to make it happen.”
The coalition reiterated that water is a fundamental human right and must not be treated as a commodity for profit. “The fight against water privatization is a fight for the very dignity and survival of African communities.
