Toxic Water Scheme Causes Hundreds To Rally

The World Bank has shaped the Nigerian water sector has persisted with numerous failed water privatisation initiatives for decades, causing yet more controversy.

In Lagos, ongoing street protests, global pressure from public officials (including members of the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human right to water), and local and international media exposure have made the scheme politically toxic, forcing the World Bank’s private arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), to cancel a proposed advisory contract in October 2014, and in December 2015 the World Bank officially removed water privatisation as an objective of its $200 million water loan. The Lagos government is now virtually alone in publicly advocating for the controversial (PPP) scheme.

Resident: “I would rather die than allow that to happen”

Since November 2015, dozens of communities have been holding meetings, educating themselves about failed water PPPs around the world, spreading awareness about the Lagos government’s plans to pursue that model, and planning mobilizations. This March, the newly established women’s network blocked traffic in Lagos and in late July, at least 200 residents, workers, womens’ health advocates, and human rights leaders marched to the government’s gates following the Lagos house of assembly speaker’s unexpected public endorsement of the unpopular PPP scheme. Residents are telling stories of life in communities where central water pipes can run alongside houses without reliable water. Rather than consulting residents or investing in the system, the Lagos government has announced special “water courts” to prosecute individuals distributing water and doubled down on pursuing a model that has repeatedly led to rate hikes, water shutoffs, and costly arbitration.

There are hundreds to rally at the event.

• Report: At a half-day conference on October 11th, leaders of the “Our Water, Our Right” coalition will hold a press conference to announce the release of its new water policy report: “Solving the Lagos Water Crisis: the Way Forward for Public Water.” Invitees will include Governor Ambode and senior administration officials.
• Rally and deliveries: On the 12th, hundreds will sing, chant, and march with signs, trucks, and giant banners, to “Alausa,” the compound housing the governor’s offices and the Lagos house of assembly, where they will deliver copies of the report.
• Community tours: Residents will lead neighborhood tours and tell stories of how the Lagos government’s failure to invest in a strong public water system has affected their communities and how they would be impacted by water privatization.
• Timing: The events come the week after the World Bank’s Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., and amid celebrations of Nigeria’s independence day.
• Who:
  • Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (invited)
  • Lagos State Water Corporation Managing Director Muminu Badmus (invited)
  • Lagos Commissioner for the Environment Adejare
  • Environmental and human rights leader Nnimmo Bassey (invited)
  • Women Arise Executive Director Joe Odumakin
  • Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria Deputy Director Akinbode Oluwafemi
  • Public Services International affiliate labor union’s Lagos State General Secretary Biodun Bakare