In 2008, over two million Colombian people signed in favour of a referendum to modify the National Constitution and recognize the Access to Drinking Water as a fundamental right.

However, following orders by former president Alvaro Uribe, the Congress distorted and eventually brought down the initiative, showing their true privatizing nature.

But social and political organizations and leaders who promoted this initiative are not giving up.

There are several proposals, studies and initiatives to contribute with the struggle for water, against privatization and in defense of nature by the coordination of the National Movement in Defense of Water and Life.

Real World Radio interviewed Pablo Celis, activist of the movement, who talked about the current situation of the struggle in defense of water in Colombia and analyzed the political context.

Contrary to what has been said, the new Colombian administration is not trusted by the sectors of the social struggle, said Celis.

“Santos´ administration is based on the interests of a small sector against the majorities of the country”, said Celis, ruling out any possibility of agreement with the government in the struggle for water.

“They have been trying to popularize the issue of water, but when we carry out a deep analysis we see that the interests of financial capital and corporations that are profiting with such an important resource are given priority”.

“The opponents to the privatization of water are in a stage of political growth to think about the next steps in these critical times of Colombian history”, said Celis.

Photo: www.censat.org