Question

Short note on Bolivia`s Water War .

Answer 1

It germinated with the decision of the government to give up its control  of municipal water supply,which occurred at the behest of the world bank.A multi national corporation was sold to a water supply rights for the city of Cochacamba hence,they increased the price of water by four times.Increase in the price of water led to spontaneous popular protest as water cost began to make a dent in the household budget of people.A four day strike was then organised by an alliance of labour,human rights and community leaders which was later called off after the government agreed to negotiate.However,it led to no progress and instead,the police resorted to repression when the agitation was started again.After another strike in April martial; law was imposed.However,the MNC officials had to leave the city under pressure from the people while the government had to concede to the demands of the protesters.The MNC contract was then cancelled and municipal water supply was restored at old rates.