THIRST The quarrel for water

Formative objectives

• Students are able to define privatization and

understand the basic features behind

privatization of water resources.

• Students discuss water as a shared common vs.

private commodity to be bought or sold in the

in the global marketplace.

• Is the water supply in your community publicly owned?

• Do you know how much your monthly water bill is?

• How can citizens protest against government action in

non-violent ways?

• Have you ever heard of the World Bank and the

International Monetary Fund? Do you know what these

organizations do?

• What is the difference between globalization and

privatization?

Introduction

Task #1

“Water Conservation in Home”

Instructions :

Brainstorm a list of ways to save water

in or around your home.

Key Vocabulary

take over

To assume control, management or

responsibility.

“If the president dies, the vice-president

will take over for him”.

(to take charge)

back down

To yield or withdraw from a position.

“If you back down about dinner again, I’m

not going to agree to another date.”

(to retreat)

head up

The first or leading member of a group or

organization.

“Christine Lagarde became the first

woman to head up the International

Monetary Fund; she won the support

from its members”.

(to lead or take the lead)

look after

To take care for someone or something.

“A neighbor will look after our dogs while

we’re away.”

buy-out

To buy something, e.g. a company (or part

of a company).

“Water Companies buy out water from the

city government and sell it as a

commodity to the community.”

(acquisition, purchase)

set up

1. To establish in business.

2. To organize or plan something to make it

happen.

1. Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of EasyJet, was

given millions by his family to set up the British

airline.

2. “The first step to set up your class schedule is

deciding which classes to take.”

hive-off

In business, to remove or separate part of

a company, often by selling it.

“The state government may soon hive off

inland water transportation system into a

separate department.”

(split off)

aim at

1. To direct toward or intend for a particular

group.

2. To point or direct sth at sb or sth.

1. “The publicity campaign was aimed at citizens

to reinforce the idea of water as a basic right.”

2. “Wally aimed the hose at Sarah and tried to

soak her.”

(to target)

break into

1. To enter a field or start an activity.

2. To enter by force.

1. “They broke into a very lucrative

business.”

2. “Thieves broke into the store last

night.”

bring out

To publish or release onto the market.

“Infinity Ward is once again bringing out a

Call of Duty game: MW3.”

bring in

To introduce, as sb or sth to an organization.

“The new manager brought in some

changes to the company.”

deal

1. To trade or do business, as to buy and

sell goods or services.

2. A business transaction.

1. “Her father made his fortune by dealing in

modern art.”

2. “They close the deal after a week of

negotiation.”

firm up

To make sth more definite, precise or less

likely to change.

“We firmed up the terms of the contract.”

(fix up)

sign up

Get sb to sign a document stating sth.

“Be sure to understand how these account

works before you sign up for one .”

(register)

turn out (manufacture)

1. To produce something for sale.

2. To happen; to end up; to result.

1. “The company turns out 2,000 small airplanes

a year.”

2. “I’m sure it will turn out all right at the end.”

turn over

Money received by a company in a given

period.

“A company with an annual revenue of

over $150 million.”

(revenue)

Instructions :

1. Prior our debate, read the case study:

“Water Privatization Fiascos”. Take note of arguments both for and against

water privatization.

2. Each student is assigned to a role to play: • The World Bank

• Government

• Company Investors

• Involved Citizens

• Community Activists

Debate

“Water: human right or a commodity?”

Background

A large multinational water company has approached

your local government and wants to purchase or lease

the rights of your water supply. In return, they propose

to invest heavily in the city and local economy and

promise to deliver water to everyone in town. Some

people are for this initiative, and some are against. The

Mayor, with a democratic process in mind, has decided

to hold a Town Hall Meeting so that everybody’s voice

can be heard.

Homework

Discuss the following questions.

1. What do you think of the World Bank’s decision to force

poor countries to privatize their water supplies in exchange

for loans?

2. Why do you think the residents of Cochabamba were able

to make the government back down?

3. Do you think that general strikes are effective ways to get

governments to respond to citizens’ complaints?

4. Why do peaceful demonstrations often turn into rioting?

5. What means can police use to stop rioting without injuring

demonstrators?

• Coping with water scarcity.

Retrieved August 2011 from:

http://www.fao.org/nr/water/docs/escarcity.pdf

• Water Privatization Fiascos: Broken Promises and Social

Turmoil. Public Citizen. March 2003.

Retrieved August 2011 from:

http://www.citizen.org/documents/privatization

fiascos.pdf

Main References