The battle over water

by Claudia Theophilus     Published 16 Sep 2004     Source : Malaysiakini

Water privatisation is taking on an increasingly serious dimension in the developing world, particularly in the Asian region where major transformations are underway in the organisation and management of water resources.

Described as the oil of the 21st century, water is a major global concern mainly shared by south countries.

Water security issues has dominated many non-government organisation and civil society forums in recent years, mainly to discuss private efforts to reorganise water resources in terms of ownership, management, distribution and access.

Public-public partnership for water management proposed

by Beh Lih Yi     Published 31 Jul 2004    Source : Malaysiakini

The government should consider a public-public partnership (PUPs) approach as an alternative option in managing water resources in the country, said economist Charles Santiago.

He told a forum entitled 'Is Malaysia ready for privatisation of water resources' in Kuala Lumpur today that PUPs is an arrangement that could ensure water management continues to be under state and public control at the same time.

Among others, the approach can also ensure efficiency in the provisioning of water services including decreasing the non-revenue water, providing affordable and accessible water for all, ensure water quality and the accountability of the water corporation to the public.

Economist tells why Puncak shouldnt get water deal

by Yoon Szu-Mae     Published 2 Jul 2004     Source : Malaysiakini

Puncak Niaga's latest appeal to the federal government for RM1.14 billion was a measure to battle rapidly falling ratings and stock prices, and is one good reason why private companies should not be managing our water resources, an economist said today.

"Most of these companies depend on capital gain as opposed to revenue, in order to survive. Which is why private companies cannot be entrusted to run public utilities. They are not beholden to the public but the stock market and its shareholders," said Charles Santiago, director of Monitoring Sustainability of Globalisation.

Santiago said the latest round of public statements from Puncak Niaga - including the recent optimism expressed by its senior officers - strongly suggests that the company is feeling the pinch from the stock market fallout.