Slovenia, in Europe, has made access to potable water a basic right. the guardian reports:
Source: Slovenia Holidays
Slovenia has amended its constitution to make access to drinkable water a fundamental right for all citizens and stop it being commercialised. …
“Water resources represent a public good that is managed by the state. Water resources are primary and durably used to supply citizens with potable water and households with water and, in this sense, are not a market commodity,” the article reads.
The centre-left prime minister, Miro Cerar, had urged lawmakers to pass the bill saying the country of two million people should “protect water – the 21st century’s liquid gold – at the highest legal level”.
“Slovenian water has very good quality and, because of its value, in the future it will certainly be the target of foreign countries and international corporations’ appetites.
“As it will gradually become a more valuable commodity in the future, pressure over it will increase and we must not give in,” Cerar said.
A right wing party abstained from the vote, calling it politically motivated. While the left parties celebrate, I wonder if it’s a good thing to place control of such a valuable resource in the hands of government. After all, all political parties think you’re as clean as the driven snow. If they ever reach the point of water rationing, how will they approach it?
Of course, a commercial controlling interest would also raise the hairs on my neck.
