WASHINGTON – Below is a statement from Corporate Accountability Water Director Lauren DeRusha (she/her) on the developing situation:

“After decades of failed water privatization deals that put profit over people, communities around the globe—from Pittsburgh, U.S. and Osorno, Chile; to Gabon and the halls of the United Nations—have soundly rejected the corporate control of water. 

This agreement would not only result in more consolidated corporate control of water by Veolia in Europe, but also leave behind a ‘new Suez.’ ‘New Suez’s’ apparent focus on water privatization promises many of ‘old’ Suez’s abusive practices in the places it will operate, including many Global South regions. If history is our guide, the results of this merger will undoubtedly be unjust. The best way to make sure all people have access to water, is for people—not corporations—to control it.

People will fight every step of the way to not only prevent the consolidated corporate control of water, but also for a future where access to water is guaranteed—not bought and sold.”

This post was originally published on Radio Free.