What caused the Bolivian water wars?

The Water War was precipitated when SEMAPA, Cochabamba’s municipal water company, was sold to a transnational consortium controlled by U.S.-based Bechtel in exchange for debt relief for the Bolivian government and new World Bank loans to expand the water system.

What is Bolivia Water War Class 10?

Many people received monthly water bill of Rs 1000 in a country where average income is around Rs 5000 a month. This led to a spontaneous popular protest. The contract with the MNC was cancelled and water supply was restored to the municipality at old rates. This came to be known as Bolivia’s water war.

How did the water war end in Bolivia?

The government ended a water privatization contract with foreign-led consortium Aguas de Tunari, and reversed water rate hikes. Although they did not repeal Law 2029, they modified it along the lines La Coordinadora proposed. However, the campaign was not entirely non-violent.

What is Cochabamba Bolivia known for?

Cochabamba (Aymara: Quchapampa; Quechua: Quchapanpa) is a city and municipality in central Bolivia in a valley in the Andes mountain range. It is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” or “The Garden City” because of its spring-like temperatures all year round.

Is Bolivia’s water privatized?

The water and sewer system of El Alto was privatized to Aguas del Illimani in July 1997 when the World Bank made water privatization a condition of a loan to the Bolivian government. …

Who led the Bolivian Water War?

There were street protests, and a broad coalition emerged, called the Coördinator for the Defense of Water and Life, or simply La Coordinadora, led by Óscar Olivera. Olivera, who is forty-six, at first seems an unlikely leader.

What do you understand by Bolivia Water War explain its causes and consequences?

The conflict over water in Bolivia germinated with the decision of the government to give up its control of municipal water supply. This was done at the behest of the World Bank. The water supply rights for the city of Cochabamba were sold to a multinational corporation which increased the price of water by four times.

Who led Bolivia’s war?

When did the Cochabamba water war end?

January 2000 – April 2000
Cochabamba Water War/Periods

Is Cochabamba worth visiting?

But Cochabamba isn’t just for those wanting to eat and drink excessively: despite not being known as a place of particular cultural interest, the city does have some unique and visit-worthy historic buildings. The views in Cochabamba are fantastic!

Is Cochabamba Bolivia safe?

Tourists are advised to avoid the Coronilla Hill in Cochabamba, located near the main bus terminal. This area has become a haven for drug addicts and alcoholics and is dangerous for both foreigners and locals. A strong police presence has yet to deter the criminal activity, so you’re best to steer clear.

When did Cochabamba Water Project have to be privatized?

In a 2002 publication the World Bank acknowledges that one of its loans, the “Major Cities Water and Sewerage Rehabilitation Project”, included a condition to privatize the La Paz and Cochabamba water utilities. The privatization was required to allow a two-year extension of the project that was due to close in 1995.

Where did the Cochabamba Water War take place?

The Cochabamba Water War, was a series of protests that took place in Cochabamba, Bolivia’s fourth largest city, between December 1999 and April 2000 in response to the privatization of the city’s municipal water supply company SEMAPA. The wave of demonstrations and police violence was described as a public uprising against water prices.

When did the Cochabamba dam in Bolivia start?

Construction began on the dam in June 2009 and was completed in September 2017. Prior to privatization the water works of Cochabamba were controlled by the state agency SEMAPA. After pressure from the World Bank, Bolivia put SEMAPA up for auction for privatization but not capitalization. Only one party was willing to bid on the project.

How did the Corani project affect Cochabamba?

An alternative, the Corani project, would have supplied water to Cochambamba from an existing dam. The high expected cost of the Misicuni project led to the 38% tariff increase imposed at the beginning of the concession.