The Privatization of Water: A Dirty Business and a Failure
Since the privatization of water in England and Wales in 1989, we've been treating water companies as profit centers, our rivers as waste disposal sites, and our beaches as landfills. This is one of the most significant and insidious robberies of the public in recent history. The consequences are dire: we've lost safe access to rivers and coastal waters for swimming and recreation, and we're witnessing a decline in the rich wildlife that once thrived in these waters.
The tragic death of eight-year-old Heather Preen, dramatized in Channel 4's 'Dirty Business,' should never have occurred. It's a stark reminder of the failure of successive governments and their agencies to regulate these companies effectively. The profit motive has led to a neglect of our essential water resources.
Water privatization is a dangerous game. We must remove the profit motive from water management, regardless of the cost. We owe it to future generations, to our children and grandchildren, to ensure their well-being and access to clean water. This is a moral and ethical imperative.
The situation is dire, as evidenced by the untreated human waste that once flowed into the Thames, leading to cholera outbreaks and the Great Stink. The public's health and the environment are at stake, and it's high time we address the abhorrent state of our water industry. The question remains: will it take another cholera epidemic for change to occur?
The media's role is also crucial. As Tony Chanter points out, the Post Office scandal was only resolved after a fictional drama was aired. This highlights the need for governments and regulators to act promptly and effectively, rather than relying on media attention. However, as Elizabeth Hughes warns, we must not dilute the message. 'Dirty Business' is just one part of a larger, disturbing story of neglect and environmental degradation.
It's time for a comprehensive review of water privatization and a commitment to safeguarding our water resources. The future of our planet and our children's well-being depend on it.
