We already know about the myriad of problems around the world caused by drought, water delivery restrictions and inadequate access to clean water. And we’ve already heard the argument that global warming is to blame for such water shortages. A report recently released by the advocacy group Transparency International provides another reason for the global water crisis: corruption.
In a press release issued by the global coalition against corruption, Chair Huguette Labelle was quoted, “Water is a resource without substitute. It is paramount to our health, our food security, our energy future and our ecosystem. But corruption plagues water management and use in all these areas.”
The organization’s report which was published last month, entitled Global Corruption Report 2008: Corruption in the Water Sector, argues that corruption plagues all segments of the water sectors, from water resources management to drinking water services, irrigation and hydropower. The report’s analysis of corruption in 35 countries from different world regions cites examples, such as bribery in water delivery and procurement-related looting of irrigation and hydropower funds, and focuses on the gravity of the situation and urgent need for reform.
According to the report, the head of Chicago’s water department was found guilty of scheming to extort campaign contributions from subcontractors and use employees from the water agency to do campaign work. In Nairobi, Kenya, a survey found that the poor pay five to ten times more for water than their wealthy counterparts. In the Philippines an investigation discovered that US$2.9 million was allocated to build an irrigation project; the money disappeared but no such reservoir, dam or irrigation system was built. And officials in Grenoble, France and Milan, Italy were found to have received hefty bribes to influence the design of water and sanitation contracts.
“Corruption’s impact on water is a fundamental governance problem, yet it is not sufficiently addressed in the many global policy initiatives for environmental sustainability, development, and food and energy security. This must change,” Labelle stated for the press release.
The report also argues that corrupt water dealings directly affect global food shortages, drinking water sanitation, water pollution regulations, energy security, and sustainable development — which fuels the urgency to address this issue.
Several recommendations for reform highlighted in the report include:
* Refining the diagnosis of corruption in water
* The establishment of transparency and participation as guiding principles for all aspects of water governance
* Strengthening regulatory oversight
* Ensuring fair competition and accountable implementation of water projects.
“Tackling corruption in the water sector is not only a moral imperative that serves the interests of many, particularly the poor. It is also feasible. The time for action is now,” the report urges in its closing statements.
* Free downloads of the report are available on Transparency International’s website.
Photo: Transparency International
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