Bolivia

Bolivia's War Over Water
In early April the often-forgot country of Bolivia, tucked away in he Andes, grabbed the world's attention when the city of Cochabamba erupted in a public uprising over water prices. In 1999, following World Bank advice, Bolivia granted a 40 year privatization lease to a subsidiary of the Bechtel Corporation, giving it control over the water on which more than half a million people survive. Immediately the company doubled and tripled water rates for some of South America's poorest families.

Bolivia's struggle for water & justice
Leading Bolivian activist, Oscar Olivera speaks to Amy Goodman of Demoracacy Now, talking about the ongoing struggle over water in Cochabama and the successful fight against the privatization of water by Bechtel six years ago. Olivera says, "If that uprising in 2000 had not ended in a popular victory, Evo Morales today would not be the president."

Three Hundred Citizen Groups Call on Secret World Bank Trade Court to Open Up Bechtel Case Against Bolivia: Case called a "Preview of the Free Trade of the Americas"
More than three hundred citizens groups from 41 countries presented a petition today to a World Bank-affiliated court, demanding that it allow public participation in a controversial case in which Bechtel Corporation is suing Bolivia for $25 million. (Petition and support letter available at: http://www.earthjustice.org/news/display.html?ID=435

Water Privatization Case Study: Cochabamba, Bolivia

An Open Letter To Mr. Riley Bechtel CEO, Bechtel Enterprises

Report on the Struggle to Stop the Bulk Water Exportation Law in Bolivia