2. Formative objectives
• Students are able to define privatization and
understand the basic features behind
privatization of water resources.
• Students discuss water as a shared common vs.
private commodity to be bought or sold in the
in the global marketplace.
3. Introduction
• Is the water supply in your community publicly owned?
• Do you know how much your monthly water bill is?
• How can citizens protest against government action in
non-violent ways?
• Have you ever heard of the World Bank and the
International Monetary Fund? Do you know what these
organizations do?
• What is the difference between globalization and
privatization?
4. Task #1
“Water Conservation in Home”
Instructions :
Brainstorm a list of ways to save water
in or around your home.
6. take over
(to take charge)
To assume control, management or
responsibility.
“If the president dies, the vice-president
will take over for him”.
7. back down
(to retreat)
To yield or withdraw from a position.
“If you back down about dinner again, I’m
not going to agree to another date.”
8. head up
(to lead or take the lead)
The first or leading member of a group or
organization.
“Christine Lagarde became the first
woman to head up the International
Monetary Fund; she won the support
from its members”.
9. look after
To take care for someone or something.
“A neighbor will look after our dogs while
we’re away.”
10. buy-out
(acquisition, purchase)
To buy something, e.g. a company (or part
of a company).
“Water Companies buy out water from the
city government and sell it as a
commodity to the community.”
11. set up
1. To establish in business.
2. To organize or plan something to make it
happen.
1. Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of EasyJet, was
given millions by his family to set up the British
airline.
2. “The first step to set up your class schedule is
deciding which classes to take.”
12. hive-off
(split off)
In business, to remove or separate part of
a company, often by selling it.
“The state government may soon hive off
inland water transportation system into a
separate department.”
13. aim at
(to target)
1. To direct toward or intend for a particular
group.
2. To point or direct sth at sb or sth.
1. “The publicity campaign was aimed at citizens
to reinforce the idea of water as a basic right.”
2. “Wally aimed the hose at Sarah and tried to
soak her.”
14. break into
1. To enter a field or start an activity.
2. To enter by force.
1. “They broke into a very lucrative
business.”
2. “Thieves broke into the store last
night.”
15. bring out
To publish or release onto the market.
“Infinity Ward is once again bringing out a
Call of Duty game: MW3.”
16. bring in
To introduce, as sb or sth to an organization.
“The new manager brought in some
changes to the company.”
17. deal
1. To trade or do business, as to buy and
sell goods or services.
2. A business transaction.
1. “Her father made his fortune by dealing in
modern art.”
2. “They close the deal after a week of
negotiation.”
18. firm up
(fix up)
To make sth more definite, precise or less
likely to change.
“We firmed up the terms of the contract.”
19. sign up
(register)
Get sb to sign a document stating sth.
“Be sure to understand how these account
works before you sign up for one .”
20. turn out
(manufacture)
1. To produce something for sale.
2. To happen; to end up; to result.
1. “The company turns out 2,000 small airplanes
a year.”
2. “I’m sure it will turn out all right at the end.”
21. turn over
(revenue)
Money received by a company in a given
period.
“A company with an annual revenue of
over $150 million.”
22.
23.
24. Debate
“Water: human right or a commodity?”
Instructions :
1. Prior our debate, read the case study:
“Water Privatization Fiascos”.
Take note of arguments both for and against
water privatization.
2. Each student is assigned to a role to play:
• The World Bank
• Government
• Company Investors
• Involved Citizens
• Community Activists
25. Background
A large multinational water company has approached
your local government and wants to purchase or lease
the rights of your water supply. In return, they propose
to invest heavily in the city and local economy and
promise to deliver water to everyone in town. Some
people are for this initiative, and some are against. The
Mayor, with a democratic process in mind, has decided
to hold a Town Hall Meeting so that everybody’s voice
can be heard.
26. Homework
Discuss the following questions.
1. What do you think of the World Bank’s decision to force
poor countries to privatize their water supplies in exchange
for loans?
2. Why do you think the residents of Cochabamba were able
to make the government back down?
3. Do you think that general strikes are effective ways to get
governments to respond to citizens’ complaints?
4. Why do peaceful demonstrations often turn into rioting?
5. What means can police use to stop rioting without injuring
demonstrators?
27. Main References
• Coping with water scarcity.
Retrieved August 2011 from:
http://www.fao.org/nr/water/docs/escarcity.pdf
• Water Privatization Fiascos: Broken Promises and Social
Turmoil. Public Citizen. March 2003.
Retrieved August 2011 from:
http://www.citizen.org/documents/privatization
fiascos.pdf
