Water Service Job Losses: A Prelude to Privitisation?

national | miscellaneous | news report

Tuesday April 15, 2003 15:06

by Cllr Eoin O'Broin - Sinn Fein

eoinobroin at hotmail dot com

Water Charges To Be Introduced

Following the announcement last year by SDLP minister Sean Farren that his department would examine the introduction of Watercharges, British Direct Rule Minister Angela Smith has indicated that charges and job losses will be part of an overall programme of 'restructuring'. Trade Union representatives have expressed fears that such 'restructuring' will be a prelude for privitisation.

From BBC website: Up to 600 jobs in the Northern Ireland Water Service could disappear within the next six years, a government minister has said.
Trade unions were given the news on Monday by Northern Ireland Office minister Angela Smith.

The reduction in staff numbers is part of the proposed reform of the water service announced last month.

The minister said the job cuts were needed to make the service more efficient.

"We want a very effective, efficient and a clean water service for Northern Ireland," said Mrs Smith, who has responsibility for regional development.

To do that, if we're going to charge people for their water, we need to reduce costs.

"But it's not just cost-cutting - if you see the level of investment that's going into the water, it's very significant but we need to make sure it's efficient."

Water charges

The water service said it hoped most of the job losses would be through what it described as "natural wastage".

Last month, the government unveiled proposals to charge householders in Northern Ireland for their water.

The minister launched a consultative document setting out plans for a £3bn investment programme.

No specific cost per household has yet been identified. Consultation will run until 20 June.

The document also sets out various options for a restructured water service, ranging from a government organisation to a not-for-profit company as is the case in Wales. Privatisation is not ruled out.

There would also be some form of water regulator to rule on the quality and value for the consumer.

Under EU rules, some form of water charge for households in Northern Ireland must be in place by 2010.

However, water rates could be brought in much sooner, as early as 2005. ENDS

Comment from Eoin O'Broin: There is a need for all those opposed to regressive double taxation and privitisation of public services to campaign against these developments. Without a real campaign the changes will pass unnoticed by most people untill its too late. Raise this issue where you can and help build the campaign against water charges and privitisation of public utilities.