TI releases Global Corruption Report 2008
Transparency International (TI) released their annual round up of corruption news and research today, the Global Corruption Report 2008, which includes a special focus on corruption in the water sector.
The assessment explores how corruption prevails in different forms in the water sector, from bribery in water delivery to bid-rigging in irrigation and hydropower projects. Adverse consequences of corruption in this sector lead to high prices and low supply of water – a burden that falls disproportionately onto the poor. Low income households in Jakarta, Lima, Nairobi or Manila in fact spend more on water than residents of New York City, London or Rome. Corruption in the water sector is also a phenomenon that is not specific to developing countries: cities in Italy, Sweden and USA also suffer from tainted tendering of water contracts.
The report ends with key recommendations to tackle such problems. Suggestions include transparency in the budgeting process, public audits of projects, strengthening regulatory oversight and ensuring fair competition and accountable implementation of water projects.
Huguette Labelle, Chair of Transparency International, writes:
“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.”
TI: Global Corruption Report 2008
— by Afroza Chowdhury —
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One comment on “TI releases Global Corruption Report 2008”
Very good article. TI’s report shows the obvious – with all due respect. It is obvious because we all know that for the past years water is the main wealth in some countries : desired by many, accessed by few.While world leaders ignore the danger of corruption in the basics of human life sustentability climate in general and water in particular – the public society should be getting organized for a massive response against corruption. It is a serious business and require severe measures: boicot, public mobilization and exposition of key actors. It’s about time, we got organized against these thieves, before the steal ou very hope for the future.
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