The Municipal Council of Paros approved the issuance of a resolution to preserve the public nature of water and strengthen the role of the Local Government in its management. The decision was taken on the occasion of the inter-ministerial meeting on water scarcity and the country’s water resources, from which, as reported, the Union of Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Enterprises (EDEYA) was unjustifiably excluded, which institutionally represents 129 Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Enterprises (DEYA) that provide clean and affordable drinking water to 5.2 million citizens.
The resolution emphasizes that water is a public social good and not a commodity, noting that it cannot and should not be privatized or transferred to business interests. Its management, according to the Municipal Council, must remain under public and social control, with a decisive role for the Local Government, which has knowledge, infrastructure and proximity to the citizen.
It is recalled that the E.D.E.Y.A. and the P.D.E.Y.A. of the country have proven over time that they can manage the valuable natural resource responsibly, effectively and transparently. However, the absence of the E.D.E.Y.A. and the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece from the institutional dialogue is characterized as an insult to the Local Government and local communities, with the Municipal Council requesting their direct participation in every decision-making process concerning the country’s waters.
The decision also underlines that the Paros Municipal Council opposes any attempt to degrade the public role of the Public Water Resources and Water Utilities and any method that leads to the commercialization of water. A substantive dialogue with all stakeholders is called for, with transparency, scientific documentation and respect for the institutional role of the Local Government.
In conclusion, the Paros Municipal Council declares that it is determined to defend by all appropriate means the public nature of water and to ensure equal access to it for all citizens, without discrimination and without disproportionate financial burdens.
