Autor: Bernard Naughton | Publicado: 2014-10-22T14:53:00-07:00

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Nothing happens in a vacuum, correct? So why did the water shortage in Itu come about? &nbsp;The simple answer that it hasn't rained for a long time is a quick and easy response which ignores the human element of responsibility.
Water has been rationed in Itu every year for a very long time, but lack of investment in infrastructure has left the situation unchanged. A simple thing like deepening the reservoirs , like was done in Jundiai, &nbsp;might &nbsp;have helped in retaining rain water. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;How come a brewery company , Schincariol, could source water and bring it from 10 kms away to supply their business when the city of Itu which collects millions in taxes every year was unable.? &nbsp;The consumption of the company on a daily basis &nbsp; is , I believe, similiar to what is required by Itu.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Not only was there no investment in sourcing more water for this city fat with expensive condominiums but the public water company &nbsp;SAAE &nbsp;was privatised to a company called Aguas de Itu which hiked up the price of the monthly bill, bought nice, &nbsp;new vans &nbsp;and nice , new offices, but made no investment in infrastructure to avoid the habitual rationing. Moreover I learned recently that the former Mayor of Itu is the owner of this company, at least behind the scenes, although &nbsp;not on paper. This selling of public resources for private profit with no concern for the public benefit is indefensible. How many people objected to this sale before it happened. ? &nbsp;To the best of my knowledge only one councillor had the courage to do so. Presumably all the others happily received a &nbsp; &nbsp;'commision' &nbsp; to approve the sale.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The city of Itu has never welcomed companies as a means to boost the local economy as Indaiatuba has done, for example, preferring instead to rest on the laurels of &nbsp;its colonial &nbsp;past. The ruling elite opted for expensive condominiums to the extent that servile work in condominiums rivalled the entire workforce in Schincariol &nbsp;as a source of employment . The belief in Real Estate as the basis for a healthy local economy has been scuttled by the lack of water. Who would want to buy an expensive house in a city where the basic need for water can't be supplied.? A poor investment indeed. Time for the ruling elite to re-think their attitudes. But built as it was on the backs of slaves, it's no surprise that exploitation continues. Public resources privatised to line the pockets of the political elite is another, modern, &nbsp;form of exploitation.
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; So, are there many victims who are trapped in this web of mismanagement and chicanery? &nbsp; Not at all! &nbsp;Who elected these political opportunists? &nbsp; The poor, illiterate voters in the Northeast who receive handouts &nbsp;can't be blamed in this context. In a country where voting is manditory everyone contributes to the political paralysis. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; One final point .... I can't remember the number of times I've felt upset , passing by individuals washing the sidewalk in front of their houses with an open &nbsp;hose . Such a total lack of respect for one of nature's most precious resources I find , nauseating. Some parts of the world live in areas of continuous drought but here in Brazil, which unfortunately is blessed with natural resourcs in abundance (I say unfortunately, because these resources are not appreciated and squandered mindlessly), water is used for washing leaves off &nbsp;the sidewalk &nbsp; because it's " easier ' &nbsp;than using a broom. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; So the situation was created by a variety of contributing factors ,
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;However it's very easy to accuse corrupt politicians and political opportunists as being "the lowest of the low' &nbsp;and ignoring the role of the masses.