Zagreb, (IKA) – At a press conference held on Wednesday, February 9, the Justice and Peace Commission of the Croatian Conference of Bishops presented a statement on the unacceptability of proposed amendments to the Water Act.
The president of the commission, Bishop Vlado Košić of Sisak, noted that this issue stems from the principle of the common good, one of the fundamental pillars of the social doctrine of the Church. This concern for the common good certainly includes water, which today is of strategic interest to every nation. We have it and must protect it, said the bishop. He recalled that the commission prepared a statement two years ago that expressed concerns related to water management. This statement is a continuation of the previous one, spurred by proposed amendments to the Water Act. We should like to contribute our Christian attitudes to the public discussion, in order to preserve this wealth so that it is accessible to everyone, especially those in difficult circumstances, emphasized Bishop Košić.

Neven Šimac, a member of the commission, pointed out that pollution, unbridled consumption and privatization can threaten this great public good. Due to concern that public interests are not being safeguarded, the commission emphasizes that it would be good for Hrvatske vode (the Croatian water management agency) to remain a public institution, and in no case to become a company because then it would be easier to privatize. We think that it is good for people in the profession to discuss this matter and ultimately for the people’s representatives to decide, not as an emergency measure or during a time of nervousness. We are pleased to hear that this proposal has been withdrawn as an emergency measure and that all those interested, including the faithful who are inspired by the social doctrine of the Church, will have the opportunity to express their opinions, in order to arrive at a sound solution that will protect public interest and the common good, concluded Šimac.

Bishop Košić again pointed out the social aspect of this issue, i.e., sensitivity to people in difficult social circumstances, who need to live, i.e., to have a part of the water resources needed daily by every person. It is necessary to establish a sliding scale for water prices in order to make water accessible to all, even free of charge, as a God-given good and not a source of earnings, while those who are wasteful or have high requirements should be required to pay, said the bishop.