In Mississippi, a deep-rooted water crisis unfolds, marked by broken corporate promises and government missteps.
Sarah Fowler reports for The New York Times with contributions from Irene Casado Sanchez.
In short:
- Jackson, Mississippi faced severe water crises in 2021 and 2022, leaving residents without basic water services due to aging infrastructure and financial mismanagement.
- Siemens, contracted to modernize the water system, failed to deliver functional meters, leading to a loss of more than $450 million for Jackson, exacerbating the crisis.
- The issue extends beyond Jackson, with several Mississippi cities experiencing similar problems after investing in "smart" water meter technology that failed to deliver on its promises.
Key quote:
“When you are in bad straits like the City of Jackson is now and was in 2013, all of your options are bad deals.”
— Melvin Priester, former Jackson councilman
Why this matters:
This story highlights the critical intersection of public infrastructure, corporate accountability, and government oversight. The water crisis in Jackson, predominantly affecting a Black community, underscores the broader challenges of ensuring safe, reliable public services, especially in financially struggling areas.
