The government privatized the already inefficient water supply system causing the water price to rise considerably. s
The farmers and poor irrigators had to suffer because of the price hike as they could not afford water.
People were effectively being deprived of a basic right by the government and the struggles for the commoners and that below the poverty line had great difficulties in getting on with everyday needs
The problem of inefficient water supply and privatization of the public sector are present in most parts of the world where the government strategies often come at the expense of the interests of the people.
The duel between the government and the people applies to most situations and places in the world.
The project had the common people of Cochabamba and the government of the city involved on either side. The protesters and demonstrators included a major portion of the population of the city that gathered together for a common cause.