oa De toegang tot drinkwater als toneel van politisering en stedelijk conflict

Access to Drinking Water as a Scene of Politicization and Urban Conflict: The Cases of Sint-Niklaas and Aalst, c. 1860–1923

In the 19th century, public health emerged as a critical social issue, particularly due to advancements in bacteriology, which shifted focus towards the establishment of drinking water infrastructure. This study examines the political dynamics surrounding access to clean drinking water in the Belgian cities of Sint-Niklaas and Aalst from 1860 to 1923. It highlights how the development of water supply systems became a battleground for various interest groups, including municipal authorities, industrialists, and citizens, leading to significant social and political conflicts. While Sint-Niklaas experienced intense politicization of the water issue, resulting in paralysis due to conflicting interests and expert opinions, Aalst faced a more subdued politicization, with the water problem initially treated as a non-issue. The research underscores the role of external pressures, such as cholera epidemics and governmental interventions, in shaping the discourse and actions regarding water supply. Ultimately, both cities illustrate how industrial interests often overshadowed public health concerns, reflecting the complex interplay of power dynamics within local governance.