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Issue 12, January 2005

Clean Water Essential in Rebuilding Lives after the Tsunami Disaster

Spotlight

ADB President Tadao Chino on
Bringing People’s Lives to Normalcy
“Now that many tsunami-affected people have water, food and temporary shelter, we need to provide them with the means to restore their livelihood and rebuild their lives,” says ADB President Tadao Chino during a recent visit to tsunami-affected communities in Sri Lanka. Mr. Chino had earlier visited affected communities in Indonesia and was deeply overwhelmed by the pain, suffering and devastation he saw. Speaking at the ASEAN Leaders’ Special Meeting in Jakarta, President Chino discussed the three dimensions of ADB’s rapid assistance plan.

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Focus

Tsunami Impact Summaries: Indonesia, India, Maldives, Sri Lanka
In the wake of the huge earthquake and subsequent tsunamis that struck South and Southeast Asia on 26 December 2004, ADB undertook preliminary assessments in Indonesia, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka to assess the damage and rehabilitation requirements. Read the initial results.

ADB's Tsunami Disaster Assistance
ADB President Tadao Chino has already offered up to $675 million to help finance priority reconstruction and rehabilitation work in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Maldives after the tsunami disaster. Teams of experts have begun assessing the extent of damage, and determining the costs of reconstruction. Visit ADB's Tsunami Response website to get regular updates on ADB's response to this disaster.

ADB's Rapid Response to Help Tsunami-Hit Countries (31 December 2004)

In the days immediately following the tsunami disaster, ADB External Relations Director Ann Quon explained ADB's initial response -- from assessing the rehabilitation and reconstruction needs to making available sufficient funds to address these needs. ADB will also focus on rebuilding infrastructure, combating communicable diseases and furnishing essential equipment and supplies.

Indonesia: Rebuilding Aceh’s Water Infrastructure Must Involve Everyone
It is cruel irony that Aceh, known for its abundant water resources, now faces severe water scarcity. The tsunamis destroyed nearly the entire water infrastructure in western Aceh and the communities of Banda Aceh and Meulaboh. Reconstruction efforts have thankfully begun, but it is going to take everyone’s help if a better and more expansive water system is to rise from such devastation.

India: Irrigation Channels in Tamil Nadu Clogged after the Tsunami
When the tsunamis struck, seawater came up to two kilometers inland in the southeastern coast of India. Within minutes, tens of thousands were dead, and all productive lands close to the shore were a meter deep in sand and seawater. “We may be alive, but only just. We need help,” says one farmer. Governments, civil society and communities are now working to rebuild lives.

Sri Lanka: The Quest for Clean Water
Water problems abound in Sri Lanka in the wake of the tsunami disaster, the scarcity of clean drinking water being on top of the list. The wells used for drinking and bathing were destroyed, inland water resources were contaminated, and threats of water-borne diseases loom. Will the current efforts to restore clean water to the people be enough?

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News: Tsunami Aftermath

ADB Offers additional $500 Million Support to Tsunami Affected Countries
ADB President Chino assured tsunami-hit countries of ADB's support in alleviating suffering and restoring normalcy to the affected areas. ADB has already allocated up to $675 million for priority reconstruction and rehabilitation work in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Maldives. More assistance will follow once the extent of the reconstruction work is determined.

Tsunami Could Throw Nearly 2 Million Additional People into Poverty in the Affected Countries
The recent tsunamis that killed more than 150,000 could throw nearly 2 million additional people into poverty, according to a new ADB report. But Asia's resilience to external shocks will play a role in minimizing the disaster’s impact on the region's overall economic growth. Read the full report.

ADB experts undertake needs assessment surveys
ADB and its development partners have begun sending out teams of experts to Indonesia, Maldives and Sri Lanka to assess the extent of tsunami-related damages. ADB experts will focus on water and sanitation, health, transportation and rural infrastructure in Indonesia; roads, railways and livelihood restoration in Sri Lanka; and roads, communications, water supply and power in the Maldives.

ADB Project Contractor Clears Vital Road in Sri Lanka
Acting on a request from the Indonesian Government, an ADB contractor diverted its resources-including a 100-strong team and large fleet of heavy-duty equipment-to clear the main road between Bentota and Matara. This allowed aid relief to reach affected areas more quickly. View the results of this initiative.

ADB Signs MOU with Indonesia for Framework on Disaster Support
ADB and the Indonesian Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the framework for ADB's emergency assistance to Indonesia following the tsunami disaster. Under the MOU, up to $120 million will be reprogrammed from ongoing projects to meet emergency needs. These funds will be used for restoring livelihoods and basic infrastructure and services, and other high priority activities.

Japan Boosts Support for Tsunami Victims by $20 Million
Japan will provide an additional $20 million through its trust fund at ADB to support relief measures in tsunami-devastated areas. "Japan will assist in reconstruction and rehabilitation works…in every possible way," says Japan Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki. Already, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation works with ADB and the World Bank to assess the damages in affected countries.

ADB and World Bank to Assist India's Rebuilding Efforts After Disaster
ADB and World Bank will work with the Government of India to assess the country's damages from the tsunami disaster, and develop a program of support for reconstruction and recovery. Initial Government estimates put the loss of life in excess of 10,000 and the loss of property at about $1.5 billion.

News: Water

Proposed revision in ADB's Water Policy
After a consultation process involving water agencies, NGOs, and other interested stakeholders, a revised proposal on the provision for large water resources projects was recently submitted to ADB's Management and Board of Directors for approval.

Indonesia and Japan launch twinning program in river basin management
At a meeting of the ADB-supported Network of Asian River Basin Organizations (NARBO) in Batu, Indonesia, the Brantas and Citarum river basin organizations in Indonesia signed a twinning agreement with the Japan Water Agency for integrated water resources management. More twinning partnerships are planned.

ADB supports performance benchmarking of river basin organizations
Eleven members of the Network of Asian River Basin Organizations (NARBO) volunteered to pilot test a performance benchmarking and peer review process introduced by ADB to support capacity development in critical water sector institutions in the region.

Two more pilot and demonstration activities (PDAs) successfully completed
Two PDAs have recently been completed. The PDA in Nepal focuses on the potentials of micro-irrigation for reducing rural poverty. The PDA in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu focuses on community-based education campaign as a tool to foster changes in water management. Read the results.

Afghanistan: ADB to boost agricultural productivity
ADB will help Afghanistan increase agricultural productivity by improving irrigation networks and water resource management in the Balkh river basin. The new $10 million grant from ADB's Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction will upgrade irrigation systems and strengthen traditional water management systems weakened by 25 years of civil unrest and poor maintenance.

Azerbaijan: ADB to improve water supply and sanitation services in three towns
Residents, industries and small businesses in the towns of Agdash, Goychay, and Nakhchivan will soon enjoy greater access to improved water and sanitation (WSS) services. Two new ADB loans, totaling US$30 M, will rehabilitate WSS infrastructure, and finance institutional reform and capacity building. The Azerbaijan Government will contribute $9.9 M to the project cost.

India: ADB approves $250 M loan for rehabilitation of urban and transport services in Jammu and Kashmir
The first major intervention in the State by a multilateral aid agency in recent times, the loan will help 1.5 million people Srinagar and Jammu get better water supply, drainage and sanitation services. The project is a small but significant step toward addressing the infrastructure rehabilitation needs of the State, estimated at US$4 billion.

Pakistan: ADB to help improve livelihoods in Punjab Barani Areas
A new $41 million loan from ADB will improve access to water and jobs for some 350,000 households in Punjab's barani areas. Barani areas are dryland areas not served by canal irrigation, making agricultural production precarious. Millions of residents live below the poverty line, with little access to measures to improve their livelihoods.

Tajikistan: ADB to help rehabilitate ailing irrigation system
Some 70% of Tajikistan's population lives in poverty, partly as a result of falling farm incomes. A new US$22.7 M ADB loan aims to improve the situation by rehabilitating the country's irrigation and drainage system, providing farm support services, improving water management and building better management of participatory irrigation.

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Country Water Actions	View more >>
Nepal: Promoting Gender Equality for Poverty Reduction Through Improved Irrigation Management Micro-irrigation can significantly reduce rural poverty in Nepal. A newly concluded pilot and demonstration activity recorded the positive effects of micro-irrigation -- from the cultivation of high value vegetables to changes in traditional gender division of family labor.
Philippines: Institutional Development for Local Water Governance Can Baguio City shift from fragmented to integrated local water agenda and action? An integrated water management scheme at the local government level is now being pilot tested.
Solomon Islands and Vanuatu: Education for Sustainable River and Water Conservation The Solomon Islands and Vanuatu have seen significant increase in unsustainable land use and management over the past decade. Can educating the young about sustainable environmental practices really make a difference?

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Publications

View more >>

Floods and the Poor - How can poor households cope with water-related disasters, particularly floods? (September 2005)

Small Piped Water Networks: Helping Local Entrepreneurs to Invest - Where do poor communities get their water? (September 2004)

Testing Audience Impact in Poor Communities - Can watching a film lead to behavioral change? (October 2004)

Setting an Agenda for Change - Change is necessary to lift productivity and reduce inequality. (November 2004)

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Multimedia
	New CD on Water for All Publication Series now available ADB has released a CD-ROM containing the 15 volumes of the Water for All publication series. To order, e-mail water@adb.org.
	Water for the Poor: Setting the Rules and Finding the Money The CD on ADB Water Week 2004 features videos, speeches, highlights, and the resulting change agenda for ADB. To order, e-mail water@adb.org.

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Water Calendar

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12-15 January	International Conference on Monitoring, Prediction and Mitigation of Water-Related Disasters (Kyoto, Japan) The conference will focus on new technologies, traditional wisdoms, governmental policies and international cooperation for better management of water-related disasters.
18-20 January	International Conference on Education for a Sustainable Future (Gujarat, India) The conference will mark the launching of the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014). One of the themes is Education and Communication for Water and Sanitation, which will focus on drinking water, personal hygiene and environmental sanitation.
18-20 January	2^nd International Trade Fair and Congress for Disaster Protection and the Consequences of Climate Change (Munich, Germany) The conference will focus on the consequences of climate change in sensitive regions such as the Alps, glaciers, coastal areas and places with inadequate water resources.
20-21 January	Gender Mainstreaming on Integrated Water Resources Management (Manila, Philippines) The workshop will enable ADB staff to understand gender issues in water operations, identify opportunities for gender mainstreaming in projects, and share good practices of gender mainstreaming in on-going ADB water loans.
24 January	Convenors Meeting in Preparation for the 2^nd Southeast Asia Water Forum- 2SEAWF (Jakarta, Indonesia) The meeting will help conveners prepare for the activities of the 2SEAWF. The SEAWF aims to build a regional commitment toward enhancement of IWRM and effective water governance among IWRM practitioners. ADB's Wouter Lincklaen Arriens will participate.
24-26 January	Roundtable on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Education (Oxford, UK) The roundtable will, among others, promote investment in water, sanitation and hygiene education for schools, as critical to the achievement of the MDGs. ADB's Yo Ikeda will participate.
31 January - 1 February	World Wetlands Day Conference 2005 (London, England) The conference aims to bring together key stakeholders to share knowledge, discuss innovative techniques, network, consider good practice case studies and promote multiple use and wetland biodiversity.
31 January - 5 February	International Conference on Water for Food and Ecosystems (The Hague, The Netherlands) The conference will help governments pursue sustainable water use at the river-basin level, and harmonize food production and ecosystem management.
6 February	Asian Wetland Symposium (Orissa, India) The symposium will enable participants to explore and exchange information on innovative approaches to the management, conservation and sustainable development of wetlands.
14-17 February	Integrated Concepts in Water Recycling. International Conference 2005 (Wollongong, Australia) The workshop will explore the connections between water recycling and governance, organizational responsibilities, knowledge and management of health hazards, regulatory frameworks and criteria, and public responses and stakeholder consultation processes.
21-23 February	29^th Hydrology and Water Resources Symposium (Canberra, Australia) The symposium will cover issues impacting on water and related environments including water policy and value. Among the main themes are environmental flows, eater trading, and groundwater hydrology and indigenous water.

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Water for All News is produced by the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) Water Awareness Program to provide current information to developing member governments, professionals, researchers, private sector, civil society, academe, and their counterparts in the donor community who are interested in water sector issues that affect the pace of development.

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