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ADB’s Water for All Policy — From Paper to Practice
After an unprecedented year-long consultative process, the review of ADB’s water policy implementation came to a close in May 2006. The independent panel tasked to lead the process submitted its report to ADB and has been dissolved. This issue looks at the recommendations of the panel to increase ADB’s investments and ability to secure Water For All in the Asia-Pacific region. It also covers experiences in translating the policy into specific actions on the ground, and presents projects that have incorporated the Water for All policy.Erna Witoelar on Making ADB’s Water Policy Work Better
Large dams and private sector participation were two of the most contentious topics we had to deal with, says Erna Witoelar, chair of the independent panel that led the review of ADB’s water policy implementation. But difficult or not, the review process helped ADB prioritize water (in its new medium-term strategy) under the Water Financing Program.
TopIs ADB Delivering on its Water Policy? Yes-and No, Says Review Panel
For sure, when it comes to implementing its Water for All Policy, ADB is doing several things right. But what is ADB not doing right or could be doing better? Knowing that is what the 2005 comprehensive review process was all about. Find out what key actions can help ADB secure water for all in the Asia-Pacific region.
ADB’s Water Policy: More Than Just Words
A new paper shows the ropes of turning ADB’s Water for All policy into real progress. “Charting Change” details what ADB has done to get its water policy off the ground both inside and outside of ADB. Have these efforts resulted in changes in ADB’s water operations and the region’s water investments and reforms?
Translating the ADB Water Policy from Paper to Practice
In the first five years of implementation, ADB’s water policy has influenced the design of water projects—whether it be in the attention paid to reforms, partnerships, tariffs, service efficiencies and more. Could these three projects—deemed good examples for integrating the policies’ principles into their design—live up to expectations? Azerbaijan: Infrastructures and Institutions for Urban Water Supply and Sanitation
- Highlights institutional improvements and partnerships with governments, communities and the private sector.
- Highlights the role of policy, strategic, and regulatory frameworks to ensure sustainable benefits of new irrigation infrastructures.
- Highlights policy, sector assessments, and tariffs in sustainable water conservation, resource management, and service delivery.
Review of Water Policy Implementation Comes to a Close
After a year-long consultative process, the review came to a close with the presentation of the independent panel’s report on 4 May 2006 in Hyderabad, India. The panel recommended an increase in ADB’s investments and capacity in the sector. The ADB Water Committee will prepare a response and action plan to address the panel’s recommendations.
New Solutions Needed to Meet Challenges of Asia’s Two Faces, ADB President Tells Annual Meeting
“There can be only one face of Asia, with opportunities open to all,” says ADB president Haruhiko Kuroda at the 39th ADB Annual Meeting as he posed the problem of Asia’s two faces—one of increasing progress, and another of growing disparities. For instance, half the population does not even have proper sanitation. What new solutions does ADB have to make this happen?
ADB President Calls for Enhanced Collaboration with Civil Society
“ADB remains committed to working with our civil society partners to promote economic growth,” ADB president Kuroda said at the NGO meeting during the opening of ADB’s 39th Annual Meeting. Funds will soon be made available by ADB to NGO-led initiatives against HIV/AIDS, and other areas like energy efficiency, safe water supply, and sanitation.
Cross-Border Infrastructure Development Way to Boost Trade, Poverty Reduction
Greater demands for better infrastructure-based services such as transport, energy, water supply and sanitation are fueled by increases in income and overall national growth rate. What more can cross-border infrastructures do for trade, development, and poverty reduction? ADB’s WooChong Um reports from a seminar on Infrastructure Beyond Borders.
Sewage Should Be Treated at Source, ADB Expert Tells Environmental Summit
ADB’s K. E. Seetharam urged Asia-Pacific mayors to act now or risk not meeting the water supply and sanitation needs of the expanding urban populace. Speaking at the Mayors’ Asia-Pacific Environmental Summit in Australia, Seetharam suggested the immediate actions of providing 1-2 liters of drinking water per person per day, and implementing local sanitation systems that deal with human waste at the household level.
Malaysia: Water Treatment Success Overshadows Solid Waste Management
Wastewater treatment plants are mushrooming in Malaysia in response to increasing demands for better sanitation services. Sanitation businesses are booming, and affordable, high-quality sanitation services are available to the poor. Solid waste management, in the meantime, has taken a back seat.
Philippines: Institutionalized Community-Managed Approach for Water Supply and Sanitation in Agusan del Sur
Residents of Barangay Doña Flavia in San Luis, Agusan del Sur used to only dream of safe water supply and improved sanitation. Today, they wake up to 24/7 water supply and manage their own water supply and sanitation facilities. How did they do this?
Investing in Rural Water Services: Tapping Civil Society as Partner
ADB commissioned Streams of Knowledge to study the contributions of civil society in rural water supply and sanitation projects. This discussion paper shows four good practice models from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and the Philippines. It also provides insights on enabling environments, cost recovery and 100% coverage, and community contributions to improve project designs.
Strategic Thinking to Achieve Water MDGs
This discussion paper shows the importance of water and sanitation provision for delivery of MDGs in general and health goals in particular. It outlines the investment requirements for water and sanitation targets, and argues for a two-pronged strategy for sustainable human development that must include the provision of drinking water and sanitation.
| 15-17 May 2006 | Exposure Visit to Adelaide on Wastewater and Water Reuse (Adelaide, Australia) ADB’s developing member countries were treated to a showcase of good practices in wastewater and water reuse schemes, and successful modalities and benefits of public-private partnerships. |
| 30-31 May 2006 | Regional Conference on Water Financing: Addressing Financing Challenges through Good Governance (Manila, Philippines) The conference will include a forum on financing strategies for CEOs plus discussions on innovative financing mechanisms, PSP options for small towns, financing IWRM in river basins, and more. To participate, contact Jennifer Vicedo at jvicedo.consultant@adb.org. |
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Water for All News is produced by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide current information to developing member countries, 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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