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Annual Report 2002 : Operational Priorities and Performance

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Water

One in three Asians does not have safe drinking water and one in two Asians lacks access to adequate sanitation facilities. Water for food security remains a problem in some countries, especially for the poor. Water resources are severely threatened by decades of unsustainable use and pollution. Flood damage is increasing dramatically.

The importance of this crosscutting sector in ADB’s operations is evident. More than a quarter of ADB’s ongoing projects have a significant water component aimed at increasing awareness of water resource issues; improving water resource management, including flood and environmental management in river basins; increasing access to safe water supplies and basic sanitation; or improving irrigation services.

In 2002, ADB organized several regional consultations in preparation for the 3rd World Water Forum in Japan in 2003. Case studies and lessons learned in the areas of water in relation to poverty, cities, small island countries, shared resource management in Central Asia, and flood management, were compiled to incorporate lessons into ADB’s operations for further catalyzing investments in the region. ADB also hosted the second World Panel on Water Infrastructure Financing in 2002, jointly with the World Water Council, Global Water Partnership, and other organizations.

ADB activities in 2002 included the organization of an ADB Water Week in December, to stimulate knowledge development in the water sector and promote dialogue with development partners for addressing the water sector challenges in the Asia and Pacific region. Water Week themes included promoting national water policies and sector reforms; fostering integrated management of water resources in river basins; encouraging stakeholder participation; developing partnerships; improving water services in irrigation and drainage; improving water supply and sanitation services with private sector participation; and promoting regional cooperation.

Water Week (see http://www.adb.org/documents/events/2002/water_week/) also featured the first presentation of ADB’s Water Prize (see http://www.adb.org/Documents/Periodicals/ADB_Review/2003/vol35_1/women_water.asp) in recognition of sound practices by a project agency in implementing ADB’s water policy. On the recommendation of the Water Sector Committee, ADB President Tadao Chino awarded prizes to the executing agency and a community-based organization in the Punjab Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project in Pakistan.

ADB’s Water Sector Committee and Network catalyzed the implementation of the water policy “Water for All” in the region (see http://www.adb.org/water/) with the support of the Cooperation Fund for the Water Sector. This multidonor fund, to which the Government of the Netherlands made the first contribution, promotes effective water management policies and practices. To better advise regional departments, the Water Sector Committee prioritized the preparation of water sector road maps. The road maps are based on sector assessments with additional inputs coming from the results of an impact evaluation study of water supply and sanitation projects.

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