Water

In 2001, ADB embarked on a study on water in Asian cities, which sought to analyze and compare the performance of water supply and sanitation utilities. It built up on ADB’s continuing work in supporting water services improvement in the Asia-Pacific.

Some 18 water utilities—in Chengdu, Colombo, Delhi, Dhaka, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Karachi, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Osaka, Phnom Penh, Seoul, Shanghai, Tashkent, Ulaanbaatar, and Vientiane—were included in the study. They provided basic performance data for 2001-2002, from which the study derived benchmarking indicators that included service level, service quality, operational efficiency, and financial management. The study also focused on broader performance dimensions including water resources management, policy and regulation, private sector participation, small-scale service providers, wastewater and sanitation, and urban flood management.

In 2002, the study’s findings were presented at an ADB regional consultation workshop with civil society and media representatives. The workshop also examined the role these groups perceive themselves as playing in finding solutions to access and quality of water for the urban poor. Following the workshop, the study’s findings were presented at the Third World Water Forum in Osaka, Japan in March 2003.

This book features the study’s findings, proceedings of the consultations, and a summary of civil society’s views.

Civil society realized the importance of improved water supplies in reducing urban poverty. However, the priorities and preferences of civil society groups diverge enormously—from the need for demand management and awareness to taking care of the poor first, the role of women and stakeholder participation, involving the media, and getting tough on polluters.

Improving governance and reducing corruption are also important to civil society. The social good versus economic good issue remains highly topical particularly around service tariffs and the role of the private sector.

Despite great interest and significant knowledge, civil society needs to do more if it were to become a powerful force for reform in the Region. The ADB will help development partners harness this power, which is vital for achieving good governance in the water sector.

Date	Events	Related Documents
18-19 Mar 2003	3rd World Water Forum: Water in Cities (Osaka, Japan)	Session Report
14-16 Oct 2002	Regional Consultation Workshop on Water in Asian Cities - The Role of Civil Society (Manila, Philippines)

• Second Water Utilities Data Book: Asian and Pacific Region (1997)
• Water for All Publication CD
• Water for All Publication Series