Water

In response to international calls for increased financing for water, ADB launched the Water Financing Program (WFP) to double investments in the sector between 2006 and 2010. Setting a precedent among multilateral development banks, the WFP committed to devoting 25% of ADB’s investment portfolio to water projects and set out to deliver the following specific outcomes:

• 200 million people with sustainable access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation
• 100 million people with reduced risks to flood
• 40 million people with more productive and efficient irrigation and drainage services
• 25 river basins introduced to integrated water resources management (IWRM)
• Improved water governance through national water reforms and capacity development

Read more about the rationale for this program.

WFP will direct investments, reforms, and capacity development programs at rural communities, cities, and river basins.

The WFP is open to all of ADB’s developing member countries but its initial focus is on six countries: the PRC, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Viet Nam. Together, these countries represent 75% of the region's population and account for almost 80% of ADB’s water operations.

Read more about WFP’s priority investment areas.

WFP's program for action and implementation includes stronger country-focused investments, increased technical assistance and the development of supporting papers to facilitate increased water investments.

Read more about ADB’s strategy to implement the WFP.

In December 2006, ADB approved the establishment of the Water Financing Partnership Facility (WFPF) to mobilize cofinancing and investments from development partners in support of the WFP.

Initial contributions to the facility are targeted at $100 million, of which approximately 70% will be directed toward demonstration projects, and 30% will be for quality support activities.

As of July 2008, commitments to the WFPF has reached almost US$60 M. Current WFPF commitments are:

• ADB Water Investment Trends
• ADB’s Water Financing Program 2006-2010 Summary Directions [PDF]
• Article: Doubling Investments in Five Years: Candid Answers to WFP Questions (December 2006)
• Article: No Rain Checks for Water Financing (December 2006)
• Article: Three Streams to a Thriving Future: Rural Water, Urban Water, Basin Water (December 2006)
• Article: Water Makes WFP Countries Grow (December 2006)
• Helping to Introduce IWRM in 25 River Basins in the Asia-Pacific Region
• News Release (20 March 2006)
• Water Financing Program Background Paper [PDF]
• Water Financing Program Press Conference Presentation [PDF] (20 March 2006)
• Water Brief: Water Financing Program

WooChong Um
Director, Energy, Transport and Water Division (RSID)
E-mail: wcum@adb.org

Wouter Lincklaen Arriens
Lead Water Resources Specialist, ADB
E-Mail: water@adb.org

Ellen Pascua
Water Fund Manager
Email: epascua@adb.org