About WFP
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 Priority Areas for Investment
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.
Program for Action and Implementation
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.
Seven-Point Agenda
At a 2008 summit of regional water leaders. ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda unveiled a seven-point agenda to prioritize water investments in the Asia-Pacific region. This agenda will guide the 2nd half of the WFP’s implementation.
Read the seven-point agenda or President Kuroda’s speech.
An analysis of the WFP’s first-half performance shows some promising trends.
- For every dollar ADB approved for a new water sector project, ADB catalyzed an additional $0.88 from either a government, private sector, or other sources. ADB’s 38 approved water projects from 2006 to 2007 totaled $2.3 billion, catalyzing additional $2 billion from its development partners.
- By the end of 2007, ADB boosted to 20% the share of water sector projects in its portfolio, and this is expected to grow to 25% by the end of the WFP in 2010. The breakdown of ADB’s total portfolio for ongoing water projects is as follows: 65% for urban water; 20% for rural water; and 15% for basin water.
- ADB water projects approved between 2006 and June 2008 are expected to have the following results:
| Targets |
Total Expected Outcomes from Approved Projects |
| Sustainable access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation |
65 million people |
|
| More productive and efficient irrigation and drainage services affecting the livelihoods of people |
7 million people |
|
| Reduced risk of flooding affecting people and reduced recurring damage to vital infrastructure |
35 million people |
|
| Introduction of IWRM in river basins |
24 river basins |
|
Water Financing Partnership Facility
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 October 2008, WFPF commitments have reached almost US$65 million:
- Netherlands Trust Fund – US$19.8 M
- Multi-Donor Trust Fund
- Australia – about US$30 M equivalent
- Norway – about US$5.5 M equivalent
- Austria – US$5 M
- Spain – US$5 M
WFP in Motion
The following activities were undertaken as part of WFP’s implementation.
Contacts
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
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