An Integrated Approach to Environmental Improvement: Rehabilitation of Qinhuai River in Nanjing

The Government of the People's Republic of China requested the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide technical assistance (TA) and loan to Nanjing municipal government (NMG) for environmental improvement of the Qinhuai River under the Quinhuai River Improvement Project (Phase I). The current project forms the second phase of this assistance and is known as the Nanjing Qinhuai River Environmental Improvement Project.

In 2005, ADB approved a TA grant of $800,000 to help NMG design the project. An integrated approach to rehabilitating Qinhuai River was jointly developed by ADB and NMG, including interventions to reduce pollution of Nanjing’s surface water, improve flood control, eliminate hazards associated with poor drainage, and improve public health by reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases.

The total investment under the project is $240 million, including $100 million in proceeds from the ADB loan. Construction of facilities was projected to be completed over 2007–2010. Approximately 34% of total project funds have been expended, and physical progress—which has been smooth—has reached 50%. The project will increase Nanjing’s wastewater treatment and collection capacity, provide adequate flushing and water exchange, strengthen river embankment foundations, improve flood protection, significantly improve water quality, and improve Nanjing’s ecological landscape.