Private sector tapped to solve water woes

CEBU, Philippines - The private sector is urged to get involved in resolving water crises that are expected to aggravate in Asia due to climate change, population growth, rapid technological advancement and increasing urbanization.

Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) chairman Ramon Alikpala gave this challenge as he spoke among delegates and business leaders from 19 countries in the Asia-Pacific region during one of the breakout sessions at the 27th Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI).

Alikpala cited in his presentation that 60 percent of the world’s population resides in Asia, thus posting the highest annual water withdrawal at 36 percent among all regions.

He added that according to the World Bank data, the Philippines has 5,050 cubic meters of water available for each person every year.

Asia also houses 12 of the world’s 21 mega cities, which include Manila that ranked 9th in the region and 15th in the world.

He further noted that sustainable water management in large cities requires a holistic, integrated approach since urbanization and resource depletion will just weaken the efforts to achieve and sustain water security.

Citing the Global Water Partnership, Alikpala said that water availability and access may be affected due to the population growing at almost two percent every year.

In the Philippine setting, the rural population growth rate is recorded at -0.4 percent while urban population increased by 2.9 percent in 2012 World Bank data.

The urban population that comprised 46.4 million Filipinos accounted 49 percent of the total population in the country.

To ensure water security, Alikpala suggested that the region could take a look into exploring synergies for water supply which include wastewater, energy, aqueducts, irrigation, flood management, groundwater recharging, water reuse, rainwater harvesting, and desalination.

He also recommended improved water governance as an ideal strategy towards urban water management. —/JMD (FREEMAN)