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Singapore’s experiences in sustainable water management (3) |
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16:51, August 24, 2007 |
Managing demand is another part of the sustainable water management
Before July 1, 1997, the first 20 cubic meter of domestic consumption for each household was charged at S$0.56 per cubic meter. The next block of 20-40 cubic meters was charged S$0.8 per cubic meter. But after that and non-domestic consumption was charged S$1.17 per cubic meter.
By July 1 2000, the price went up to S$1.17 per cubic meter for those who consume up to 40 cubic meters and non-domestic consumption. In addition the water conservation tax has been levied by the government to reinforce the water conservation message. Statistics show that this method is effective in changing people's behavior in water consumption. The consumption quantity indeed decreased by 11%.
Last year's Stockholm Water Prize laureate Professor Asit Biswas highlighted Singapore as a model city that has been successful in managing its water and used water systems. He summarised that Singapore's achievements were attributed to the concurrent emphasis on supply and demand management, wastewater and storm water management, institutional effectiveness and creating an enabling environment, including strong political will, effective legal and regulatory frameworks and an experienced and motivated workforce. By ensuring efficient use of its limited water resources through economic instruments, enhancing storage capacities by proper catchment management, practising water conservation measures, and ensuring concurrent consideration of social, economic and environmental factors, Singapore has reached a level of holistic water management that other urban centres will do well to emulate.
To promote its practices, Singapore will organize an annual Singapore International Water Week next June. The theme is "Sustainable Water Solutions for Cities". With half of the world projected to be living in cities by 2030, there is an urgent need for cities around the world to find effective and sustainable solutions in water management.
The highlight of the Singapore Water Week is the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, which will be presented to an individual or organization for outstanding contributions towards solving global water problems by applying innovative technologies, or implementing policies and programmes which benefit humanity.
About its relations with China, Mr. Kyoo said they have good cooperation with China in water sector. At company level, there are even more cooperation in many cities including Tianjin, Shenyang and Zhang Jiagang in Jiangsu province. And they will further expand such cooperation.
By People's Daily Online Stockholm Correspondent Xuefei Chen
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