Urban Infrastructure: Bedrock of Prosperity
24/7 to its residents”.6 On the other hand, water scarcity is unknown in Singapore, according to all local respondents to the survey. Other cities where water shortages are perceived to be relatively insignificant include Chongqing, Gaziantep, Kuwait City and Shenzhen. Water shortages vary a lot in Latin American cities: The UN-Habitat survey revealed that eight of the 15 cities under review in this region were found to have serious water shortages, including Havana, Panama City, Guarenas (Venezuela), Lima, Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) and Guadalajara. Cities with moderate water scarcity are Tijuana, La Paz and Valparaíso. Those cities without perceived water shortages are Medellín, Fort de France (French Antilles) and Montevideo. Differences in shortages across cities reflect local conditions and the state of water management. In 2011, Havana experienced its worst water shortage since 1961 due to the effects of drought and depletion of fresh supplies as well as a deteriorated network (70 per cent in poor condition).7 In contrast, regular supplies in Medellín reflect sound management by Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM), one of the most successful public utility companies in Latin America. In 2009, EPM launched the Water Programme Litros de Amor to provide free-ofcharge water (a daily 25 litres per head) to economically poor households.8 Limited water shortages in Arab State cities: Despite their typical location in hyper-arid regions, Arab state cities generally do not suffer from severe water shortages. However, according to local experts, three of the surveyed cities are finding water supply a major challenge: Amman, Basra and Saida (Lebanon). In Amman, the situation is quite critical with supplies only once or twice a week.9 In Basra, the supply falls short of around Cities 33 per cent of the needs authorities of the population.10 need to systematically Residents often complain maintain their stock about quality (taste, of infrastructure to smell and colour).11 ensure that the benefits Arab cities deemed to be of infrastructure are fully capitalized. It meeting their water needs is in their interest to include Aqaba, Doha, improve coordination Al-Muharrak (Bahrain), with the different Dubai and Erbil. levels of government There are remarkable in the design, provision inter-city differences and maintenance of infrastructure. in experts’ perceptions
fact
The success of Singapore in meeting local water demand is down to effective water governance. The specialized agency has developed a long-term strategy known as the Four National Taps to ensure a robust and sustainable supply of water. The strategy entails using water from different water sources: water catchment, recycled water, desalinated water and imported water.
fact
Many Arab cities are able to meet their water requirements because of the high political priority given to the provision of this public good.12 City authorities have improved water security through increased supplies, demand management, conservation and desalination.13
Saudi Arabia: an old water tower, a well-known feature in the city of Riyadh. © Fedor Selivanov/Shutterstock.com
policy
51