S Ramesh Channel NewsAsia 16 Jun 10;
SINGAPORE: Singapore's national water agency, PUB, will release a new document on the country's water management strategy.
It will also spell out the long-term plans to increase water supply to meet demand for the next 50 years.
NEWater's targets for Singapore will also be unveiled in this public document.
This will be one highlight of the Singapore International Water Week, which will take place from 28 June to 2 July.
From a country which was seriously short of water to a global hydrohub today, Singapore's experience in the way it manages its water needs and supply is being studied by many countries.
It will share these success stories and challenges when over 400 ministers, officials, industry leaders and experts, as well as 500 companies gather in Singapore for the Singapore International Water Week.
Michael Toh Kim Hock, managing director for Singapore International Water Week, said: "The Singapore International Water Week is always positioned as a platform for water solutions. The idea really is to complement the many good global water events around the world but to present it in a solutions manner. When we talk about solutions, we are talking about governance, technology and financing. So this year, we will have these three themes permeating through the water events. Many countries continue to search for clean and affordable water."
Singapore's expertise in water management is valued overseas.
Its companies have secured S$7.7b worth of overseas projects on water management.
The Singapore International Water Week is also a key platform for companies in this sector to conclude agreements to enhance their research programmes and many MOUs are expected to be signed during the event.
And for the first time, ministers from the Asia-Pacific countries will also be meeting on the sidelines to discuss challenges facing the water industry in their respective nations.
Organisers expect the water industry to continue to enjoy robust growth.
Singapore is now home to over 70 water companies.
The Economic Development Board says that by 2015, the environment and water sector is expected to contribute S$1.7 billion to the country's gross domestic product and employ some 11,000 people, with the majority in the professional and skilled categories.
In July 2006, S$330 million was set aside over a five-year period to boost the development of the local environment and water industry.
So far, 60 per cent of the funds have been used to build R and D and manpower capabilities.
Last year's Singapore International Water Week attracted over 10,000 delegates and trade visitors. Deals exceeding S$2.2b were also sealed during the week.
- CNA/ir
