Disasters cost RP P145-b each year

THE Philippines loses as much as P145 billion a year from underinvestment in sanitation.

The World Bank, in a 122-page report entitled “Sustaining Water for All in a Changing Climate,” said Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam lose about two percent of their annual GDP from underinvestment in sanitation.

“What is more, the costs of disasters as a share of GDP are much higher in poor countries than rich countries—14 percent of GDP compared to three percent of GDP—as poorer countries are often less well equipped to cope with disasters such as floods and droughts,” the report said.

“We can’t properly tackle global priorities of food security, renewable energy, adaptation to climate change, public health, and urbanization unless we manage water better,” said Julia Bucknall, Water Sector Manager for the World Bank.

“And to manage water better, we really can’t sidestep solid hydrological analysis,” she added.

On the other hand, investments in water projects could boost the economies of developing countries like the Philippines by as much as 14 percent.

“The economic benefits of managing water resources adequately are large, as are the economic costs of inaction. Country examples indicate that proper water management could increase gross domestic product by five to 14 percent, an impact that may be unachievable through any other interventions,” the World Bank said.

The report said the global population is expected to reach nine billion by 2050, making it more imperative for developing countries to adopt a more integrated approach to water management.

In the Philippines’ surface water remains the top source of water for urban water supply, meeting 60 percent of the total demand in the country.

“However, the quality and availability of surface water is under threat due to catchment degradation and pollution, making the investment cost of treatment and operation extremely high,” it said.

Groundwater is fast becoming a major source of drinking water. It currently accounts for 40 percent of demand in the country, and this seen to further increase due to rapid urbanization.

However, about 60 percent of the groundwater extraction is without water-right permits, resulting in indiscriminate withdrawal. –Roderick T. dela Cruz, Manila Standard Today