Jakarta, ABIM (5/5/2024) – There is optimism that the 10th World Water Forum will lead to investment opportunities for the development of water infrastructure.
Nani Hendiarti, Deputy for Environmental and Forestry Management Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenko Marves), stated that to meet the target of ensuring access to safe, equitable, and affordable drinking water by 2030, investment in drinking water pipelines is essential.
Currently, investment in new drinking water pipelines is at approximately 26%, with plans to increase it to 30%, requiring an expenditure of IDR 123 trillion.
The State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) can cover only 37% of the funding needs for water infrastructure. Consequently, investment must be boosted to serve as a source of capital for these projects.
“The 10th World Water Forum will have participation from many countries, and it is expected to draw new investment in water infrastructure,” stated Nani.
Mohammad Zainal Fatah, Secretary General of the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, said the Indonesian government is presenting a selection of strategic water projects valued at USD 9.6 billion, or IDR 154 trillion, at the 10th World Water Forum in Nusa Dua, Bali, from May 18 to 25, 2024.
The Ministry of National Planning and Development (PPN/Bappenas) is currently selecting and compiling a list of projects.
“This includes a combination of proposals amounting to USD 9.6 billion in projects, either in the form of ongoing projects or new projects that have already secured funding,” he said at the 10th World Water Forum Preparatory Coordination Meeting on April 20, 2024.
The main theme for the 10th World Water Forum is “Water for Shared Prosperity,” reflecting the global goal of finding solutions to sustainably manage and improve water resources amid uncertain climate change.
In addition, the forum features a sub-theme on Sustainable Water Financing, which will explore ways to finance sustainable drinking water projects. This includes sources not only from the government but also from private sector investment.(ABIM)
