Drinking water is fundamental to well-being and prosperity in Central Asia
Almaty, 18 June 2024. Today, over 2 billion people globally do not have access to safe drinking water. Without action, the situation will only worsen in the long run. By 2050, drinking water consumption is projected to increase by 1.5 times. This is why the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 is to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
In Central Asia, water availability is a particularly acute challenge. Currently, 10 million people, or 14% of the population, lack access to safe drinking water. The region is experiencing growing water stress. Between 1994 and 2020, water withdrawals for municipal and domestic needs doubled to 8.6 cubic kilometres, while investments in drinking water infrastructure have been inadequate to meet growing consumption. As a result, water supply and treatment infrastructure has severely deteriorated.
The challenges facing the sector highlight the need for large-scale investment in water supply and sanitation in Central Asia. The annual funding deficit to meet the United Nations’ targets by 2025–2030 is estimated at US $2 billion.
EDB analysts have prepared a new report titled Water and Sanitation in Central Asia. The report assesses the region’s investment needs to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal by 2030 and proposes practical steps to secure the necessary funding. It explores the following questions:
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Is there enough water in Central Asia for drinking needs?
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What is the current state of water and sanitation infrastructure in Central Asia?
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Is water safe in Central Asia? What needs to be done to ensure safe access to drinking water in Central Asia?
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What investments are required to achieve SDG 6: “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”?
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How do international financial institutions assist in financing the water and sanitation sector in Central Asia?
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What are some of the financing options available? Is leveraging private capital possible?
The report will be launched on 28 June 2024 during the Eurasian Development Bank’s Business Forum in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Additional Information:
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is a multilateral development bank investing in Eurasia. For more than 18 years, the Bank has worked to strengthen and expand economic ties and foster comprehensive development in its member countries. The EDB's charter capital totals US $7 billion. Its portfolio consists principally of projects with an integration effect in transport infrastructure, digital systems, green energy, agriculture, manufacturing and mechanical engineering. The Bank adheres to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principles in its operations.
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