The Stream, October 7: Private Sector Investment Encouraged to Finance Australia Water Infrastructure

The Global Rundown

Water experts say private sector involvement will be critical for meeting Australia’s water infrastructure needs, while infrastructure spending in the United States is slowing. A report found potential for Africa to generate nearly a quarter of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, and a water project to improve agriculture in Bangladesh received funding from the Asian Development Bank. Water efficiency measures have become a priority in Perth, Australia, due to a dramatic decline in rainfall. A water pipeline between Turkey and Northern Cyprus will open at the end of the month.

“California seems to be shocked when there is a drought, whereas in Perth people are more aware of where water comes from. There’s a focus on diversity of sources that doesn’t surprise people now. The idea of drinking recycled wastewater is not a crazy idea to Perth people any more.”–Anas Ghadouani, a professor at the University of Western Australia, on the steps being taken to address growing water scarcity and improve water efficiency in Perth. (Guardian)

By The Numbers

$10.7 billion Estimated cost of needed water infrastructure improvements in Australia over the next 10 years. Water experts say private sector investment is crucial for meeting the goal, but a survey found 36 percent of respondents opposed private sector involvement. The Australian

61,064 bridges Number categorized as deficient in the United States, where financing for infrastructure projects is slowing. Bloomberg

$45 million Funding awarded by the Asian Development Bank to a project in Bangladesh that will build water retention structures and improve irrigation for agriculture. Reuters

Science, Studies, And Reports

Renewable energy sources, including hydropower, could account for 22 percent of Africa’s energy by 2030, according to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency. The report called on governments on the continent to create national energy plans with targets for renewable energy. BusinessGreen

On The Radar

An underwater, 107-kilometer-long pipeline bringing fresh water from Turkey to Northern Cyprus will officially open on October 29. The pipeline will deliver 75 million cubic meters of water annually for drinking and irrigation. In-Cyprus

Codi Kozacek

A news correspondent for Circle of Blue based out of Hawaii. She writes The Stream, Circle of Blue’s daily digest of international water news trends. Her interests include food security, ecology and the Great Lakes.
Contact Codi Kozacek