An Approach of Sustainable Development Model for Water Security in Growing Cities

Abstract

To address the growing water crisis, proper water resources management: realistic planning, and investment in water and sanitation can only achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030. In developing countries like Nepal, government alone cannot deliver the required water services for the growing population of cities, still, the private sector is not interested and reluctant to invest due to the risks and low returns. Public Private partnerships (PPP) in water services have also provided mixed results for sustainable service delivery. To achieve the set target of managing water supply services of a scarce zone; need to understand the economic value and finance for water resources. Additionally, the formulation of essential and realistic policies, operational strategies, or plans for cost recovery and sustainable financing to increase services, particularly for the deprived and poor. Due to the lack of systematic knowledge, strategies for cost recovery are typically not comprehensive and fulfill only some aspects of the sustainability index. This leads to the degradation and low performance of water supply systems, resulting in the failure to deliver reliable services for the users. For a better living environment in cities, there are new and innovative ways to solve the problem of sustainable financing for water services such as blended finance, leveraging the services, involvement of the private sector, and promotion of commercial banks for sustainable financing of infrastructure for water services. Regardless, how to overcome the barriers by increasing the investments and contributions for coping of problems on water security in consideration with climate change: floods and droughts, that needs proper mitigation measures and sustainable growth in line with SDG target.