Authorities in South China's Guangdong Province will spend US$ 1.22 billion this year to tackle water supply problems, such as drought, floods and pollution.
Zhou Rifang, head of the provincial water conservancy department reported that the budgeted monies will be used to fortify key river banks and dykes, reservoirs, water supply and conservancy pivots to minimise the threats of drought and flooding. The province plans to improve water quality by treating wastewater, reducing sewage drainage and keeping acid rain under control.
Zhou said the provincial authorities have developed policies to encourage the commercialisation of wastewater treatment and secure foreign investment and social capital for related projects. The province recently issued regulations on water resources management to guide the development, use and protection of its water resources.
Guangdong aims to treat more than 40% of its wastewater by the year 2005 and more than 60% by 2010. Only 30.61% of Guangdong's wastewater is treated at present and just 15 of its 50+ cities have set up wastewater treatment plants.
