Bridging Troubled Waters

Book excerpt: Today, 166 million people in 18 countries lack access to adequate water resources, and it is estimated that by 2025, the number of people affected will increase to approximately three billion or 40 per cent of the worlds population. There is now an international consensus that the severity of the problem requires a strategic approach that emphasises the equitable and sustainable management of water resources. This report examines the implementation of the World Banks 1993 Water Resources Management policy and evaluates the effectiveness of strategies adopted which seek to address identified problems. It also makes recommendations for improving World Bank policy and strategy in the water sector.