Anxiang Flood and Integrated Water Management

Key City Development Issues

The urban environment of Anxiang has not kept pace with the development of the city. Rapid urbanization took place in the absence of a formal urban development master plan. Under the new Urban Master Plan 2002-2020, the government recognized the need to rectify the drainage defects, need for better waste management and improve the overall drainage system of the city. The long-term objective of Anxiang is to eradicate the major environmental problems that the city is facing by establishing an improved environmental pollution control, planning, management and security system to enhance the safety living environment of urban townships and adjacent rural areas within the next 20 years.

Details of Cooperation

The CDIA-supported activities included: (i) formulation of recommendations to deal with the current environmental conditions in the Anxiang urban area, focusing on management of urban water circulation system in the urban water ways, urban flood reduction, water ecosystem recovery and drinking water security; (ii) integration of the recommendations in city plans, taking into consideration the urban development goals of 2020 and the development direction of Anxiang City by 2030; and (iii) conduct of capacity development activities to enhance the governance capacity of Anxiang City officials in charge of water management and environmental protection.

Expected Development Outcomes

It is expected that the project will reduce wet season disruption and economic loss for the urban residents. Avoided damages due to reduced urban flooding are estimated at US$ 9.7 million per annum. In addition, the project is expected to directly benefit the poor and lower-income groups in the project area, comprising 5.3% of the total population. Aside from generating temporary and permanent jobs, the project will alleviate urban water pollution thereby improving the health status of poor residents.