Green and Integrated Wastewater Management Project

Key City Development Issues

Wastewater management in San Fernando City is predominantly through the use of septic tanks discharging to groundwater or surface drainage. The city has an underutilized septic sludge treatment facility and also a number of small decentralized wastewater treatment systems which are not fully functional. The groundwater is heavily contaminated and is extensively used for non-potable domestic purposes. On the other hand, flooding occurs frequently, with around 35% of the urban population experiencing flooding in their communities. Climate change impact assessments for the city predict an increase in the frequency and intensity of rainfall which is likely to exacerbate flooding and rain-induced landslides. The City of San Fernando requested technical assistance from CDIA back in 2014 for the conduct of a Project Preparation Study (PPS) on Green and Integrated Wastewater Management to address the above issues and improve the wastewater management and flood mitigation capacities of the city.

Details of Cooperation

The primary objective of the CDIA PPS was to prepare to pre-feasibility level priority infrastructure projects aimed at improving the drainage and sanitation infrastructure in the city, supplemented by the development of a Liquid Waste Management Strategic Plan and targeted capacity development activities throughout the conduct of the PPS. Specifically, the key PPS activities included: (i) analysis of the current status of sanitation, wastewater management and stormwater drainage in the city and identification of key sector issues; (ii) development of a strategy for the progressive improvement of sanitation, wastewater management and stormwater drainage over the period 2016-2035, and an associated outline of the investment program; and (iii) conduct of a pre-feasibility study of prioritized projects including urban sanitation and wastewater management infrastructure improvement,  stormwater drainage improvements and flood control measures.

Expected Development Outcomes

When fully implemented, the project will greatly enhance the environment and public health of the City of San Fernando by: (i) improving sanitation infrastructure; (ii) reducing the incidence of flooding through improved stormwater drainage; (iii) improving surface and groundwater quality; (iv) promoting private sector participation in the provision of urban services; and (v) improving capacity in urban management of responsible agencies and staff at the city level.