ENERGY and ENVIRONMENT
Urban Environmental Management
Wastewater Management
Local Initiatives for Affordable Wastewater (LINAW)
Contractor: PADCO, Inc.
Period Covered: October 2004 to September 2005
Mechanism: Task Order SUM IQC
BACKGROUND
Domestic and industrial pollution caused by rapid urbanization and industrialization pose significant health risks and long-term economic consequences for the Philippines. According to the World Bank, only 6 out of 115 Philippine cities have sewerage systems, resulting in a high incidence of water-borne diseases responsible for over 30% of all reported illness from 1996-2000, and P2.3 billion a year in lost income. To address this enormous problem, the Philippine Congress has drafted new national pollution control legislation that requires local government units (LGUs) to play a central role in water quality management.
Recognizing the impact of water pollution on quality of life in urban areas, four Philippine LGUs are taking a proactive role in developing innovative solutions for reducing pollution.
Naga, Iloilo, Dumaguete, and Muntinlupa Cities are engaged in Local Initiatives for Affordable Wastewater Treatment (LINAW), a two-year project to identify and develop solutions to wastewater pollution. In particular, they are pilot testing small-scale, low-cost treatment systems and developing plans and projects for longer-term solutions to their domestic wastewater challenges. LINAW is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the United States-Asia Environmental Partnership (US-AEP).
The project is exploring the feasibility of establishing a workable micro finance program that will cater to the financial needs of the transport sector. Investing in systematic application of PM is proven to be more beneficial in the long run.
Under LINAW, the four participating LGUs are developing strategic interventions and solutions based on a participatory action planning process where city officials and stakeholders work together to identify and develop priority projects. LINAW assists LGUs in this process through:
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Targeted technical assistance, including project design and packaging support;
Site visits to learn about best practices;
Participatory planning workshops;
Information and resource materials on technology and financing options;
Public awareness campaigns ; and
Sharing project results in both local and national forums.
Operating under a two-track program, LINAW supports development of "rapid response" solutions that address immediate pollution problems through specific on-the-ground interventions. For the second track, LINAW addresses more significant wastewater challenges that require more comprehensive assistance in planning, project design, technology and financing solutions, project packaging, and outside funding.
MORE INFO
PADCO, Inc.
Lisa Kircher Lumbao
Project Manager, LINAW
Tel (632) 812-3932
(632) 813-0168
lumbao@mozcom.com
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