World Bank Calls For Better Water Management.

The report also highlighted that there was a need for review in view of the fact that the global population was expected to reach nine billion by 2050, coupled with economic development, 'spurring demand for more and better food and increased hydrological variability caused by climate change'.

The 'Mid-Cycle Implementation Progress Report' for Water Resources Strategy, entitled 'Sustaining Water for All' in a Changing Climate, reaffirmed that the Bank's 2003 water strategy and project implementation track record was sound." [Pana Africa News]

VOA reports that "A soaring world population, climate change and greater demands for food are placing greater demands on the planet's water resources. The World Bank says the best way to address those issues is to have better information and a more integrated approach to water management. The bank says a review of its 2003 water resources strategy finds many successes in water projects. But it also sets priorities and makes recommendations as access to water becomes critical for many people around the world.

'As every high school child knows, water runs through absolutely every we do,' says World Bank Water Sector Manager Julia Bucknall. 'We can't grow any food without water. We can't live without water. We can't run our cities without managing our water properly.' ..." [Voice of America]

International Business Times notes that "...In line with its vision for water sector incorporated in the Water Resources Sector Strategy in 2003, World Bank Group led by the International Development Association (IDA) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) increased annual commitments during FY03-09, from 1.8 billion to $6.2 billion, in which three-fourths went to support water supply and sanitation. ...

The report finds that more than one-sixth of the world's population without access to safe drinking water (with 80 percent from rural areas) and 39 percent of the world's population having no access to improved basic sanitation. If the current rate persists, the MDGs of reducing half of the people who do not have access to improved sanitation, will miss the target by one billion people, the report said. ..."

International Business Times