Situation in Other Asian Countries

Situation in Other Asian Countries

On Thursday morning, participants from Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia described water-resources management in their countries. On Friday morning, papers were presented

313 on water policy development in Sri Lanka and integrated water resources management in

Malaysia. In Thailand, the National Water Resources Committee and the Office of the National Water Resources Committee were established in 1996 to provide an apex body for the sector. River-basin committees are being established in subbasins, such as the upper and lower Ping, as flexible pilot efforts on a participatory bottom-up basis to support the eventual establishment of a Chao Phraya basin organization. A new water law is under preparation, which should take account of current government policies for decentralization.

In 1996, the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic enacted a Water and Water Resources Law. A national Water Resources Coordination Committee and its Secretariat were then established. They have prepared a Water Sector Strategy and Action Plan. Following its support to these efforts, the ADB is now assisting in the preparation of an integrated approach for the management and development of the Num Ngum river basin.

Vietnam’s recent Law on Water Resources assigns overall responsibility to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, but bylaws, regulations and enforcement need further action. A national water-resources council is to be established. Preparations have been made to establish a basin organization for the Red river.

Recently, Cambodia established a Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology. A law on water resources has been drafted. The draft would allow free use for drinking, washing and other domestic purposes but would make other uses subject to licensing. In irrigated agriculture, the government policy is to devolve responsibility for all aspects of irrigation scheme operation to Farmer Water User Committees.

In Sri Lanka, a comprehensive program for integrated management of water resources was initiated in 1990. A temporary Water Resources Council and Secretariat were established in 1996. The Council includes representatives from academia, the private sector, nongovernment organizations, farmer organizations and a gender representative. The policy development process has featured extensive stakeholder consultation but further dissemination and communication are needed with those who have not taken part in consultation meetings. In late 2000, a separate ministry was established for Water Resources Management and Irrigation. A Water Resources Act has been drafted which would result in the formation of a National Water Resources Authority.

Salmah Zakaria outlined current initiatives for integrated water-resources management and integrated river-basin management (IRBM) in Malaysia. Land and water are state matters in Malaysia’s federal system but, at the national level, there is a National Flood Commission and a National Water Resources Council. Water management faces challenges from rapid economic growth, urbanization, industrialization and increasing sensitivity about environmental issues. Irrigation operators are corporatized entities. Three states have river- basin committees and one has a basin authority. National consultation on IWRM/IBRM has involved public agencies, environmental and consumer NGOs and others. Immediate needs concern improving public awareness, building institutional capacity and networking among stakeholders. In the longer term there are needs for review of legislation, better enforcement, more river- basin organizations, infrastructural improvements, preventive measures, planning, public participation and appropriate financing arrangements.