IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, recently signed a US$15
million loan agreement to address water shortages and pollution in
China, according to a statement released by the IFC on Monday.
The loan, signed with Asia Environment Holdings (AEH), will
support the company's activities in the water and wastewater sector
that contribute to public health and environmental improvements,
including a reduction in waterborne diseases, said the
statement.
China faces mounting water shortages caused by limited
resources, increasing demand, and pollution. The availability of
water per capita is only one-third of the world average.
China's sewage treatment facilities are not sufficient to treat
the growing volume of sewage, which is consequently discharged into
nearby surface water and groundwater, said IFC.
The US$15 million loan is IFC's second investment in China's
water and wastewater treatment sector. It will support AEH's
expansion plans by providing reliable longer-term financing and
helping raise investor confidence, said IFC.
"We are happy to partner with IFC. We are also confident that
this cooperation will help expand our water and wastewater
treatment capacity in China," said Wang, chairman of Asia
Environment Holdings.
"Water and wastewater treatment is a priority sector for IFC's
approach in China. In addition to providing financing to support
the company's expansion plans, we will also provide guidance on
environmental and social standards that will cover all relevant
areas of its business," said Rashad Kaldany, IFC Director for
Infrastructure.
All About
Wastewater treatment,
Water shortage
(XInhua News Agency December 12, 2007)
