Saudi Arabia will need an additional three million cubic meters of water daily over the next ten years to supply its current levels of demand. An additional 16 million cubic meters a day will be required to facilitate any economic growth for the country, according to Jeddah Arab News.
An estimated 277 billion Saudi riyals ($73.8 million) in infrastructure investments will be needed during this period to finance such expansion. Currently, almost all of the Kingdom’s water supply comes from non-renewable sources, and as much as 90 percent of water is used by the agricultural sector.
Saudi Authorities now plan to institute rigorous changes in the country’s water policies. A shift in agricultural policy, including the lowering wheat production subsidies, banning export of animal fodder and placing water meters on wells are just some of the anticipated measures.
Most likely, taxes on water and sanitation will also be implemented in attempt to offset the costs of financing new water systems. Salt-water irrigation is also considered a promising solution to the problem, as does the purchase of recycled water that would be delivered to farms. ― (MENA Report)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
