$35trn required to meet global water shortage

Metito, an international desalination, water, and wastewater treatment specialist, in a statement on the sidelines of the World Future Energy Summit, said the amount is required as the demand for water and power is poised to accelerate due to growth in all sectors and population increase.

“Research has proven that $35trn is needed globally on electricity and water infrastructure in order to keep up sufficient supplies,” said Budoor Hunnoon, Corporate Communications Manager of Metito.

“Unless the governments and the private sector join forces that number might double or triple. At Metito, we have adapted new technologies incorporating the use of renewable, environmentally friendly sources of energy as part of our ongoing research of water treatment,” she said in a statement issued at the summit.

In the Middle East, Hunnoon added, the forecasted expenditure on water projects was $120 billion (Dh441.36bn) in the next decade, which is significantly low when compared to the global expenditure for the same purpose, and unless governments and private companies get together to face this problem water shortage is going to be imminent especially with lack of fresh water supply.

Founded in 1958, Metito operates locally in 14 countries of the Arab and Islamic world, and supplies its plants internationally in locations as far apart as Argentina and Australia from its base, here, in the UAE.

The company’s 2007 projects include the rehabilitation of the Hartha and Najibiyah power stations in Iraq, the water supply to Pelindo ports in Indonesia, drinking water supply to Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt and the innovative recycling of water on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.