UAE and Bahrain ink water agreements with Singapore

Singapore: Setting the stage for global cooperation to conserve water, the UAE and Bahrain yesterday signed three environment and water agreements with Singapore at the start of the Middle East Business Forum, which is held in conjunction with the Singapore International Water Week.

The first memorandum of understanding (MoU) was on environment and water cooperation, signed by Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahd, UAE Minister of Environment and Water and Singapore Minister for the Environment, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim. The other two MoUs were between Singapore's Public Utilities Board (PUB) and Bahrain's two major government agencies.

In the first MoU, the UAE and Singapore agreed to collaborate in environmental protection and sustainable development; water research and development; capacity building in environmental and water management; and raising environmental awareness through public education.

The UAE and Singapore also agreed to establish a joint working committee to look into specific projects to pursue.

In an interview after the signing ceremony, Fahd said the MoU will strengthen the relationship between the UAE and Singapore, especially in water conservation and sustainable development.

"We believe there's a lot of work to be done in terms of addressing environmental issues. One of them is water, " Fahd said.

Conservation efforts

In the second MoU, Bahrain hopes to enhance its water distribution efficiency and water conservation efforts by learning from Singapore's experience.

Under the third agreement, Singapore's PUB will offer consultation work to Bahrain on how the country can effectively manage and operate its sanitary services and sanitary engineering facilities.

"Singapore has successfully overcome the limitations through integrated water management, and put in place an efficient and robust water supply and sanitation system. Through this partnership with PUB, Bahrain looks forward to learning from Singapore's experience," said Fahmi Bin Ali Al Jowder, Bahrain Minister of Works and Minister in Charge of Electricity and Water Authority.