Singapore partners Bangalore to develop capabilities for alternate sources of water

Singapore will help the Indian city of Bangalore in water management issues under a new initiative. 

Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) and Singapore's Temasek Foundation will assist the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to train its key government officials to develop and implement alternate sources of water through recycle and reuse methods. 

The 24-month programme will be supported by Temasek Foundation with a grant amount of S$756,890 and co-funded by BWSSB with an amount of S$263,346. 

Under the Grant Agreement, the programme aims to provide advisory and capacity building activities to assist BWSSB to have a better understanding of the benefits and challenges of integrated waste water management and water supply.

In addition, BWSSB officials will get assistance in developing strategies to raise public awareness and acceptance of recycled and reuse wastewater. BWSSB officials will also be trained to manage, operate and maintain recycle and reuse plants. 

Bangalore has an estimated population of about 8 million and is one of the fastest growing cities in India. This rapid growth has placed increasing demand on its
existing infrastructure and utility services, including water and waste water. 

Chief Executive Officer, SCE, Mr. Kong Wy Mun said: "This partnership marks the beginning of Singapore's cooperation with Bangalore. We hope that the
programme will benefit the officials from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, in its efforts to plan and implement the recycle and reuse of
waste water into feasible and sustainable sources of water supply in the city of Bangalore." 

Chief Executive Officer, Temasek Foundation, Mr. Benedict Cheong said: "Across Asia, many cities are growing at a rapid pace, and this places great stress on their
urban infrastructure and resources. With this programme, we hope the knowledge exchange between the Singapore trainers and the Bangalore Water Supply and
Sewerage Board will draw useful lessons and practical solutions in developing alternative water sources to benefit the local community in Bangalore."