Urbanization and urban water problems in Southeast Asia a case of unsustainable development

Abstract

The urban water problems in Southeast Asian cities are viewed as the consequences of rapid and uncontrolled urbanization and unsutainable development. The pursuit of economic advancement had conjured a disregard for environmental conservation, which in turn has resulted in water problems of considerable magnitude. Despite the promulgation of laws and setting up of governmental agencies, the control of environmental degradation and enforcement of legislations have been slow due to budget and skilled manpower constraints. Moreover, the existing urban conditions do not allow for environmental revival unless extensive funds are utilized for major urban improvements such as sewerage works, water supply and waste disposal—improvements which are not likely to happen in the near future. In the long-term, given the ever increasing urbanization and population growth, the urban water problems in Southeast Asia are expected to escalate rather than attenuate unless serious planning and management are carried out.