Metito warns of water crisis in the MENA region

Metito, who were one of the main sponsors of the MEED event, lead the discussion about the shocking future of water in the region and provided advice on environmentally friendly solutions.

The facts speak for themselves. Globally more than 2 million children die each year from disease due to unsafe drinking water. In the Middle East and North Africa Region (MENA), according to the World Bank, there is 1% of accessible fresh water in the world and 5% of world's population.

Today, about 45 million people in MENA region lack safe water and more than 80 million lack safe sanitation.

Mr Fady Juez, GM of the Metito Group said:
"The Middle East is on the verge of a water crisis. There will not be enough fresh water for the population in this region. In 1960 the MENA region had 3,400 Cubic Meters / Capita / Year of fresh water, to support a population of 100 million. By the turn of the century there was only 1,200 Cubic Meters / Capita / Year for a population of 280 million. We predict that by 2025 there will only be 700 Cubic Meters / Capita / Year while population figures are estimates to be over 450 million.

"What is the result of this? The MENA region is the driest in the world. People are going to die at alarming levels it there is not sufficient fresh water. The effect on the economies of this region is without question. Without fresh water supply we are going to see a mass migration from this region."

There is a solution - the reuse and recycling of waste water. There was a call for the municipalities to make new strategies at multiple levels to avert such a water crisis.

Mr Fady Juez suggests an integrated approach that should include:
• The industrial use of water needs to see discharge regulations, waste minimisation and recycling.
• The municipalities need to implement public campaigning, recycling, and metering/pricing policies.
• Agriculture needs to address crop selection and irrigation methods.

There are many benefits for re-using and recycling water. Economically, there are benefits of cost to consumers, energy savings, agriculture and industry advantages, local economy financial implications and water utility management advantages. Environmentally, there are advantages for water resource issues, drought remediation, groundwater protection, surface water protection and industrial environmental issues.

Metito has been a long time campaigner for the reuse of water and has recently completed an advisory project in the United Arab Emirates to ensure that future water needs are met through appropriate water recycling projects.

Mr Fady Juez concluded by saying:
"There are some great regional success stories in regard to proactive water strategies where the government is supporting the private sector. For example Abu Dhabi has already combined wastewater and water under a unified strategy. Another example is how The World Bank has set up Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt as a private sector development. But more is need, with the most immediate being for governments to encourage multi use real estate developments to reuse water.

"We are pleased to be one of the main sponsors and organisers of this conference, demonstrating our commitment to ensure this topic is made a priority. It is only by raising the subject in forums like this can be ensure that the Middle East has a healthy economic and social future."