Learn from desert nations to avoid dry future

• Source: Global Times
• [02:35 March 23 2010]
• Comments

And as for mountainous Guizhou Province, warning signs have surfaced that small but essential rural drinking water projects such as household water tanks are very much underdeveloped and underfunded.

On a larger level, as many as 60 percent of small- and medium-sized irrigation systems in rural areas are out of order due to a lack of maintenance resources. It is indeed not uncommon that profit-seeking local governments are more willing to build large-scale hydro-electric power generation or flood-control projects instead.

Given the many political, economic and social ramifications, it is time for Chinese society to attach strategic importance to tackling the water shortage.

Implementation is needed at all government levels to carry forward the water resources development strategy.

Local governments must prioritize people's livelihoods over short-term financial gains before farmers' crucial water supplies can be safeguarded. And above all, outreach programs should be launched to raise public awareness of water efficiency.

As one of the slogans of Chinese Water Week goes, "Don't let our tear be the last drop of water on Earth!"

Avoiding a dry future for China hinges on every drop of water saved in everyday life.