The Asia Development Bank (ADB) is supporting work that will improve the living environment in Hefei municipality of China by providing a US$150 million loan for efficient wastewater management, flood control and transport services, said ADB on Monday.

"The project aims to improve the quality of life in Hefei by reducing the incidence of waterborne and airborne diseases, road accidents, and vehicle emissions," said Amy Leung, Principal Urban Development Specialist of the East Asia Department of ADB.

Leung said the project will also increase employment as well as investment and business opportunities.

ADB said water pollution and flooding are major environmental hazards in Hefei, whose geography is dominated by rivers, streams and lakes.

Three tributaries of the Nanfei River, which cuts through the heart of Hefei, are heavily polluted with sewage and wastewater due to insufficient sewage network and wastewater treatment facilities, said ADB.

The Nanfei River and its tributaries are also prone to flooding, affecting the immediate urban area. In addition, the filled and closed solid waste landfill nearby seeps wastewater directly into the river and indirectly into the groundwater.

"Adequate protection of this landfill and disposal of seeping wastewater into a wastewater treatment plant are urgently required," said Leung.

The ADB-backed project is estimated to cost US$372.4 million, with the Hefei municipal government shouldering the balance.

It will have three components including wastewater and waste management, river rehabilitation and flood control improvement, and improved road infrastructure and traffic management.

(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2007)