[3] A big challenge for Syria is its high population growth, with a rapidly increasing demand for urban and industrial water.

[7] In October 2009, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing announced a plan to develop Syria’s wastewater infrastructure.

To increase the attractiveness of the project the Syrian Ministry of Finance has pledged to provide a sovereign guarantee for the agreements that will be signed with the partners.

Also, a law on public-private partnerships that would have been the legal basis for the Build-Operate Transfer (BOT) projects was delayed.

The Ministry of Local Administration and Environment (MLAE) has the task to plan and implement all governmental activities at regional level.

MLAE is responsible for the protection of the environment by issuing the required standards and monitoring the quality of water for all uses.