On a visit to Cambridge last week to discuss the region’s urgent water needs, Environment Secretary Steve Reed highlighted how water sector investment is set to unlock growth in the East of England.
Steve Reed met with key stakeholders in Cambridge to discuss the region’s urgent water needs - without urgent investment in water infrastructure and demand reductions, the East of England is expected to face a water deficit of around 600 million litres a day by 2050.
Cambridge, despite its immense potential, has faced barriers to growth due to inadequate water infrastructure.
However, with £7.9 billion of investment unlocked over the next five years, Steve Reed said that key projects like the Fens Reservoir for Cambridge are set to support sustainable growth and ensure resilient water supply in the face of climate change.
The Environment Minister said:
“Water is the lifeblood of any thriving city, and securing a sustainable supply for Cambridge is essential to unlocking its full potential to contribute to our wider Plan for Change.
“This government is prioritising water infrastructure upgrades, with £104 billion of private-sector investment secured to fund nine new reservoirs nationwide – including the new Fens Reservoir.
“Cambridge is a key economic hub, and we’re backing its future by securing significant investment to ensure sustainable development while safeguarding its natural resources.”
Environment Agency Area Director Sadia Moeed commented:
“Protecting the environment and delivering sustainable development can go hand in hand, now and into the future.
“The Environment Agency is supporting and facilitating the delivery of the Government’s growth ambitions in the East of England, working alongside local partners.
“Our priority is to ensure development is accompanied by infrastructure which delivers a water supply that meets current and future needs of people and the environment.“
The Environment Secretary also visited Rede, Suffolk, where Anglian Water is installing 7km of pipeline and a new pumping station at Rede Reservoir. Part of the Strategic Pipeline network, which will span over 300km in total across the East of England, the project will boost regional water resilience and be fully operational by 2030.
Following Ofwat’s approval, Anglian Water has been permitted to invest £794 million over five years in supply upgrades, including £154 million for the Fens Reservoir.
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