This was the first of a series of courses that is designed to build water utility capacity at the top and middle management to ensure the use of best practice, internationally accepted methodology and terminology in responding to the problem of non-revenue water. Succeeding courses will take place every six months with substantial “homework” between courses to ensure that the theory is understood and can be applied.
Around 70 member utilities from SAWUN and SEAWUN from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam participated in the training course. All participants were either senior members of the utilities or managerial and technical staff directly involved in NRW reduction. Asian Development Bank staff members participated as observers.
Mr. Roland Liemberger, a specialist on water loss assessment and loss reduction strategies facilitated the course. The participants learned how to (1) establish a standardized water balance and calculate water loss performance indicators, (2) reduce commercial and physical losses, and (3) produce a NRW Assessment and Management Action Plan, and were acquainted with the available NRW techniques and equipment. Training activities included lectures, case studies from different member utilities, group exercises, discussions and exchange of ideas among participants, and impact assessment in the form of multiple choice tests. On the last day a visit was made to the two private concessionaires operating in Metro Manila: Maynilad Water Services Inc. (MWSI) and Manila Water Company, Inc. (MWCI), including a tour of their facilities.
Presentations on the operational performance of Hai Phong Water Supply Company, MWSI and MWCI were made, highlighting their strategies and achievements in NRW reduction. Hai Phong and MWCI have each reduced their NRW levels to 21.5% and 26%, respectively, from levels beyond 60% in the last 10 years. MWSI on the other hand, has just been turned over to new owners and has identified NRW reduction as their main focus given the current levels at 69%. A NRW reduction strategy is currently being put in place with firm financial management commitment to support the program.
The participants were given take home assignments to establish a water balance and verify its components, calculate key performance indicators for commercial and physical losses and carry out a pressure monitoring program of their own facilities. This will enable utilities to design a NRW management and reduction program. Assignments will be monitored and submissions should be made before the next course. Submission of the homework is a prerequisite for invitation to the second course at the end of the year.
Seventy-nine percent of the participants scored more than 50% on their knowledge test, which according to Course Director Roland Liemberger is the best showing of participants among all the courses he has conducted to date. Handing out of course certificates was done by Mr. Paul Van Klaveren, of Asian Development Bank, who is in charge of the Technical Assistance program that finances the training courses.
The evaluation survey revealed that 88% of the participants find the course highly relevant to their current function. Eighty-nine percent stated that the information imparted by the course is highly useful and is focused on the skills they need to acquire. Ninety-one percent of the participants gave a high rating on the overall usefulness of the activity. Generally, the course conducted with both SAWUN and SEAWUN participants from different parts of Asia, was helpful in facilitating the exchange of experiences and provided richer and more diverse discussions.
The next course is tentatively set for November 2008.