Europe & CIS
ALBANIA / BERAT-KUCOVA, LUSHNJA
Consulting Services for Accompanying Training Measure for water supply and waste water utility
CLIENT Ujesjelles Berat-Kuçova sh.a., Ujesjelles Lushnja sh.a., Albania
FINANCING Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, KfW
DURATION 02 / 2011 - 02 / 2013
CONTRACT VALUE Approx. 900.000 EUR - In association
DESCRIPTION The consultancy services under this training measure programme shall complement the investment measures for Berat-Kucova in order to achieve the overall objective of 24 hours water supply, cost-coverage and becoming a modern water company. The consulting and training services are divided into two separated components, com-ponent for UK Berat-Kuçova ("NUKBK") and component for Lushnja ("NUKL"). For NUKBK focus will be laid on the reduction of water losses, the improvement of technical, commercial and financial performance of water services and on organisational development supporting the merger process between Berat and Kucova. For the NUKL an assessment of the present situation shall identify improvement recommendations for technical, commercial and financial performance of water services and shall propose training measures to be conducted within this project and in future in order to improve the skills of the personnel.
SERVICES The purpose of the services for NUKBK comprise training measures in:
- Organizational Development - Improvement of structures and processes, regionalisation
- Loss Reduction (focus on administrative losses) - Water Balancing, Reduction measures for administrative losses, leak detection
- Improvement of financial and commercial procedures - Business planning, Tariff adjustment study, Cost reduction, Billing and Collection, Customer Relations Management, Water Meter Management, Accounting
- Improvement of technical and organisational procedures - O&M management improvements, O&M manual
- Training in revenue increase and cost savings
- The services will particularly consider the need for organisational change (regionalisation of water services).
The purpose of the services for NUKL comprise:
- Evaluation of the current institutional, technical and financial situation
- Measures for improvement of financial, commercial and technical procedures
- Consulting services and trainings with regard to the proposed measures
***
ALBANIA / TIRANA
Provision of Services for the Design and Implementation of a National Study on the Customer Services
CLIENT United Nations Development Program, UNDP, Albania
FINANCING United Nations Development Program, UNDP, Albania
DURATION 02 - 12 / 2011
CONTRACT VALUE Approx. 22.300 EUR
DESCRIPTION In 2006 Albania signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union. Albania's reform agenda under this SAA includes the gradual harmonization with EU structures and directives among others in the area of customer and consumer protection. In this context the Economic Governance programme - jointly implemented by the World Bank and UNDP - has been implemented with the following aim: provision of a strong national voice for customers/consumers by strengthening the relevant consumer associations and state bodies. In this framework, the programme included the implementation of a National Study on the Customer Services of the 56 Albanian Water Utility Companies. The objective was to conduct a mapping of the current situation, identify strengths and weaknesses, and make recommendation on how to improve the customer services of the Albanian water utility companies. The study and recommendations is to be used as a situation analysis and inputs of the future preparation by the Water Regulatory Entity of standards and a model of customer service to be introduced in all Albanian Water utilities. The ultimate objective is to enhance the client orientation of the water utilities and enhance the quality of service provision.
SERVICES
- Development of an international best practice baseline / benchmark with respect to customer service in water/wastewater utilities,
- Contribution to design of methodology and questionnaire to assess customer service / relations activities in the 56 Albanian water utilities,
- Analysis and documentation of customer service / relations activities in the 56 Albanian water utilities,
- preparation of a profile and recommendations for improvement of customer service,
- preparation support and implementation of a national awareness raising workshop on customer service provision in the water sector in Albania
***
ALBANIA / KAVAJA
Sewerage Project
CLIENT RODECO Consulting GmbH
FINANCING Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, KfW
DURATION 08 / 2003
CONTRACT VALUE Approx. 5.000 EUR - In asscociation
DESCRIPTION The purpose this project was to construct and rehabilitate the sewerage system and secure proper management for the local water/wastewater company in Kavaja, Albania. This short-term assignment focused on training selected local staff in camera technology for sewerage canal inspections. Additionally, it included operational consulting services on daily procedures, management and O&M of the camera system.
SERVICES
- Selection of suitable local personnel to be trained in sewerage camera inspection technology and its applications,
- Operational start-up of the camera system (type ECO Star),
- Execution of training in the application / operation of sewerage inspection TV,
- Recommendations for operational procedures and work organisation for sewerage canal inspection,
- Training of the local personnel in preventive maintenance,
- Documentation of results
***
ALBANIA / NORTHERN ALBANIA
Rehabilitation and Extension of Rural Water Supply Systems in selected Communes
CLIENT Albanian Development Fund, ADF
FINANCING Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, KfW
DURATION 11 / 2008 - 05 / 2013
CONTRACT VALUE Approx. 290.000 EUR - In association
DESCRIPTION The aim of this project is to improve and secure the living conditions of the rural population in the participating regions of Northern Albania, i.e. several communes / villages in the administrative districts (Qarks) of Diber, Kukes, and Shkoder. The total benefiting population is between 40,000 and 50,000. Consulting services for Investment Measures: New construction or rehabilitation of 40-50 gravity water supply systems (generally consisting of source, reservoir, distribution network & customer connection and, in exceptional cases , sewerage facilities, such as latrines or simple measures for collection); Planning & consulting services for the selection of eligible villages & general project management; Planning & engineering services for technical measures, especially conceptual & feasibility studies, detailed & final engineering design works, procurement, & construction supervision & control / Consulting services for Accompanying Measures (Capacity Building): Planning and consulting services for the conception, coordination and implementation of a "programme awareness and information" campaign; Capacity building and instruction for technical personnel in the operation & maintenance of the precise system facilities - to strengthen and secure the technical capabilities of the respective operator for each water supply system; Capacity building and instruction for financial personnel in accounting, billings & collections - including procedures for reminders & late fees - and long-term financial management / Consulting services to strengthen and secure the professional competence of the newly created Rural Water Supply Unit for the Programme Executing Agency.
SERVICES
- Preparation and Execution of a public information and awareness campaign,
- Preparation of a project implementation concept,
- Assessment of current institutional, financial / commercial and technical /O&M status /
Assessment of Training Needs (O&M and commercial),
- Development & Implementation of training for operational & commercial staff to enable sustainable operations of the new assets in the long term; Preparation of a standardised O&M Manual for operations & maintenance of the new water supply facilities,
- Preparation of guiding Manual for sustainable utility commercial / financial operations,
- Development / Implementation of an easy-to-use Management Information System (MIS),
- Support in the village selection process and in establishment of Programme Procedures Manual
***
ARMENIA / LORI, SHIRAK
Water Supply and Wastewater Systems Rehabilitation: Enhancement of Managerial Skills of the Project Execution Agencies
CLIENT State Committee of Water System of the Republic of Armenia
FINANCING Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, KfW
DURATION 10 / 2005 - 05 / 2007
CONTRACT VALUE Approx. 220.000 EUR - In association
DESCRIPTION The project represented a comprehensive consulting and training approach to increase the ability of two major water utilities (in the municipalities of Gyumri and Vanadzor) to sustainably operate their water supply systems, in technical / operational as well as in commercial terms. The Consultant was contracted to enhance the professional skills of the technical and commercial management of the two PEAs.
Capacity Building, training and consulting services were carried out in the following fields:
- Operation of the network (production and distribution) including leak detection
- information systems (technical and commercial)
- general administration including human resources
- financial administration
- calculation of tariffs and setting of a tariff policy
- client relation including collection procedure / PR and awareness campaign
SERVICES
- Assessment, recommendations and implementation support in the field of customer relations management / commercial management,
- Preparation of comprehensive Business Plans for the two PEAS, i.e. water utilities of Gyumri and Vanadzor,
- Execution of a tariff study and design of a model for tariff calculation for the utilities, taking into account the findings of the tariff study,
- General consulting support to the management of the two utilities
***
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA / BIHAC, DERVENTA, KOSTAJNICA
Consulting Services for Rehabilitation of Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Systems
CLIENT Ministry of Finance and Treasury of Bosnia and Herzegovina / Municipalities of Bihac, Derventa, Kostajnica
FINANCING Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, KfW
DURATION 02 / 2006 - 03 / 2011
CONTRACT VALUE 2.422.000 EUR
DESCRIPTION The objective of this programme is to secure a reliable water supply for residents in selected urban areas at cost-covering and socially acceptable charges. As part of the Accompanying Measures programme, the water utilities of a total of 10 municipalities in the Bosnian-Croat Federation and the Republica Srbska, with special focus on the municipalities of Bihac, Derventa, Kostajnica and Banja Luka, are the beneficiaries and are supported in improving their operational and financial performance. Sachsen Wasser and the associated firms provide qualified consulting and training services, with the aim of achieving sustainable operation of the water supply systems.
SERVICES
- Assessment of the water utilities financial / commercial data,
- Evaluation of water utilities operational cost coverage, accounting, billing and collection processes,
- Assessment of the initial legal / regulatory framework,
- Assessment of O&M procedures / review of equipment and stores,
- Assessment of the utilities initial implementation of computerised systems,
- Preparation and Execution of a comprehensive socio-economic survey in selected municipalities,
- Strengthening of the utilities accounting and financial management, billing and collection,
- Design and introduction support of appropriate tariff systems,
- Improvements in operations and maintenance,
- Support in leakage reduction and reduction of UFW,
- Assessment on energy optimisation and asset management,
- Support in the field of customer relations and MIS,
- Staff training and development programme
***
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA / TRAVNIK
Institutional Support JKP Basbunar
CLIENT KWL-Kommunale Wasserwerke Leipzig GmbH / JKP Basbunar Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina
FINANCING KWL-Kommunale Wasserwerke Leipzig GmbH / JKP Basbunar Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina
DURATION 09 / 2005 - 12 / 2008
CONTRACT VALUE 165.000 EUR
DESCRIPTION The objective of this project is to improve the efficiency of the water/waste-water utility in Travnik, JKP Basbunar. The project aims to ensure the improvement of the existing situation, by implementing an investment programme (mainly the instalment of water meters for served customers), for the local customers regarding service, water quality and socially acceptable costs. Sachsen Wasser is responsible for the overall project management, utility assessments, identifying investment areas and supervising the implementation of investments.
SERVICES
- Project management,
- Assessment of the utility's economic and technical situational,
- Assessment of the utility's accounting, billing and collection processes,
- Development and recommendation of concepts to improve the efficiency of the utility and to identify areas of investment,
- Identification of necessary investment and preparation of a concept for a domestic metering programme,
- Supervision and controlling
***
EUROPE / GERMANY
MunServNet - Improving Sustainability of Municipal Service Provision in the field of water and waste water management
CLIENT Managing Authority of INTERREG IIIC / Joint Technical Secretariat, Vienna, Austria
FINANCING European Union, INTERREG IIIC
DURATION 07 / 2005 - 12 / 2007
CONTRACT VALUE 1.300.000 EUR
DESCRIPTION Municipalities in Europe are facing investment needs and budget constraints and therefore, serious questions are being asked as to the future of water provision and sanitation management. Increasing expectations from the consumers exist as regards municipal services and among these water quality, security of supply and economic optimisation. These all require clear long-term planning and investment strategies. Moreover, we have seen an acceleration of the mobilisation of the international community (UN, World Summit, EU) on the themes of water and sanitation. These challenges and the common pressure of municipal providers for water and sewage joined the network MunServNet of 13 organizations to share experiences and know-how in the above mentioned field on a European level which was lead by Sachsen Wasser GmbH. (www.munservnet.com)
SERVICES
- Workshops, Seminars and Working-group meetings in all utility management related fields of customer services management, tariff structures and privatisation,
- Pilot study on water quality monitoring,
- Study on decentralized waste water management,
- Site visits to innovative technologies with their spatial aspects
***
GEORGIA
TA for the Feasibility Study & Designs for Water Investments in 6 towns in Georgia
CLIENT United Water Supply Company of Georgia, UWSCG
FINANCING European Investment Bank, EIB
DURATION 12 / 2012 - 12 / 2014
CONTRACT VALUE Approx. 1.700.000 EUR
DESCRIPTION The overall objective of the Technical Assistance operation is to support the UWSCG to implement water sector investment schemes and improve the performance of the water supply and wastewater infrastructure assets within Georgia. The specific objectives are to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies for six towns. The studies will focus equally on water supply, water distribution, sewerage and wastewater treatment. To use the results of the studies as a basis for the selection of priority projects for which to develop full tender dossiers for international bidding. And to improve the capacity of the UWSCG through a fellowship and paid internship programme for up to seven engineers/experts. The capacity building programme shall be in the key fields of Engineering, Water Resources Management, Water Supply Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, Urban Water Engineering and Management, Regulation of Water Services, Mineral Resources Management, etc.
These specific objectives shall be achieved inter alia by means of:
- Technical evaluation of the existing level of service provided by the Municipality and of the physical state of its existing infrastructure assets, together with an assessment of future development needs (either for legislative compliance, social development or economic growth);
- Feasibility Study and a Cost Benefit Analysis of the proposed investment projects, in accordance with the Guide to Cost Benefit Analysis
SERVICES
- Design and planning of drinking water supply and distribution networks in small and midsized agglomerations.
- Developing, carrying out and monitoring of network inspections and flow measurements
- Financial assessment of municipalities and operating company
- Dynamic Prime Cost Calculations and economic comparison of alternatives
- Preparation of the Feasibility Study
- Development of capacity building program for selected key staff of UWSCG in key fields of Engineering, Water Resources Management, Water Supply Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, Urban Water Engineering and Management, Regulation of Water Services, Mineral Resources Management, etc.
- Organisational survey and capacity development needs assessment of UWSCG
- Appraisal of educational programme for University courses and short-courses/distance
- learning courses, facilitating contacts for identification of internships, Selection of Candidates
- Organisational support to fellowship candidates during the fellowships & internships duration
- Preparation of fellowship appraisal report
***
MACEDONIA / OHRID, STRUGA, KUMANOVO, STIP, VELES, STRUMICA
Municipal and Environmental Action Program (MEAP)
CLIENT PROWA Engineering GmbH / Ministry of Urban Planning and Construction / PIU of Ohrid, Struga, Kumanovo, Stip, Veles, Strumica
FINANCING European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, EBRD
DURATION 11 / 2001
CONTRACT VALUE Approx. 12.000 EUR
DESCRIPTION The Municipal and Environmental Action Program, financed by EBRD, aimed to strengthen institutional aspects of water utilities throughout Macedonia, i.e. the utilities of Ohrid, Struga, Kumanovo, Stip, Veles and Strumica. Sachsen Wasser's input was related to the Financial and Operational Performance Improvement Programme (FOPIP). The term in the early project phase secured a substantial part in the overall project structure and allocation of qualified experts to cover the necessary tasks.
SERVICES
- Establishment of the project set-up in close cooperation with the client and local Macedonian partners,
- Analysis of the current situation of the water utilities mentioned above,
- Recommendation regarding allocation of suitable experts to cover the necessary project tasks,
- Cooperation with the client and local partners: design and implementation of monitoring systems for water quality, proposals for a water meter management programme, design and introduction support for standardised customer contracts
***
MACEDONIA / PRILEP
Rehabilitation of Water Supply and Wastewater Disposal
CLIENT Municipality of Prilep
FINANCING Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, KfW
DURATION 01 / 2004 - 12 / 2006
CONTRACT VALUE Approx. 240.000 EUR - In association
DESCRIPTION The KfW committed nine million Euro to improve the water supply situation in Prilep. The objective of this project was to secure and sustain the supply to the population in Prilep using a phased implementation approach. The first phase is the Institutional Support Programme, which establishes a new water utility and then subsequently provides institutional support including technical and commercial operation.
SERVICES
- Support of the start-up of the newly established Water and Sewage Utility of Prilep,
- Recommendations for an effective organisational structure,
- Development of human resources, job descriptions and staff training,
- Advice on the development and implementation of computerised accounting and cost coding systems,
- Development and implementation of a business plan,
- Advice on and support of an adequate and cost covering tariff system,
- Support in the introduction of Management Information System (MIS),
- Recommendation of methods to reduce unaccounted water,
- Advice on the preparation of an investment plan
***
MONTENEGRO / ADRIATIC COAST
Consulting Services for Institutional Support of Capacity Development
CLIENT Vodacom d.o.o., Montenegro
FINANCING Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, KfW
DURATION 08 / 2009 - 07 / 2012
CONTRACT VALUE 2.000.000 EUR
DESCRIPTION The main objective of this Institutional Support / Capacity Development Project was to support the local water and wastewater utilities (ViKs), their regional service company and PEA Vodacom d.o.o. and authorities in developing a sustainable provision of communal water and wastewater services for the resident citizens and the seasonal (tourism) population (in total more than 100,000 pop), for public health and environmental protection in the coastal region. The 3-year project targeted 4 water and wastewater utilities (ViKs) on the Montenegrin Adriatic coast as well as the regional service company and PEA Vodacom d.o.o. The institutional performance of the four individual ViKs of Tivat, Kotor, Herceg Novi and Bar was increased through consulting support and specifically staff training in technical and financial aspects of utility management and operation. Furthermore, the PEA Vodacom was assisted, and its staff trained, in order to facilitate exercise of its mandate as the regional service company for the communities of the coastal region.
SERVICES
- Business planning for the water utilities
- Tariff calculations and policy for 4 ViKs
- Introduction of uniform Chart of Accounts and Cost Centres
- Preparation of Standard Commercial Operations Manuals for ViKs
- Meter Reading, Billing and Collection
- Debt Recovery Plans and Debt Collection
- Customer Service, Customer Contracts
- Procurement, implementation of and Training in Utility Software Packages (MIS)
- Implementation of Benchmarking System
- Operation and preventative maintenance of water and wastewater infrastructure, SOPs
- Network Zoning and Establishment of Pilot Zones in four ViKs
- Leak Detection, Water Audit, Loss Reduction
- Hydraulic Modelling and Build-Up of GIS databases (EPANET / MapInfo)
- Comprehensive GIS Survey (Kotor, 160 km)
- Energy Assessment of 11 Pumping Stations
- Support for the optimisation of internal processes and structures
***
MONTENEGRO / DANILOVGRAD
Danilovgrad Municipal Infrastructure - Financial and Operational Performance Improvement Programme
CLIENT Public Utility Company Danilovgrad, Montenegro
FINANCING European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, EBRD
DURATION 04 / 2011 - 03 / 2013
CONTRACT VALUE Approx. 200.000 EUR (extended services: 42.500 EUR)
DESCRIPTION EBRD provides a loan in an amount up to EUR 5.35 million. This loan will enable Public Utility Company Danilovgrad to finance improvements in their water supply infrastructure and the development of wastewater collection and treatment in Danilovgrad. Technical Assistance for the development and implementation of a Financial and Operational Performance Improvement Programme ("FOPIP") will achieve the transition objectives of the Project and enhance commercial viability and administrative and managerial capacities of the Company. The main objective is to assist the Company to identify and implement the necessary corporate, financial and operational improvements, corporate development planning, operational efficiency (e.g. reducing water leakages, reducing number of bursts), reducing operating costs; improving financial performance (e.g. increase the revenue collection, reduce accounts receivable, etc.); environmental, health and safety and labour/social issues; Capacity building.
SERVICES
- Prepare and execute a Public Service Contract between Public Utility Company and Municipality
- Organisational Development (Structures and Procedures, Human Resources)
- Develop computer-based Management Information System
- Review tariff policy and develop new tariff system (tariff study) incl. socioeconomic study
- Improve accounting, budgeting and cash management (incl. IFRS standards)
- Assist in improving billing and collection procedures (increase revenue)
- Propose measures to raise operational efficiency (technical management)
- Elaborate Environmental and Social Action Plan
- Prepare recommendations for improved public and customer relations
- Develop Stakeholder Engagement Plan for investment measures
- On-the-job assistance in all fields of utility management
- Development and Initiate Water Loss Reduction Programme (inkl. Water Balancing and Leak Detection Training)
***
ROMANIA / CONSTANTA
Management and Supervision of the ISPA Contracts
CLIENT Central Finance and Contracting Unit, CFCU / RAJAC Constanta, Romania / ICON Institute Public Sector GmbH
FINANCING European Union - Phare / ISPA
DURATION 07 - 11 / 2002 (intermittent)
CONTRACT VALUE Approx. 30.000 EUR (own services) - In association
DESCRIPTION The objective of this project was to improve the environmental infrastructure and secure the sound management and implementation of the ISPA Programme in Constanta. The project enhanced the management capability and institutional capacity of Regia Autonoma de Apa Constanta.
SERVICES
- Introduction support for a professional preventative maintenance system for the water and wastewater utility,
- Base line studies of existing networks and installations,
- Analysis of the operational and personnel situation of RAJAC's maintenance department,
- Analysis of the existing network maintenance operations and corresponding recommendations,
- Support in elaboration of an incident logging system as part of a SCADA system,
- Assessment of training needs and training of staff in preventive maintenance management and quality assurance,
- Coordination of operational changes with the prime contractor and RAJAC
***
RUSSIA / CHELNY
Study for the Wastewater Treatment Plant at Nabereshnye Chelny
CLIENT Chelnyvodokanal, Russia
FINANCING Chelnyvodokanal, Russia
DURATION 05 / 2010
CONTRACT VALUE 5.000 EUR
DESCRIPTION At the wastewater treatment plant Nabereshnye Chelny problems have to be handled that occur while operating the WWTP. Additionally some problems are feared to occur in the future due to deterioration of the effluent values. Therefore Sachsen Wasser GmbH was engaged to make an on-site assessment of the current situation at the wastewater treatment plant and to analyse existing operational data. Options to solve the problems elaborated in order to observe the effluent values while at the same time considering options for energy optimisation of the wastewater treatment plant. Also the associated necessary investment costs were numerated.
SERVICES
- Inspection of the facility on site,
- Analysis of operational data,
- Appoint the reason for the malfunction of the wastewater treatment plant,
- Proposal of necessary investments