lebanon water project - pdf.usaid.gov

` 1

JULY 2019

This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was

prepared by DAI Global LLC.

LEBANON WATER PROJECT YEAR FOUR – QUARTER THREE

(APRIL 1, 2019 – JUNE 30, 2019)

DISCLAIMER

The authors’ views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government

LEBANON WATER PROJECT YEAR FOUR – QUARTER THREE REPORT

(APRIL1, 2019 – JUNE 30, 2019)

Program Title: Lebanon Water Project

Sponsoring USAID Office: Lebanon

Contract Number: AID-268-N-15-00001

Contractor: DAI Global LLC (DAI)

Date of Publication: July 30, 2019

Author: Lebanon Water Project

DISCLAIMER

The authors’ views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States

Agency for International Development or the United States Government.

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT

CONTENT

ACRONYMS................................................................................................................. 1

INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 3

SECTION I – OVERVIEW .......................................................................................... 4

SUMMARY BY RESULT ........................................................................................................................................... 4

SIGNIFICANT MEETINGS AND EVENTS SUMMARY ................................................................................... 6

SUCCESS STORIES ................................................................................................................................................. 11

SECTION II – PROGRESS BY RESULT ................................................................. 12

RESULT A: IMPROVE SERVICE DELIVERY AND RESOURCES BY THE FIVE PUBLIC WATER

UTILITIES (THE RWES AND THE LRA) THAT ARE MANDATED BY LAW TO PROVIDE WATER,

WASTEWATER, AND IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN LEBANON, AND BY LOCAL

MUNICIPALITIES WHERE FEASIBLE AND APPROPRIATE ....................................................................... 12

RESULT B: IMPROVE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT IN WATER MANAGEMENT AND ADVANCE

CITIZEN PERCEPTION OF THE WATER UTILITIES ROLE IN PROVIDING A NECESSARY AND

VALUABLE SERVICE .............................................................................................................................................. 38

RESULT C: IMPROVE PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT IN WATER MANAGEMENT ................. 47

SECTION III – MANAGEMENT, OPERATIONAL, AND CROSS-CUTTING

ACCOMPLISHMENTS ............................................................................................. 52

ANNEX A – SUMMARY OF GRANTS ................................................................... 55

ANNEX B – SUMMARY OF TRAININGS .............................................................. 58

ANNEX C – SUMMARY OF GENDER INTEGRATION ACTIVITIES ............... 59

ANNEX D – SUMMARY OF SHORT TERM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ........ 60

ANNEX E – ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE REPORTING ......................... 62

ANNEX F – SUMMARY OF CONSTRUCTION WORKS STATUS ................... 64

ANNEX G – SUMMARY OF COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA ........................ 75

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 1

ACRONYMS

ABA Allied Business Advisors

ACWUA Arab Countries Water Utilities Association

ALI Association of Lebanese Industrialists

AUB American University of Beirut

BMLWE Beirut-Mount Lebanon Water Establishment

BWE Bekaa Water Establishment

CDCS Country Development Cooperation Strategy

CCIAZ Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture Zahlehh and Bekaa

CQC Construction Quality Control

CSO Civil Society Organization

DAI DAI Global LLC

DG Director General

DO Development Objective

EBRD European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

ERAC Environmental Review Assessment Checklist

ERO Environmental Review Officer

ERP Microsoft Dynamics NAV-Enterprise Resource Planning

FOM Field Operations Manual

GIS Geographical Information System

LRA Litani River Authority

LRC LebRelief Council

LWP Lebanon Water Project

MoE Ministry of Environment

MoEW Ministry of Energy and Water

NGO Non-Governmental Organization

NLWE North Lebanon Water Establishment

O&M Operation and Maintenance

PODA Project Outside of Demonstration Area

PPP Public Private Partnership

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 2

Q1 Quarter One

Q2 Quarter Two

Q3 Quarter Three

Q4 Quarter Four

RMP Risk Management Plan

RWE Regional Water Establishment

SLWE South Lebanon Water Establishment

STTA Short Term Technical Assistance

USAID United States Agency for International Development

WELI Water Efficiency in Lebanese Industry

WQAP Water Quality Assurance Plan

WSA Water Security Analysis

WW Wastewater

WWTP Wastewater Treatment Plant

Y1 Year One

Y2 Year Two

Y3 Year Three

Y4 Year Four

Y5 Year Five

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 3

INTRODUCTION

The goal of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) for Lebanon is “improved accountability and credibility of public institutions, and broader economic prosperity”. In the water sector this CDCS is advanced through USAID’s Development Objective (1) (DO1) of “improved capacity of the public sector in providing transparent quality services across Lebanon”. In line with USAID’s DO1, the Lebanon Water Project (LWP) is a five-year activity funded by USAID with a goal to increase reliable and sustainable access to water for citizens, improve water management practices, enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the Regional Water Establishments (RWEs) and the Litani River Authority (LRA), reduce non-revenue water, and improve irrigation water use.

Building on past USAID assistance to the Lebanese water sector and partnering with the Beirut-Mount Lebanon Water Establishment (BMLWE), Bekaa Water Establishment (BWE), South Lebanon Water Establishment (SLWE), North Lebanon Water Establishment (NLWE), and LRA, LWP strives to meet its ultimate objectives through three interrelated results:

Result A: Improve service delivery and resource management by the five public water utilities (the four RWEs and the LRA) that are mandated by law to provide water, wastewater, and irrigation management services in Lebanon, and by local municipalities where feasible and appropriate.

Result B: Improve civic engagement in water management and advance citizen perception of the water utilities role in providing a necessary and valuable service.

Result C: Improve private sector involvement in water management.

The implementation of these results, along with associated tasks and activities, has taken and will continue to take place at the RWEs including specific areas referred to as “Demonstration Areas”, which have been identified as the Cazas of Koura, Metn, Zahleh, and Jezzine.

LWP moved forward in Year Four (Y4) Quarter Three (Q3) with many activities as described in this report, which covers the period starting on April 1, 2019 and ending on June 30, 2019. The report is structured into three main sections: Section I provides an overview of LWP activities over the course of Y4-Q3. Section II shows specific progress of LWP Results A, B, and C for Y4-Q3, and next steps. Section III focuses on LWP management and operations.

The annexes to this report provide additional information on:

Annex A: Summary of Grants for Y4-Q3

Annex B: Summary of Trainings for Y4-Q3

Annex C: Summary of Gender Integration Activities for Y4-Q3

Annex D: Summary of Short Term Technical Assistance provided by LWP in Y4-Q3

Annex E: Environmental Compliance Reporting for Y4-Q3

Annex F: Summary of Construction Works Status for Y4-Q3

Annex G: Summary of Communication and Media for Y4-Q3

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 4

SECTION I – OVERVIEW

This section provides an overview of LWP activities in Y4-Q3 and includes a summary of the LWP quarter by result, a summary of important meetings and events, and a synopsis of lessons learned.

SUMMARY BY RESULT

LWP continued its simultaneous implementation of Results A, B, and C. These results (and their related tasks and activities) are interdependent and build on one another to create an inclusive and mutually reinforcing approach that will deliver comprehensive results. Through Result A, LWP directly strengthens the RWEs and LRA from within, making them efficient in management and service delivery. Building on Result A improvements, Result B seeks to restore a balanced relation between the improved RWEs and LRA and citizens through turning these citizens into responsible customers that have rights, but also obligations towards the RWEs and LRA. Finally, building on the ground laid by both Results A and B, Result C seeks to remedy the existing disconnect between the Lebanese public and private sector by bringing both sectors closer via cooperation and partnership.

Below is a synopsis of Result A, B, and C accomplishments in Y4-Q3.

Result A: Improve service delivery and resource management by the five public water utilities (the four RWEs and the LRA) that are mandated by law to provide water, wastewater, and irrigation management services in Lebanon, and by local municipalities where feasible and appropriate

To directly strengthen the RWEs and LRA to improve efficiency in management and service delivery, LWP continued its Microsoft Dynamics NAV-Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), risk management, and governance activities. LWP completed ERP implementation in the BWE and NLWE this quarter and developed a new automatic laboratory testing results feature within the SLWE ERP. All ERP modules are currently operational, and staff were guided on the upgrade changes and new features. Users expressed their satisfaction with the ERP system and with the LWP team, hoping for continued support to ensure the smooth operation of the system within the RWEs. The systems allow the RWEs to become more administratively and financially efficient. It also ensures greater quality control, leading to more informed decision-making, which will also contribute to improved business performance.

LWP also began coordination activities related to the proposed Central ICT unit shared by the RWEs. The RWEs designated SLWE to take the lead, as it is best equipped for this endeavor. The unit will initially be created at SLWE and branch out to the interested RWEs at a later stage. The Central ICT unit will allow the RWEs to reconcile their water management strategies with their IT infrastructure to increase overall management efficiency.

A major activity this quarter was the internal audit exercise undertaken at BMLWE, NLWE, and SLWE. At BMLWE, after developing a three-year strategic audit plan and a 2019 annual audit plan, the two teams reviewed the trial balance for 2015 and started reviewing each financial transaction from 2005 to 2014 while making all necessary adjustments with the goal of determining an accurate opening balance from January 1, 2015 onwards. LWP continued assisting the NLWE finance team with closing its financial statements from 2005 to 2018 and making necessary adjustments. This exercise requires finding historical data, which NLWE was not able to make available promptly and systematically. The expected completion of this task is planned for Y4-Q4. Once the cleanup is completed, NLWE will be able to properly close its 2018 financial statements and submit them to the Ministry of Energy and Water (MoEW), after getting approval from its Board of Directors (BoD). LWP also completed SLWE’s final 2018 audit report and submitted it to the Director General (DG). The objective of this report is to analyze the financial and operating results of SLWE for the year ending December 31, 2018 and compare them with previous financial years.

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 5

LWP continued construction progress in the Jezzine, Metn, and Koura demonstration areas under a “closing the water loop” approach. Construction is taking place at 25 locations within the Jezzine demonstration area, including installation of 10 km of water transmission lines, 3,400 customer water meters, and complex testing of physical, chemical, and bacteriological characteristics of water at 14 testing sites to ensure overall water quality and safety. Metn demonstration area construction continues, including installation of 29,000 customer water meters. This quarter marked the first quarter of construction works within the Koura demonstration area.

Result B: Improve civic engagement in water management and advance citizen perception of the water utilities role in providing a necessary and valuable service

Building on Result A, LWP worked to improve civic engagement in water management and advance citizen perception of the water utilities. As part of its communication support, LWP and its communication subcontractor began working on the communication campaigns to be conducted in the Jezzine, Metn, and Koura demonstration areas, in coordination with the RWEs. These campaigns will focus on raising awareness on water meters and water conservation, subscribing to the water establishment and engaging citizens at large to become responsible citizens and partners. LWP has met with the relevant RWEs to discuss the campaign design and content. By end of Y4-Q3, NLWE approved the proposed LWP campaign and LWP is following-up with BMLWE and SLWE to complete theirs. The campaigns are planned to go into Y5 and will also focus on water saving awareness. The ultimate goal of these communication activities is to improve the relation between the RWEs and customers.

LWP also continued work under grants implemented by LebRelief Council, the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Zahlehh and Bekaa (CCIAZ) and USJ Chaire de L’Education a L’Eco-citoyennette et au Developpement Durable (CEEDD).

CCIAZ continued moving forward with its “Improving water availability, quality, and uses in agriculture and industry in the Bekaa” project. LWP and CCIAZ followed-up with four dairy industries who had committed to treating whey discharges and were working on installation of the necessary equipment, in Y4-Q3. The main challenge these small dairy producers are facing is the lack of available expertise in cost effective small-scale-treatment process of whey. Although CCIAZ partnered with whey treatment experts, the dairy industries are still facing difficulties meeting the strict standard of Lebanese Environmental Limit Values (ELVs) for discharge. To allow the industries additional time to fine-tune treatment and fully comply with ELVs, LWP granted CCIAZ an extension of its grant agreement. LWP will continue accompanying these small dairy industries during the summer of 2019.

Under its grant, CEEDD completed training of teachers on water conservation and management in 14 out of 15 schools, in the Metn Demonstration Area, in Y4-Q3. The training addressed sustainable development with a focus on water and tools for behavioral change. Once trained, the teachers developed water conservation projects and worked on them with their students for a practical learning approach. While implementing the projects, the teachers were coached by professionals in education and environment from CEEDD. As a follow-on to the sessions, over 30 student projects were presented in student congresses in Y4-Q3. CEEDD also launched parents’ awareness sessions in the same schools and completed 8 out of 15 by end of Y4-Q3. These sessions will start again with the new school year.

Additionally, CEEDD held 15 town hall meetings with Metn municipalities between May and June 2019. These meetings raised awareness of USAID’s support to water management, the introduction of water meters in Metn, and BMLWE’s efforts to improve its service. The purpose of these meetings is to acquaint residents with the USAID-funded Lebanon Water Project and the infrastructure works it is conducting with BMLWE for the benefit of these communities. LWP believes that when citizens communicate with the RWE that provides them with water, the RWE’s image in the public eye improves, and citizens become partners in water management instead of merely consumers.

Result C: Improve private sector involvement in water management

Building on Results A and B, LWP has improved private sector involvement in the water sector by focusing its efforts on creating a strategic model performance-based framework for the RWEs to support approved Public-Private Partnership (PPP) interventions for the RWEs. LWP’s PPP expert has developed the three contract models with detailed scopes of work and tender documents for BWE, NLWE, and

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 6

SLWE. LWP has shared them with the RWEs. The NLWE PPP effort centers around overall improvement of Tripoli’s water system, which caught the interest of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The BWE PPP effort focuses on wastewater and is currently in the process of searching for funding. The SLWE PPP documentation was approved by the SLWE DG this past quarter and its water focus is under review.

LWP further worked alongside the EBRD this quarter outside of the NLWE PPP initiative. On May 30, 2019, LWP held a coordination meeting at its offices with LWP’s partners, beneficiaries, and stakeholders to introduce them to the EBRD’s Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF). Attendees included a representative from the EBRD Head Office visiting Beirut and LWP’s partners from the private sector (wine industry, agri-business, industrial association, and cooperatives). The purpose of this event was to enhance LWP’s role as facilitator in linking the private sector to available financing and encourage water conservation investments. Already operating in Lebanon, GEFF supports businesses and households that wish to invest in green technologies. The meeting allowed EBRD to present GEFF to LWP’s private sector partners and offer them potential financing for water or wastewater projects. For its part, LWP showcased its success stories with its private sector partners, highlighting the big impact that even small, grant-supported investments could achieve in terms of protecting water resources and improving profitability.

For additional detailed information related to Results A, B, and C, please refer to Section II of this report.

SIGNIFICANT MEETINGS AND EVENTS SUMMARY

Below is a summary of significant meetings and events for Y4-Q3.

April 1, 2019 – Meeting of BWE and Donors Representatives for the BWE Irrigation Master Plan LWP presented the draft Irrigation Master Plan (IMP) at the BWE Donors’ meeting on April 1, 2019. The IMP presentation identified potential strategic investment categories with emphasis on irrigation canals. At the end of the presentation, LWP and BWE asked donors to share their criteria for potential investments. The main purpose of this meeting was to help BWE start using the IMP as a tool to guide investment. By the end of the meeting, participants and BWE agreed on investment criteria as described below:

Total investment per capita – socio-economic (how many people are benefitting).

Total investment per irrigated area (how many cultivated square meters are benefitting).

Areas with high stress in water availability.

Impact of total investment on irrigation efficiency.

April 17, 2019 – Ghazze Community Engagement. Following the completion of the Ghazze pumping station in the Bekaa (BWE PODA), LWP organized a town hall meeting in Ghazze on April 17, 2019. The purpose of this meeting was to engage active community members from different backgrounds in discussions related to citizens’ responsibility towards water as a natural resource and their duties towards BWE as a water service provider. Attending this event were community leaders, including school leaders, mukhtars, and Muslim sheikhs to encourage them to spread water conservation messages to students, members of the community, and to believers attending Friday prayers. The meeting was also attended by the mayor of Ghazze and the DG of BWE to facilitate communication between the water establishment and the Ghazze community. The LWP presentation focused on engaging the audience in discussions about the responsibility of communicating to the Ghazze general public about the importance of water conservation and protection. Part of this responsibility is subscribing with BWE to ensure equitable distribution of water. As a result of BWE DG’s genuine approach, various attendees expressed willingness to cooperate and deliver messages to the community about their responsibility in conserving and protecting water resources. Mohammed Majzoub, Ghazze mayor, reminded everyone that no one should waste water or use water without paying for it. Several sheikhs expressed their gratitude for the valuable information that was presented, saying they plan to include it in the Friday sermons.

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 7

Engaging religious leaders, mayors, and others to be responsible citizens

Photo by LWP

April 23, 2019 – WELI Closing Event. The Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI) organized an event to disseminate the results of its USAID-funded Water Efficiency in Lebanese Industry (WELI) program and celebrate successes achieved. Launched in 2017, WELI had allowed nine stone cutting industrialists to install water recycling equipment that allowed them to save up to 90% of the water used in their manufacturing process while saving around $700,000 yearly in costs. This closing ceremony event took place on April 23, 2019 under the auspices of the Minister of Industry. Attending the event were the representative of the MoEW, USAID, ALI’s President and Board as well as members of ALI, and the beneficiaries.

Photo by LWP

For additional information on the successes of the WELI program, please refer to Result C in this report.

Yazda’s water recycling system

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 8

May 3, 2019 – Meeting with the Ministry of Energy and Water on LWP’s Stone-Cutting Industry Initiative with the Association of Lebanese Industrialists. Because of LWP’s success through its grantee, the Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI), under the WELI program, the advisor to the Minister of Energy and Water requested to meet with LWP on May 3, 2019. Aiming to build on LWP’s expertise and reduce pollution of the Litani River, the Ministry is also seeking funds to support similar industries in the Litani Basin area with installing water recycling equipment. LWP discussed with the advisor the following aspects of LWP’s support to the stone cutting industry:

The equipment and technology used.

The system adopted for funding.

The various equipment suppliers.

The cost of every type of water recycling intervention.

May 11, 2019 – Launch of the Town Hall Meetings for the Metn Demonstration Area Lead by LWP and its grantee, the Chair de L’Education a l Ecocitoyenneté et au Development Durable (CEEDD/Diane foundation, the first town hall meeting for the Metn demonstration area took place at municipality of Kornet Chehwan, on May 11, 2019. This meeting is the first in a series of meetings that were are organized throughout the municipalities of the Metn Demonstration Area to accompany LWP’s infrastructure activities. Organized with the full support of the Mayor and municipal council, the meeting was attended by the BMLWE DG and senior staff, local dignitaries, as well as by a substantial number of local residents. During the meeting, LWP presented the project and particularly emphasized on the works carried out in the Metn demonstration area. The presentation was followed by a live demonstration on the installation of meter boxes and meters to be installed.

May 29, 2019 – The UNICEF Customer Registration Portal Coordination Meeting Workshop LWP attended a half-day workshop organized by UNICEF to finalize the Customer Registration Portal (CRP) on May 29, 2019 in the presence of the DGs of BWE, NLWE, and SLWE. The workshop was led by Everteam, the UNICEF vendor, to develop the CRP solution. The purpose of the workshop was to discuss the system design and data structure that should be integrated with the ERP system. Under the same activity, LWP had already assisted with the integration of the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, designed and finalized for SLWE. LWP will be replicating the same exercise for NLWE and BWE. UNICEF expressed its appreciation of LWP’s key support and contributions towards this activity, which will result in updating the customer database of BWE, NLWE, and SLWE, a matter all DGs consider highly important for their proper business operations.

May 30, 2019 – Meeting with EBRD for Potential Private Sector Financing of Water Projects. On May 30, 2019, LWP held a coordination meeting at its offices with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), LWP’s partners, beneficiaries, and stakeholders to introduce them to EBRD’s Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF). Attendees included a representative from the EBRD Head Office visiting Beirut and LWP’s partners from the private sector (wine industry, agri-business, industrial association, and cooperatives). The purpose of this event was to enhance LWP’s role as facilitator in linking the private sector to available financing and encourage water conservation investments. Already operating in Lebanon, GEFF supports businesses and households that wish to invest in green technologies. The meeting allowed EBRD to present GEFF to LWP’s private sector partners and offer them potential financing for water or wastewater projects. For its part, LWP showcased its success stories with its private sector partners, highlighting the big impact that even small, grant-supported investments could achieve in terms of protecting water resources and improving profitability. The meeting achieved its objectives as EBRD’s team agreed with LWP’s partners to organize workshops in the Bekaa and introduce its financing mechanisms to local farmers, micro-businesses, and SMEs interested in water conservation measures, thus ensuring the sustainability of LWP investments beyond the life of LWP. “This is an excellent initiative,” said Miroslav Maly, Associate Director of EBRD-funded GEFF. “We have already invested in many sectors, but today, you gave us the opportunity to connect with agribusinesses, which have a big impact on the environment.”

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 9

EBRD’s presentation of GEFF at LWP’s offices

June 10, 2019 – LWP’s Support to Other Donor-Funded Initiatives. On June 10, LWP collaborated with Waterlution, a Canadian non-governmental organization (NGO) focusing on the water sector to facilitate cross-sector dialogue and inspire creative solutions while focusing on youth. Waterlution is the incubator of the Water Innovation Labs (WIL), a worldwide initiative Waterlution launched in 2010 and hosted in 9 countries (Canada, Scotland, Portugal, India, Brazil, Australia, the Netherlands), with WIL taking place in Lebanon this year. The WIL initiative “is a front-running, immersive leadership training designed to accelerate collaborative innovation, fast-track global knowledge-sharing and devise new innovations that improve water security. WIL supports emerging leaders (18-35 yrs) to implement Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets connected to water both in their organisations and their projects. WIL develops future water leaders to think holistically, design innovatively, and communicate effectively across cultures”. LWP being a leader in the Lebanese water sector, Waterlution requested LWP’s expertise as WIL Lebanon aims to develop young water leaders’ capacity to think and act in service of solving some of the most complex Lebanese water challenges, while implementing SDG targets. In this context, the LWP team lead a bus tour with students and presented the support LWP and the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture Zahlehh and Bekaa (CCIAZ) are providing to the dairy industry in the Bekaa.

June 10, 12, and 13, 2019 – Meeting with RWEs on Communication Campaigns for LWP’s Demonstration Areas LWP organized three meetings with the RWEs staff to discuss the proposals for the communication campaigns accompanying infrastructure works in the Metn, Koura, and Jezzine. The first meeting with NLWE was held on June 10, followed by BMLWE on June 12, and SLWE on June 13. During the meetings, the firm contracted by LWP to design the campaign presented the visuals and the development process that included information collection, interviews with community and the RWEs, as well as the results of LWP’s survey and focus groups discussions. The firm discussed the proposed campaigns and presented simulations on selected locations for posting outdoor banners and billboards. Based on these meetings, LWP and the contracted firm agreed on incorporating the comments/suggestions received, and

Photo by LWP

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 10

submitting the final version to each RWE for official consent, before sharing with USAID for final approval and launching.

June 19 and 20, 2019 – Strategic Retreat for LWP. As LWP prepares for its final 18 months of implementation and welcomes a new Chief of Party, a strategic retreat was held in June 2019 to provide a clear way forward for final implementation, enhance effective communication between technical and operations teams, and plan for an exit strategy that ensures project results will continue to positively impact beneficiaries following the end of the project. This retreat focused on team-building with the arrival of the new Chief of Party and served as an introduction for him to all LWP staff, the current state of implementation, and to highlight of key deliverables targets and completion strategies. The retreat reinforced LWP’s ability to accomplish its goals in Lebanon, with a focus on maximizing impact and sustainability measures.

June 25 and 26, 2019 – Regional Water Establishments Communication Working Groups (CWG) LWP team took part in two CWG meetings organized by UNICEF and the RWEs, notably BWE and NLWE on June 25 and 26 respectively. The meeting was held by UNICEF who is the lead on communication activities for BWE, NLWE, and SLWE and has devised the strategic communication plan for the three RWEs. UNICEF presented its three phase plan (described below), noting that it is about to start with phase 3:

Phase 1- Building the capacity of BWE in terms of training staff and hiring qualified staff.

Phase 2- Equipping BWE with the right communication infrastructure.

Phase 3- Building a stronger/better relationship between BWE and local communities.

LWP encouraged the UNICEF team to learn from its success with the town hall meetings in Metn. UNICEF will be conducting a pre-satisfaction survey in September 2019 and a post-intervention satisfaction survey in September 2020 to test the impact of all customer-related interventions. LWP also invited UNICEF to reach out to the LWP M&E team for assistance with this activity.

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 11

SUCCESS STORIES

This quarter witnessed the completion of the success story below.

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 12

SECTION II – PROGRESS BY RESULT

Below is a summary of the LWP progress for Y4-Q3, detailed under each LWP Result, related tasks, and deliverables. At the end of Result A, B, and C, a detailed table of tasks and associated activities indicates progress specific to each task and its activities.

RESULT A: IMPROVE SERVICE DELIVERY AND RESOURCES BY THE FIVE

PUBLIC WATER UTILITIES (THE RWES AND THE LRA) THAT ARE

MANDATED BY LAW TO PROVIDE WATER, WASTEWATER, AND

IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN LEBANON, AND BY LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES WHERE FEASIBLE AND APPROPRIATE

TASK A.1. STRENGTHEN RWES AND LRA PLANNING AND INTERNAL OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

This task involves assistance to the RWEs to improve their governance. It includes activities related to planning, the ERP software platform, training, asset management, Geographic Information System (GIS), and risk management.

Business Planning, Governance and Risk Planning

The Business Plan updates for Year Three (Y3) and Y4 were replaced with the Risk Management Plans (RMPs), which are a more effective management tool for the RWEs because they are better aligned with their immediate business needs and priorities. To date, LWP has developed RMPs for BWE, NLWE, and SLWE, and assisted the RWEs in presenting them to donors to attract potential funding.

LWP worked on the LRA RMP throughout Y4-Q3. LWP previously launched the LRA RMP in Quarter Two (Q2) of Y4 through organizing the first workshop on risk management planning for the DG and the RMP designated committee members. In Y4-Q3, LWP concluded its one-on-one meetings with the committee members (from various LRA departments) to finalize and prioritize risks under their respective departments, identify risk responses and mitigation measures, and develop a five-year executive plan. Based on the feedback obtained from these meetings, LWP developed the RMP and presented it to the DG in May 2019 who welcomed LWP’s suggestion to present the RMP to donors to seek funding for mitigating identified risks. LWP will assist the DG with organizing and holding this meeting in Y4-Q4.

In Year Five (Y5), LWP will develop new five-year business plans for the RWEs, using the RMP as the basis to identify new strategic objectives.

ERP Software Platform

BWE. LWP started with implementing the ERP upgrade (Microsoft NAV 2018 version) for BWE at the beginning of May 2019. Throughout the process, LWP made sure to constantly engage the BWE ERP users through hands-on training and on-going support to resolve any pending issues. LWP completed the reimplementation of the ERP for BWE according to schedule by end of June 2019. The NAV 2013 version was deactivated and on June 28, 2019, the BWE ERP users were operating on the 2018 version. All ERP modules are currently operational and staff were guided on the upgrade changes and new features. Users have already informally voiced to LWP team their satisfaction, and LWP is expecting receipt of the DG’s final letter of approval in Y4-Q4. LWP will continue post implementation support to users to ensure sustainability of the system.

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NLWE. In Y4-Q3, LWP completed all special ERP configurations requested by ERP users for the Billing and Collection module. LWP also provided on-the-job support and training to ensure users at NLWE’s headquarters are able to operate independently on the ERP. Before signing off on the ERP, DG Khaled Obeid invited all ERP users to share their feedback on their respective ERP modules. Users expressed their general satisfaction with the ERP system and with the LWP team, hoping for continued support to ensure the smooth operation of the system. “We are confident that we will be among the top RWEs in Lebanon,” said Obeid. “With this ERP system, we have succeeded in automating everything, and this is amazing!” added Gaby Nasr, Director of Projects at NLWE. “This is the most effective tool that a donor has ever given us,” said Aziz Bassil, NLWE’s Director of Administration. User engagement and satisfaction ensures more effective use as well as sustainability of the ERP system. The system itself allows NLWE to become more efficient administratively and financially. It also ensures greater quality control, leading to more informed decision-making. This, in turn, will lead to improved business performance and better management of NLWE. A stronger NLWE would indirectly benefit the water service for nearly 520,000 North Lebanon residents. LWP has committed to offer NLWE continued support on the ERP system to help users address errors, special cases, or modifications to facilitate work procedures.

SLWE. Based on the DG’s request, LWP implemented the following features on the ERP system:

- The automated laboratory testing results: by mid-May 2019, SLWE’s DG was able to electronically track the water quality laboratory results by each testing points. This new feature alerts a technician to any laboratory results that do not meet water safety standards, allowing decision-makers to shut down a contaminated source as fast as possible. All test results are color-coded according to an internationally accepted reference safety standard. If any result is out of

normal range, management is alerted. If a parameter is essential for water safety, the feature sends a notification to shut down the water source. The result is better water safety for consumers and a faster response rate to contamination risks for SLWE.

- A computerized maintenance management system (MMS): linked to the ERP, the new MMS allows SLWE to pull up a report for its assets and pinpoint maintenance needs well in advance to avoid any breakdowns. The MMS is a custom-made feature that is not part of the core ERP management software modules. LWP developed the MMS based on a design outlined by SLWE. LWP also trained SLWE users on how to use the MMS. The direct and obvious impact of this application is that SLWE’s maintenance staff can now do their jobs more efficiently with fewer disruptions to service provision, and SLWE can save costs and prolong the life of its assets. In the past, SLWE staff had to wait for an asset to break down before taking action. This often meant a disruption to the water service that could last for several weeks. Assets are now tracked and documented, allowing managers to make informed preventive maintenance decisions and analyze performance history instead of reacting to a maintenance break-down.

Color-coded results of water testing directly from the ERP

Photo by LWP

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 14

LWP also continued to work closely with UNICEF’s consultants to integrate the Customer Relations Portal/customer call center to the SLWE ERP

Central ICT Unit

LWP met, in May 2019, with the SLWE DG to coordinate activities related to the proposed Central ICT unit shared by the RWEs. The RWEs designated SLWE to take the lead, as it is best equipped for this endeavor. The unit will initially be created at SLWE and branch out to the interested RWEs at a later stage. The SLWE DG is in the process of hiring a short-term consultant to reconcile SLWE’s strategy with its IT infrastructure and propose recommendations for a fully integrated water management system that includes ERP, GIS, SCADA, and CRM. Following the recruitment of their new IT consultant, LWP will meet with this consultant to coordinate activities and agree on the next steps

Asset Valuation/Management and GIS Upgrading

During Year 3 LWP conducted asset mapping, documentation and valuation at NLWE and SLWE. At BWE, the existing asset data was updated and valuated. To ensure sustainability of the process, LWP is providing support to the RWEs to properly update the fixed assets and the depreciation report for fiscal year 2018, generated from the ERP system. In Y4-Q3, LWP team worked with the RWEs to verify that all 2018 assets were being entered accurately into the system and depreciation values calculated. Without the fair value of fixed assets and depreciation expense, the 2018 financial statements will be incomplete and inaccurate.

Internal Audit

LWP is currently conducting an internal audit exercise at BMLWE, NLWE and SLWE. One of the main objectives of an internal audit is maintain control over the activities of an organization. If conducted systematically, internal audit provides senior management with assurance of the accuracy of the financial records and the efficiency of the operations. By definition, internal audits evaluate and improve the effectiveness of governance, risk management and control processes, which are fundamental for the well-being and success of any organization.

BMLWE. LWP worked closely with BMLWE on the internal audit exercise. After developing a three-year strategic audit plan and a 2019 annual audit plan, the two teams reviewed the trial balance for 2015 and started reviewing each financial transaction from 2005 to 2014 while all necessary adjustments. This is required to determine an accurate opening balance effective January 1, 2015. LWP also worked on a report with the BMLWE financial managr that lists all the adjustments being made as well as recommendations for cases where new procedures should be adopted. The next steps are to apply all the proposed modifications into the ERP, generate the 2015 trial balance report and financial statements, and submit them to BMLWE’s BoD for approval. This exercise, once completed in the next quarter, is critical to BMLWE for the following reasons:

- BMLWE will be able to report complete and accurate financial statements.

- BMLWE will have addressed all audit findings of several external audits previously commissioned by the World Bank, and therefore met a key World Bank requirement for obtaining a loan.

- By having an accurate opening balance, BMLWE will have a clear picture of its financial position and can therefore make more informed investment decisions.

NLWE. LWP continued assisting the NLWE finance team with closing its financial statements from 2005 to 2018 and making the necessary adjustments. This exercise requires digging up historical data, which NLWE was not able to make available promptly and systematically. The expected completion of this task is planned for Y4-Q4. Once the cleanup is completed, NLWE will be able to properly close its 2018 financial statements and submit them to the MoEW, after getting approval from its BoD.

SLWE. During the reporting period, LWP completed the final 2018 audit report and shared it with the financial manager for feedback and comments before officially submitting it to the DG in Y4-Q4.

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 15

The objective of this report is to analyze the financial and operating results of SLWE for the year ending December 31, 2018 and compare them with previous financial years. The report includes:

- Comparative analysis of financial and operational ratios for fiscal years 2015-2018.

- Examination and analysis of key ratios in the budget and profit and loss statement in order to determine the distribution of revenues and expenditures and measure performance.

- Study of other operational and financial ratios that help in analyzing the performance of the establishment and determining its strengths and weaknesses.

BWE Irrigation Master Plan (IMP)

The LWP consultant is finalizing the draft of the BWE Irrigation Master Plan (IMP). In May 2019, LWP, its consultant, the BWE DG and representatives, and the advisor to the Minister of Energy and Water held a steering committee meeting to discuss and share feedback on the consultant’s interim report addressing strategic irrigation management for BWE. By end of Y4-Q3, LWP’s consultant was working on integrating all feedback received from the MoEW and BWE. Despite previous delays, the IMP is set for completion by end of August 2019.

TASK A.2. IMPROVE BILLING AND COLLECTION

This task involves assisting the RWEs in improving their billing and collection rate. LWP continued mediating the technical cooperation between SLWE and CashUnited (CU) in Y4-Q3, based on the SLWE – CU partnership agreement for bill payment services signed in the previous quarter. LWP’s knowledge of the SLWE financial and administrative systems proved to be instrumental in assisting with the systems integration before CU was able to launch the use of the service in support of SLWE collection activities. By end of May 2019, all systems were operating properly and by end of June SLWE customers started paying their bills at CU’s counters.

TASK A.3. REDUCE NON-REVENUE WATER LOSSES

This task involves assisting the RWEs with decreasing the amount of NRW through reducing technical and administrative water losses. One of LWP’s efforts to reduce NRW is the water demand management (WDM) exercise for the demonstration areas. LWP has finalized its data for BWE and is still working on developing the full WDM guidelines, with an annex covering BWE’s case study in Haouch El Oumara in Zahleh. Completion of these guidelines is planned for the summer of 2019. Once completed, the guidelines, along with annexes covering specific WDM case study for each of the RWEs, will be shared with BMLWE, NLWE, and SLWE.

LWP continued its WDM activities in Jezzine city (SLWE), Dahr El Souane (BMLWE), and Deddeh (NLWE), and the LWP subcontractors are consolidating data in the demonstration areas. Once LWP’s subcontractors complete the data consolidation exercise, LWP will work on establishing its baseline data needed for the launch of WDM calculations. The water demand management exercise allows the RWEs to determine the cause of NRW, undertake calculation and analysis to determine the amount of NRW, and adopt corrective measures accordingly.

Activities carried out under Tasks A.2 and A.7 also support the goal of reducing NRW.

TASK A.4. WATER QUALITY ASSURANCE PLANS IN PLACE AND ENFORCED FOR WATER UTILITIES IN THE SELECTED AREAS OF INTERVENTION

This task involves providing Water Quality Assurance Plans (WQAPs) to the RWEs to improve water quality testing for improved water quality. LWP is following-up with the American University of Beirut (AUB) on the draft WQAP for BMLWE. LWP is currently reviewing the last WQAP draft for BMLWE, which also includes an assessment and laboratory peer review, before finalizing. The WQAPs for BWE, NLWE, and SLWE were completed in previous quarters. LWP also provided hands-on laboratory training for BMLWE and NLWE’s staff at AUB’s core laboratory in Y4-Q3. The AUB team has completed all other RWEs trainings. Through this training, the RWEs have come to understand the importance of applying standard operating procedures in water quality testing and the impact of proper

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 16

water testing from certified laboratories. LWP will submit its final report for completion of this deliverable by end of Y4.

As for LWP’s Water Security Analysis (WSA), progress in Y4-Q3 is as follows:

BMLWE. AUB is finalizing the WSA report. Completion of the WSA for BMLWE is planned for Y4-Q4. LWP is working with BMLWE’s management on a long-term cooperation plan with AUB.

NLWE. LWP internally competed the WSA and will be submitting it to NLWE in the summer of 2019.

SLWE. SLWE is still working on installing sampling points for its planned water testing agreement with AUB, despite technical delays faced in Y4-Q3. Earlier in Year 2 (Y2) Quarter Two (Q2), based on LWP’s assistance with WQAPs and WSA, SLWE and AUB agreed to cooperate on water testing through an outsourcing agreement. The outsourcing agreement will allow SLWE to periodically outsource, to AUB’s accredited laboratories, testing of water quality parameters that are beyond the capacities of the SLWE laboratories, for increased credibility of results and reduced costs. The scope and parameters of the testing itself were also agreed upon. Based on these negotiations, SLWE started installing proper water sampling points at sources and wells to be tested by AUB.

Once outsourced testing is implemented, LWP expects the other RWEs to follow suit and implement similar agreements with AUB. LWP’s next steps will be to push for the signature of a formal agreement between SLWE and AUB.

TASK A.5. TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING TO IMPROVE HOURS OF SERVICE

Human capacity building and institutional development are essential activities to achieve LWP results and ensure sustainability. Improving the capacity of the technical and management personnel is central to LWP efforts to assist the Lebanon water sector. In Y4-Q3, LWP trained 30 BMLWE water operators from the Jbeil area on how to operate and maintain pumping stations. The two-day training was carried out by LWP Utility Coordinator Antoine Zoghby and is the third in a

series of planned sessions for BMLWE pump station operators and technicians. It focused on

the basic concepts of pump station operation and maintenance (O&M) and included a field visit to a water treatment plant in Tripoli. Two young engineers from BMLWE assisted Antoine in delivering the training; this is a sustainability measure that enables them to conduct such training in the future.

“The training was very helpful and much-needed,” said Samer Aoun, head of operations of all the Jbeil stations. “By receiving this training, operators will be able to preempt and reduce breakdowns, better maintain the pumping stations, and therefore provide more regular water

service to customers.”

Aoun added that the easy-to-follow O&M posters that LWP hung in pumping stations will serve to remind operators of every step of the O&M process.

LWP engineer training BMLWE technical staff

Photo by LWP

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 17

LWP will be conducting similar trainings for NLWE and BWE in the upcoming months.

TASK A.6. IMPROVE COMMUNAL WATER SERVICE DELIVERY

LWP continued during Y4-Q3, infrastructure activities related to its projects outside of the demonstration areas (PODAs) in the Bekaa/BWE and Northern Lebanon/NLWE. LWP had previously selected these projects because they will improve water service for vulnerable Lebanese citizens and refugee communities.

Assistance to Vulnerable Communities in the Bekaa

LWP’s subcontractor completed its construction project in the Villages of Ghazze and Baaloul. Construction works in Barr Elias resumed in Y4-Q3. Once completed, these projects will alleviate pressures that vulnerable Lebanese and Syrian communities in the Bekaa are facing because basic water needs are not met. A summarized update on vulnerable community construction activities in the Bekaa are provided below:

Ghazze. LWP’s subcontractor completed all works in Y3-Q4. LWP handed the project to BWE in November 2018. To ensure sustainability of its efforts, LWP held a town-hall meeting in Ghazze on April 17, 2019 to engage active community members from different background in discussing citizens’ duties and responsibilities towards water as a natural resource. Details of this event can be found under Section I of this report, “Significant events”.

Baaloul. The water distribution line was handed over to BWE in November 2018, after testing the newly installed system. BWE has started providing water to the Baaloul households benefitting from this 2.8 km network extension.

Barr Elias. LWP started construction on the Barr Elias project in May 2019, as agreed to with UNICEF in Y4-Q2, after modifying its original project. By Y4-Q2, LWP’s new modified project consisted of equipping the well LWP originally drilled with a submersible pump, and constructing a pipe connecting the well to the intermediate reservoir that UNICEF is currently building along with a Water Treatment Plant (WTP). The water from the three existing wells (the LWP well and two UNICEF wells) will be pumped into this intermediate reservoir where it will be treated to provide safe potable water to part of Barr Elias village. From the intermediate reservoir, the treated water will then be pumped to a new 1000 m3 reservoir (under construction by UNICEF). Water will then be conveyed to the village via the existing pipeline that will be rehabilitated as part of LWP’s scope of

Photo by LWP

LWP engineer training BMLWE staff

stastaffststafftechnical satff

Photo by LWP

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 18

work along with the construction of a sector zoning piping system. LWP plans to complete construction in Barr Elias by end of Y4-Q4.

Assistance to Vulnerable Communities in North Lebanon

LWP began construction works on NLWE’s PODAs in May 2019, after LWP awarding the subcontract in Y4-Q2. Completion of construction is planned for Y5. Below is a brief description of each NLWE PODA project.

El Aayoun. Equipping an existing well and replacing the existing reservoir with a new one. This PODA is currently on hold because of pending issues with the landlord of the plot for the proposed reservoir. LWP is seeking resolution in coordination with NLWE and expects a final decision in Y4-Q4.

Rahbe. Deepening of the existing well to 185 meters, equipping it, and constructing a transmission line to transmit the water to an existing reservoir. LWP expects to complete this project in Quarter One (Q1) of Y5.

Rachaaine. Installing a pumping station and connecting it to the existing reservoir. LWP expects to complete this project in Y5-Q1.

TASK A.7. IMPROVE AND EXPAND WATER SERVICES FOR LEBANESE CITIZENS

LWP focused on moving forward with the designs and construction for the Jezzine, Metn, and Koura Demonstration Areas where a “closing the water loop” approach is being implemented. A summary of the status of works in each of the demonstration areas is presented below:

Jezzine Demonstration Area. Construction in Jezzine continued during this quarter. By end of Y4-Q3, construction works were happening in 25 locations of the demonstration area. The Jezzine Demonstration Area includes the following:

- Rehabilitation of wells and submersible pumps (4).

- Rehabilitation of spring (1).

- Rehabilitation of pump stations (3).

- Construction and/or and rehabilitation of water reservoirs (11).

- Construction of water transmission lines (10 km).

- Construction and/or rehabilitation of water distribution networks (40 km).

- Supply and installation of source and district water meters (65).

- Supply and installation of chlorination systems (6).

- Installation of customer water meters (3,400).

- Testing of the physical, chemical, and bacteriological characteristics of the water in order to ensure the water is and remains drinkable and safe for use (in 14 water sources).

- Ensuring that wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) operating inside these closed systems are rehabilitated in order to eliminate potential contamination with clean potable water (3).

Next steps for LWP include continuing to move forward with construction works with completion planned for Y5-Q2.

Metn Demonstration Area. The LWP construction subcontractor continued with works throughout Y4-Q3. Construction activities will continue throughout Y4 with expected completion in Y5. The works to rehabilitate/build a complete cycle for water production and water distribution are summarized in the following:

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 19

- Rehabilitation of water reservoirs (10).




- Testing of the physical, chemical, and bacteriological characteristics of the water in order to ensure the water is and remains drinkable and safe for use (10 water reservoirs).

Next steps for LWP include continuing to move forward with construction works with completion planned for Y5-Q3.

Koura Demonstration Area. LWP’s subcontractor started actual construction works at the beginning of Y4-Q3. Despite delays because of plot delimitation issues, LWP and the Mayor of Qalhat were able to resolve issues, which allowed LWP’s construction subcontractor to resume construction activities on the proposed Qalhat reservoir. The works for the Koura area to rehabilitate/build a complete cycle for water production and water distribution for NLWE are summarized below:

- Rehabilitation of wells and the Jradeh Pump Station (1).

- Construction of a water reservoir (1).

- Construction of a water distribution network (8 km of distribution line and 2 km of transmission line).




- Testing of the physical, chemical, and bacteriological characteristics of the water in order to ensure the water is and remains drinkable and safe for use (1 for the Jradeh Pump Station and 5 for village reservoirs).

Construction will be completed during Y5-Q3.

TASK A.8. IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS IN SELECTED

AREAS

LWP has not been able to move forward with implementing recommendations under the Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) proposed for LRA because local communities of the Litani River Basin have shut down Canal 900 due to pollution. LWP is awaiting LRA’s management decision as to whether to reopen Canal 900 for irrigation. Given that LWP is in its fourth year of implementation and LRA’s management has not taken any decision to date, LWP will not implement any of the PIP recommendations.

TASK A.9. SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONTEXT APPROPRIATE MODELS FOR SANITATION SERVICE AND SEWAGE MANAGEMENT

LWP signed its construction subcontract for sanitation projects in Y4-Q3. These sanitation projects will provide wastewater support to the RWEs, LRA, and vulnerable communities, and assist with improving sanitation services in their areas. A brief description of each project is provided in the table below.

As for the Roum constructed wetland (CW) project, and after multiple reviews, LWP’s design subcontractor is finalizing the design of the CW and is planned for completion in Y4-Q4.

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 20

LWP Sanitation Projects

Location RWE Project Type Project Information

Roum SLWE Constructed Wetland

LWP will implement as part of its low cost wastewater (WW) treatment interventions. The existing wastewater network is discharging into the valley with no treatment. As a treatment solution, a Constructed Wetland (CW) is proposed. It will help remove pollution and create a potential reuse of the effluent. CW is selected because land is available and MoEW has approved the construction of a CW. The estimated current number of people served is 1,500.

Joub Jannine BWE Network installation

LWP will implement as part of its contribution to protect and conserve the Litani under the Charter for the Protection of the Litani River. LWP will extend the WW network in Joub Jannine (about 3,000 m). Part of Joub Jannine network is already connected to the Joub Jannine WWTP. Completion is planned for January 2020.

Kherbet Qanafar BWE/LRA Network installation

LWP will implement as part of its contribution to protect and conserve the Litani under the Charter for the Protection of the Litani River. LWP will extend the WW network of Kherbet Qanafar in two areas, near the Spring of Khreizat and in the upper part of the village. The proposed 2,500m extension to the collection network will protect the two water sources of the village from domestic wastewater contamination. Kherbet Qanafar wastewater network will be channeled to the existing Joub Jannine WWTP. LWP will also implement rehabilitation works for the WWTP. Completion is planned for January 2020.

Jbaa BMLWE WWTP rehabilitation

LWP will implement as part of its WWT interventions, as explained in the “Assessment of Small Wastewater Treatment Plants in Lebanon – Summary”

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 21

Location RWE Project Type Project Information

report. Completion is planned for January 2020.

El

Moukhtara/Boutme

BMLWE WWTP rehabilitation

LWP will implement as part of its WWT interventions, as explained in the “Assessment of Small Wastewater Treatment Plants in Lebanon – Summary” report. Completion is planned for January 2020.

Mrousti BMLWE WWTP rehabilitation

LWP will implement as part of its WWT interventions, as explained in the “Assessment of Small Wastewater Treatment Plants in Lebanon – Summary” report. Completion is planned for January 2020.

Bteddine El Laqch

SLWE Rehabilitation of existing WWTP as part of the Jezzine demonstration area works

LWP completed rehabilitation in Y4-Q3 as part of LWP’s interventions in the Jezzine Demonstration area.

Sniye SLWE Rehabilitation of existing WWTP as part of the Jezzine demonstration area works

LWP is implementing as part of LWP’s interventions in the Jezzine Demonstration area.

Haitoura SLWE Rehabilitation of existing WWTP as part of the Jezzine demonstration area works

LWP is implementing as part of LWP’s interventions in the Jezzine Demonstration area.

TASK A.10. IMPROVE WATER RESOURCES CONSERVATION/PROTECTION

LWP resumed its assistance to BMLWE and the farmers of the Chabrouh Dam area and the village of Faraya, in Y4-Q3, with follow-on support to the farmers of Chabrouh for this irrigation season. In June 2019, LWP met with the Mayor of Faraya to coordinate support initiatives, and notify farmers about them. The following week, the LWP team conducted an all-day site visit to walk through the already installed systems and provide technical assistance to farmers throughout the day. Much to the surprise of the Faraya Mayor and LWP, many other farmers who had not installed drip irrigation previously, showed-up asking LWP to help them switch to drip irrigation as they became firm believers in drip systems after seeing the results first hand. LWP is currently working on the new farmers’ applications. LWP is planning additional regular visits for July 2019 to continue supporting farmers during this irrigation season for increased sustainability. LWP will also be providing technical assistance to the new farmers throughout the installation process and beyond.

LWP’s other water conservation and protection initiatives can be found in this report under Result B with CCIAZ’s initiative and Result C with ALI’s initiative.

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 22

For detailed information related to all activities under the tasks of Result A, please refer to the table below.

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 23

RESULT A: TABLE OF ACTIVITIES AND DELIVERABLES

RESULT A: IMPROVE SERVICE DELIVERY & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CAPACITY OF RWES & LRA

Del. No.

Task & Activities

Expected Completion Y4

Y5 Status of Activity Challenges Next Steps or Mitigating Measures

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

A.1. STRENGTHEN RWE AND LRA PLANNING AND INTERNAL OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

A.1.1. Strengthen Business Master Planning

1 A.1.1 Each RWE will have updated their business plan

Completed in Y3-Q1.

2 A.1.1 LRA will have prepared its first business plan. NOT USED

Cancelled and replaced with Deliverable 129

3 A.1.1 All RWEs will have a water demand management plan in the demonstration areas

X The water demand management model for Haouch El Oumara is being updated. In Jezzine Metn and Koura, LWP is collecting baseline data to start its water demand management model and calculations.

Water demand model for Jezzine, Metn, and Koura. Water Demand Management Plan for all four demonstration areas in Y5.

4 A.1.1 LRA will have completed water quantity monitoring plan for all rivers in Lebanon including the Upper Litani River Basin

Completed with “The Assessment of River Gauging Stations in Lebanon” report in Y2-Q4. GIS “on-the-job” training also completed in Y3-Q1.

Sustainability of geodatabase.

Training conducted to ensure use and sustainability.

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 24


Del. No.

Task & Activities



Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

5 A.1.1 BWE will have completed irrigation master plan.

X The development of the plan is on schedule.

6 A.1.1 Review water and wastewater master plans for consistency with business plans

Completed in Y3-Q4. Report provided to RWEs.

7.a A.1.1 Annual business plans performance monitored and validated for each RWE in Year 2

Completed in Y3-Q2.

127 A.1.1 Prepare Risk Management Plan for NLWE and SLWE.

X Completed in Y4-Q3.

128 A.1.1 Prepare Risk management Plan for BWE, BMLWE, or LRA

X Completed at BWE in Y4-Q2 and at LRA in Y4-Q3.

7.d A.1.1 Annual business plans updated for each RWE in Y5

X

A.1.2. Fully Implement Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Costing and Operational Analyses

8.a A.1.2 Initiate implementation of ERP with NLWE

Completed in Y3-Q1.

8.b A.1.2 Complete installation of the ERP suite in the NLWE


9 A.1.2 Complete installation of ERP suite and costing and operational analysis in the BMLWE, SLWE, and BWE

Completed in Y3-Q3.

10 A.1.2 Train 50 RWE and LRA staff in ERP use.

Completed in Y2. Additional trainings will be provided to BWE

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 25


Del. No.

Task & Activities



Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

and NLWE in Y4.

11 A.1.2 Continue refinements in the use of ERP tools and systems

Completed in Y3-Q4.

129 A.1.2 Provide assessment of LRA IT infrastructure and operation standards


12 A.1.2 Deliver a governance framework for the NLWE and SLWE to improve their operation and create better control environment

X On-going for NLWE only.

A.1.3. Strengthen Assets Valuation and Management

13 A.1.3 Develop standardized Assets Management Manual

Completed in Y2.

14.a A.1.3 Conduct assets valuation for the SLWE and NLWE and train staff on maintaining and updating assets in the ERP

Completed in Y3-Q3.

14.b A.1.3. Integrate assets valuation into ERP in the SLWE and NLWE

Completed in Y3-Q4.

15 A.1.3 Integrate assets valuation into ERP in the BMLWE and BWE

Completed in Y3-Q4.

16.a A.1.3 All RWEs will conduct annual updates of assets valuation

Completed in Y3-Q4.

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 26


Del. No.

Task & Activities



Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

16.b A.1.3 All RWEs will conduct annual updates of assets valuation

X On-going for Y4 at RWEs.

16.c A.1.3 All RWEs will conduct annual updates of assets valuation

X

17 A.1.3 Train RWE staff in updating assets valuations

Completed in Y2.

A.1.4. Improve RWE Internal Performance and Financial Audit

18.a A.1.4 Update financial and performance audit manuals for NLWE and SLWE

Completed in Y2.

18.b A.1.4 Update financial and performance audit manuals for BMLWE and BWE

X Ongoing for BMLWE.

19 A.1.4 Provide training to NLWE and SLWE and board members in understanding and using audit reports to improve organizational performance

Completed in Y2.

20 A.1.4 Begin to develop a financial and performance audit manual for the LRA

X

21.a A.1.4 Financial and performance audits will be completed for the utilities that have the staff in place

Completed in Y3-Q4.

21.b A.1.4 Financial and performance audits will be completed for the utilities that have the staff in place

X On-going for NLWE and SLWE.

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 27


Del. No.

Task & Activities



Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

21.c A.1.4 Financial and performance audits will be completed for the utilities that have the staff in place

X

125 Revise the SLWE organizational structure to reflect current needs

Completed in Y3-Q2.

A.1.5. Strengthen RWE and LRA Use of GIS for Assets Management and Operations

22 A.1.5 GIS systems for three of four RWEs will be reviewed

Completed in Year One (Y1).

23 A.1.5 Plans will be developed to strengthen GIS capacity and systems for three of the four RWEs

Completed in Y1.

24 A.1.5 Improved use of GIS (on-the-job training) to maintain information on piped networks and equipment, and customers

Completed in Y3-Q2.

25 A.1.5 Mapping demonstration areas of the intervention following the area assessments

X

A.2. IMPROVE BILLING AND COLLECTION

26 A.2.1 Initiate updated customer registers in three of the four RWEs demonstration areas

Completed in Y2.

Actual update of customer registers will be finalized once meter installations are

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 28


Del. No.

Task & Activities



Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

completed. Completion is planned for Y4.

27 A.2.2 Develop communication strategy to improve customer awareness and increase collections in demonstration areas

Completed in Y2.

Implement communication campaigns in RWEs, according to strategy.

28 A.2.3 Initiate at least one partnership with a bank or financial institution to improve collection efficiency

Completed in Y1.

29 A.2.4 NOT USED

30 A.2.5 Complete customer register updates in the three demonstration areas

X

126 A.2 Procure and train BWE, NLWE, and SLWE staff on the use of handheld bill collection devices

Completed in Y3-Q3.

A.3. REDUCE NON-REVENUE WATER LOSSES

31 A.3.1 Launch two projects to install production and/or district meters for the RWEs

Completed in Y2. Construction on going.

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 29


Del. No.

Task & Activities



Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

32 A.3.2 Complete production and district metering for the RWE demonstration areas

X On-going. Source/district meters and chlorinators installed at BWE’s Haouch El Oumara. On-going for other demonstration areas.

Complete construction in Jezzine, Metn, and Koura demonstration areas.

33 A.3.3 Train at least 60 RWE staff in meter reading and maintenance

X Training dates will be set as construction progresses in demonstration areas.

A.4. WATER QUALITY ASSURANCE PLANS (WQAPs) IN PLACE AND ENFORCED FOR WATER UTILITIES IN THE SELECTED AREAS OF INTERVENTION

34 A.4.1-1 Support development of draft WQAPs for four RWEs

X WQAPs BWE, LRA, NLWE, SLWE completed. WQAP for BMLWE planned for completion in Y4-Q4.

Availability of data and resources to carry-out the works.

Submit completed WQAP to BMLWE .

35 A.4.1-2 Train RWE staff in preparation of WQAPs and water safety analysis

X Training on WQAP conducted for both BWE and LRA staff in Y3-Q2. SLWE staff trained on WQAP in Y3-Q3. NLWE staff trained in Y4-Q1. BMLWE and NLWE

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 30


Del. No.

Task & Activities



Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

staff also trained in Y4-Q3.

36 A.4.1 NOT USED

37 A.4.1-3 Support two partnerships between RWEs and municipal governments in water quality/safety testing and analysis

X Draft partnership agreement completed in Y4-Q1 and discussed with RWEs and municipalities in Y4-Q2.

LWP will follow-up to have a final version agreed to and signed by both parties.

38 A.4.1-4 NOT USED

39 A.4.1-5 Assist one RWE to design and implement a service contract to carry out water quality and safety analysis

X Draft prepared and discussed with SLWE and AUB and BMLWE.

SLW is installing sampling points.

SLWE and BMLWE to sign contract.

40 A.4.1-6 Assist the RWEs in preparing public messages/information on water quality in their networks

X On-going. Follow-up with RWEs to plan future communication activities.

41 A.4.1-1c Four RWEs will have WQAPs in place

X On-going since Y2. BWE and LRA completed in Y3-Q2. SLWE’s WQAP completed in Y3-Q4.

Data availability.

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 31


Del. No.

Task & Activities



Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

NLWE’s WQAP completed in Y4-Q2. BMLWE’s WQAP completed internally in Y4-Q3 and will be submitted in Y4-Q4.

42 A.4.1.7 Six partnerships between RWEs and municipal governments to conduct joint water quality and safety analysis

X This deliverable is linked to Deliverable 37.

A.4.2. Strengthen the Capacity of RWEs and LRA in Water Security Analysis and Planning

43 A.4.2.1 Develop terms of reference (TORs) for carrying out water security analyses

Completed in Y1.

44 A.4.2.2 Enlist local universities to support water security analyses

Completed in Y1.

45 A.4.2.3-a Launch at least one water security analysis

Completed in Y2.

46 A.4.2.3-b Complete water security analyses for all five water utilities

X WSA Completed for BWE/LRA, SLWE. Completed internally for NLWE in Y4-Q3, and on-going for BMLWE in Y4-Q3. Planned for completion at the end of Y4.

Availability of data. LWP assistance with data collection and access to information.

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 32


Del. No.

Task & Activities



Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

47 A.4.2.4 Produce communications message and short videos on the water security analyses

X On-going.

A.5. TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING TO IMPROVE HOURS OF SERVICE

48 A.5.1 Water operator's certification program is designed in partnership with ACWUA and RWEs

Completed in Y2.

49 A.5.2 Complete ERP and technical training needs assessment for RWEs and the LRA

Completed in Y2.

50 A.5.3 Water operator's certification program is fully operational NOT USED

X Stopped.

MoEW is implementing similar program. Risk of duplication of effort.

Removed from deliverables as part of contract modification.

51 A.5.4 Develop training materials and train RWE staff in pump O&M

X Material developed and additional training completed in Y4-Q3.

Several more sessions will be conducted in the next quarters.

52 A.5.5 NOT USED

53 A.5.6 Provide capacity building training based on the training needs assessments for up to 100 RWE staff.

X Completed in Y3. Certified training planned to continue in Y4 and beyond.

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 33


Del. No.

Task & Activities



Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

A.6. IMPROVE COMMUNAL WATER SERVICE DELIVERY

54 A.6.1 Complete needs assessments with selected International Non-Governmental Organizations, RWEs, and municipalities

Completed in Y2.

55 A.6.2-a Project designs are in process for at least two projects

Completed in Y2.

56 A.6.2-b Complete at least six projects that improves communal water service delivery in affected municipalities/communities

X Completion of construction for two projects of Bekaa. LWP construction is on-going in Barr Elias. Construction for NLWE PODAs started in Y4-Q3.

Barr Elias project modified to align with UNICEF building a reservoir in Barr Elias. NLWE’s reservoir is on hold because of a landlord dispute between the landlord and the municipality. The project might be canceled.

Barr Elias project planned for completion in Y4-Q4. NLWE is trying to resolve the issue through negotiations.

A.7. IMPROVE AND EXPAND WATER SERVICES FOR LEBANESE CITIZENS

57 A.7.1 Expression of Interest issued and contracts established with engineering firms to provide engineering studies, designs, and construction quality control/assurance

Completed in Y1.

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 34


Del. No.

Task & Activities



Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

58 A.7.2 Demonstration areas in four RWEs defined and assessments completed to identify the work needed.

Completed in Y2.

59 A.7.3 Infrastructure upgrade projects outside the demonstration areas identified

Completed in Y2.

61 A.7.5 Budgets developed for the demonstration areas in each RWE to finalize the work that will be performed by LWP based on the project budget

Completed in Y4-Q1.

62 A.7.6-a Projects designed and contracts awarded for construction in demonstration areas

X Completed in Y4-Q2. All construction subcontracts awarded.

Koura construction works started.

63 A.7.6-b Infrastructure projects completed in demonstration areas

X

A.8. IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS IN SELECTED AREAS

64 A.8.1 Complete Rapid Assessment Completed in Y1.

65.a A.8.2 Identify areas and define baselines

Completed in Y1.

65.b A.8.2 Implement selected improvements for LRA facilities

X Subcontract for rehabilitation of LRA wetland has been awarded.

66 A.8.3 Negotiate partnerships with irrigation equipment suppliers

Completed in Y2.

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 35


Del. No.

Task & Activities



Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

67 A.8 NOT USED

68 A.8 NOT USED

A.9. SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONTEXT-APPROPRIATE MODELS FOR SANITATION SERVICE AND SEWAGE MANAGEMENT

70 A.9.1 Develop and publish case studies Completed in Y3-Q1. The Assessment of Small Wastewater Treatment Plants in Lebanon: Case Study” Report approved by USAID.

71 A.9.2 Identify at least two potential sites for low-cost sewage/septage collection/treatment in each region

Completed in Y3-Q1.

72 A.9.3 Hold initial consultations with MoEW, RWEs, and local communities on site selection and design

Completed in Y3-Q1.

73 A.9.4-a Project designs completed and approved, and construction subcontracts issued.

X Design and Construction Quality Control (CQC) subcontract awarded and final design completed for rehabilitation projects.

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 36


Del. No.

Task & Activities



Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

CWs design is being finalized.

60 A.9 Feasibility study completed for the design and construction of a wetlands area for wastewater/river water treatment

X LWP selected subcontractor in Y3-Q3 and work is on schedule.

Completion planned for Y4-Q4.

74 A.9 NOT USED

75 A.9 NOT USED

76 A.9.4-d At least six sustainable sanitation models completed

X

A.10. IMPROVE WATER RESOURCES CONSERVATION/PROTECTION IN THE LITANI BASIN

77 A.10.1 Update baseline information on water quality in the Upper Litani Basin

Completed in Y3-Q3.

78 A.10.2-a Organize at least four multi-stakeholder discussions about water threats and risks to water resources

Completed in Y2.

79 A.10.3-a Initial plan will be underway for actions to improve water resources protection and conservation

Completed in Y3-Q2. LWP will continue working with municipal unions to support implementation of selected action plans.

80 A.10 NOT USED

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 37


Del. No.

Task & Activities



Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

81 A.10 NOT USED

82 A.10.3-c At least two water resources conservation and protection initiatives will be yielding tangible and measureable results

X The first project, the Chabrouh dam irrigation project has already been completed and LWP is still providing support to farmers of the area. LWP is processing applications for new farmers.

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 38

RESULT B: IMPROVE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT IN WATER MANAGEMENT

AND ADVANCE CITIZEN PERCEPTION OF THE WATER UTILITIES ROLE

IN PROVIDING A NECESSARY AND VALUABLE SERVICE

TASK B 1. IMPROVE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION WITH SERVICES PROVIDED BY PUBLIC WATER UTILITIES

LWP continued its efforts to improve customer satisfaction for services provided by the RWEs in Y4-Q3. These efforts included the development of a series of videos for the RWEs that were handed to the RWEs earlier. These videos are for the RWEs customer service centers to promote their work to customers, improve their perception by customers, and enhance awareness as to water conservation. LWP is developing other promotional videos for the RWEs, which are planned for Year 5.

LWP launched in Y4-Q3, with its subcontractor, the production of a WSA videos that will show the main challenges in water security across all regions. Once completed, these videos will be disseminated via various channels to increase awareness on water challenges.

As part of its communication support, LWP and its communication subcontractor began working on the communication campaigns to be conducted in the Jezzine, Metn, and Koura demonstration areas, in coordination with the RWEs. These campaigns will focus on raising awareness on water meters and water conservation, subscribing to the water establishment and engaging citizens at large to become responsible citizens and partners. LWP has met with the relevant RWE to discuss the campaign design and content. By end of Y4-Q3, NLWE approved the proposed LWP campaign and LWP is following-up with BMLWE and SLWE to complete theirs. The campaigns are planned to go into Y5 and will also focus on water saving awareness. The ultimate goal of these communication activities is to improve the relation between the RWEs and customers.

LWP’s Facebook page registered 3,451 total followers this quarter, or an increase of over 6 percent in the last quarter. Total number of users who viewed content in this period was 32,048 (or a monthly average of about 31,940). The monthly average for organic (not paid) video views during this period was 1,352.

As for the renovation of the SLWE’s Customer Service Center in Jezzine, LWP’s subcontractor is planning to begin renovation works in the summer of 2019.

TASK B.2. REDUCE NONPRODUCTIVE (WASTEFUL) USES OF WATER IN BOTH

RURAL AND URBAN SETTINGS IN THE SELECTED AREAS OF INTERVENTION

LWP’s activities remaining under this task consist mainly of following-up and ensuring the installed agricultural equipment is being used. LWP plans to follow-up with farmers who benefitted from the LWP incentive rebate program for efficient farming and irrigation practices in the upcoming quarters.

TASK B.3. INCREASE CIVIL SOCIETY ENGAGEMENT IN IMPROVING WATER USE

BEHAVIOR FOR ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES PROTECTION

LWP grants continued engaging not only farmers as stated under Task B.2, but also NGOs and civil society organizations (CSOs). The status of on-going grants is as follows:

LebRelief Council (LRC): LRC resumed mobilizing municipalities of the Koura demonstration area as infrastructure works began, in coordination with the neighborhood committees they had created. Next steps for LRC is to resume their awareness activities in Y4-Q4, including workshops with NLWE, relevant municipalities, and neighborhood committees. LRC is also planning on conducting a second round of door-to-door visits to accompany LWP infrastructure activities. LRC’s plan is to expand their program well into Y5 to keep accompanying LWP’s activities.

CCIAZ: CCIAZ continued moving forward with its “Improving water availability, quality, and uses in agriculture and industry in the Bekaa” project. Progress on this grant program in Y4-Q3 is as follows:

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 39

Dairy Industry Component: LWP and CCIAZ followed-up with four dairy industries who had committed to treating whey discharges and were working on installation of the necessary equipment, in Y4-Q3. The main challenge these small dairy producers are facing is the lack of available expertise in cost effective small-scale-treatment process of whey. Although CCIAZ partnered with whey treatment experts, the dairy industries are still facing difficulties meeting the strict standard of Lebanese Environmental Limit Values (ELVs) for discharge. To allow the industries additional time to fine-tune treatment and fully comply with ELVs, LWP granted CCIAZ an extension of its grant agreement. LWP will continue accompanying these small dairy industries during the summer of 2019.

USJ Chaire de L’Education a L’ Eco-citoyennete et au Developpement Durable (CEEDD): LWP awarded this grant to CEEDD for implementing CEEDD’s project “Sustainable Education and Awareness for Water Management in Metn-SEAWMM”. Under this project, CEEDD plans to:

- Raise awareness among youth and adults (students and their teachers) about sustainable water use and management, and awaken their eco-citizen spirit through awareness sessions, trainings and conceptual change approaches, to reduce water consumption within schools and households in the Metn district.

- Bring Metn citizens closer to BMLWE and strengthen communication between citizens and water operators to guarantee that all water complaints would be addressed and resolved according to regulations, via town hall meetings.

CEEDD completed training of teachers on water conservation and management in 14 out of 15 schools, in the Metn Demonstration Area, in Y4-Q3. The training addressed sustainable development with a focus on water and tools for behavioral change. Once trained, the teachers developed water conservation projects and worked on them with their students for a practical learning approach. While implementing the projects, the teachers were coached by professionals in education and environment from CEEDD. As a follow-on to the sessions, over 30 student projects were presented in student congresses in Y4-Q3. CEEDD also launched parents’ awareness sessions in the same schools and completed 8 out of 15 by end of Y4-Q3. These sessions will start again with the new school year.

Based on these sessions, a few schools asked LWP to show them how BMLWE distributes water in the areas it covers. The LWP team was eager to assist. On June 7, 2019, about 40 middle school students from two Metn schools learned first-hand about the multi-step process involved in producing clean water for distribution, during an LWP-led tour of the Dbaye Pumping Station. The tour later served as a basis for a classroom project that answered the the following question: “Why is it that although Lebanon is rich in water, we still have water service cut-offs.” The tour helped reinforce the project’s goal of developing engaged and responsible citizens in its target areas.

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 40

In addition to the site visits, five schools invited the LWP engineers to sit with students and technically explain topics such as WW treatment, irrigation, water distribution, and others.

In parallel, the USJ/CEEDD also held 15 town hall meetings with Metn municipalities, between May and June 2019. These meetings have raised awareness on USAID’s support to water management, the introduction of water meters in Metn, and BMLWE’s efforts to improve its service. The purpose of these meetings is to acquaint residents with the USAID-funded

Lebanon Water Project and the infrastructure works it is conducting with BMLWE for the benefit of these communities. This includes installing household and district meters, and rehabilitating reservoirs. LWP believes that when communities communicate with the RWE that provides them with water, the RWE’s image in the public eye improves, and citizens become partners in water management, instead of merely consumers. These sessions have proven to be strong civic engagement activities and have brought together BMLWE and the

Metn communities. Feedback from community members, mayors, and the DG was very positive.

“In my 55 years as a paying subscriber, I have never had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the water establishment and relay to them my concerns and questions,” said a middle-aged woman from Bikfaya. “And we are listening to their answers, and they are convincing.”

Photo by LWP

Photo by LWP

Students learning at the Dbaye pump station

Photo by LWP

Residents of Bikfaiya at the town hall meeting

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 41

Bikfaya Mayor Nicole Gemayel thanked LWP for bringing the community and BMLWE together. She also thanked the director general for giving his time to respond to concerns, adding: “We should act responsibly with respect to the outcomes of this project.”

The Jezzine Foundation for Culture and Heritage: The Jezzine Foundation is LWP’s last active grantee and its project focuses on “Water Awareness Through Education and Responsibilization- WATER”. The Foundation plans to: - Raise awareness among the local communities and national authorities about sustainable

use and management of natural water resources and awaken their eco-citizen spirit to reduce water consumption within schools and households in the Jezzine region.

- Establish a sustainable network and strengthen the communication between the local community stakeholders involved in the management of water problems and resources.

In Y4-Q3, the Foundation launched its activities as people started coming back to the Jezzine area for the summer. Four town-hall meetings were held in coordination with 15 Jezzine municipalities and with the CEEDD’s assistance. The Foundation also delivered, with CEEDD, teachers’ training in three schools in the Jezzine demonstration area. These activities are accompanying infrastructure works as they progress in the Jezzine

demonstration area.

LWP continued with its student research project with two universities (Université St. Joseph and Notre Dame University) in Y4-Q3. Twelve students, divided into eight groups with eight research papers, are engaging in research focused on water challenges to capture the social, economic, and cultural aspects, and impacts of water. Six teams were from Notre Dame University (NDU) and two teams from Université Saint Joseph (USJ) with research projects that focus on water. It is worthy to note that two students have been conducting research on the most effective way to raise awareness in Zahleh, using materials of various donors and of BWE. Preliminary findings indicate that adults of the area are remembering the tips booklet provided by USAID and LWP to school students between November 2018 and February 2019.

Residents of Jezzine at the town hall meeting

Photo by LWP

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 42

With this initiative, LWP will have engaged all segments of society after conducting farmers’ field days and securing cooperation with the private sector, the commitments of municipalities, and collaboration with media organizations, while spreading awareness among school children and at the household level.

The LWP research program is planned for completion by end of 2019.

For detailed information related to all activities under the tasks of Result B, please refer to the table below.

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 43

RESULT B: TABLE OF ACTIVITIES AND DELIVERABLES

RESULT B: IMPROVE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT IN WATER MANAGEMENT & ADVANCE CITIZENS PERCEPTIONS OF RWES AND LRA ROLE IN PROVIDING A NECESSARY & VALUABLE SERVICE

Del. No.

Task & Activities



Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

B.1. IMPROVE CUSTMER SATISFACTION WITH SERVICES PROVIDED

86 B.1.1 Complete baseline customer satisfaction surveys for all four RWEs

Completed in Y1.

87 B.1.2 Develop communication strategy and key messages for at least two RWEs

Completed in Y3-Q1.

88 B.1.3 Train at least 60 RWE staff in communication messages and customer relations

Completed in Y2.

89 B.1.4-a Create/upgrade at least two RWEs /MoEW websites

Completed in Y3-Q2.

90 B.1.5-a Establish/strengthen Customer Service Centers in at least two RWEs

X Carried over from Y2-Q4. Delayed and carried into Y3. Completion of rehabilitation is planned for Y4-Q4 as part of the infrastructure works for the Jezzine demonstration area.

Completion planned for Y4 as part of the infrastructure works for the SLWE Demonstration Area.

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 44


Del. No.

Task & Activities



Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

91 B.1.6 Install ERP customer relations module in NLWE


92 B.1.5-b Corporate videos developed for at least two RWEs

Completed in Y3-Q4.

93 B.1.4-b Three of four RWEs/MoEW will have informative websites that provide up-to-date information on RWE operations and facilitate customers registering complaints.

Completed in Y3-Q4.

B.2. REDUCE NON-PRODUCTIVE (WASTEFUL) USES OF WATER IN BOTH RURAL AND URBAN SETTINGS IN SELECTED AREAS OF INTERVENTION

94 B.2.1 Design and launch incentive rebate program for farmers

Completed in Y2.

95 B.2.2 Identify at least one agro-industry willing to reduce water use

Completed in Y3-Q1.

69 Support at least five farmer field days


96 B.2.3 Secure commitments of at least 20 farmers to switch to more efficient irrigation technologies

Completed in Y3-Q1.

.

97 B.2.4 Develop and give at least five presentations to chambers of commerce and industry associations on ISO 14045/46

Completed in Y3-Q4.

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 45


Del. No.

Task & Activities



Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

98 B.2.5 Identified farmers and industries undertake “agreed to” commitments

X Preparations to start visits to farmers and industries and ensure commitments.

Conduct site visits to assess and report on sustainability.

B.3. INCREASE CIVIL SOCIETY ENGAGEMENT IN IMPROVING WATER USE BEHAVIOR FOR ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES PROTECTION

99 B.3-1 Forge partnerships with municipal governments in the Litani Basin

Completed in Y2.

117.a Launch grant fund Completed in Y2.

117.b Awards 7 grants to improve water use behavior and conservation

Completed inY3-Q4.

102 B.3-4 Identify media personalities and programs interested in water issues and plan program highlighting water issues in Lebanon

Completed in Y3-Q3.

103 B.3.2-b Establish partnerships with at least 20 municipal governments around water use, management, and protection activities

Completed in Y3-Q2.

104 B.3.5 Co-sponsor at least one river clean-up day in the Litani Basin

Completed in Y3-Q4.

105 B.3.6-a Develop initial education materials on water resources and conservation strategies for use in schools


LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 46


Del. No.

Task & Activities



Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

106 B.3.7 Launch support for student research on water-related challenges

Completed in Y3-Q3.

107.a B.3.6-b At least 20 schools will be using LWP-developed materials on water resources

X Completed in Y4-Q2. 21 schools of the Bekaa reached

107.b B.3.6.-b Support research studies by university students on water-related challenges

X Student research started in Y4-Q1.

Completion of research papers planned for Y5-Q1.

109 B.3.9 At least three media campaigns will be aired on water resources and conservation challenges in Lebanon

Completed in Y3-Q4.

110 B.3 Engage at least one civil society group or citizen's organization per area of intervention to identify and implement locally appropriate solutions for improved water use behavior for environment and water resources protection

Completed. Contract to CSOs for Jezzine and Metn awarded in Y3-Q4.

CSOs coordinate with infrastructure team to accompany works in demonstration areas.

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 47

RESULT C: IMPROVE PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT IN WATER MANAGEMENT

TASK C.1. DEVELOP A PILOT PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIP TO IMPROVE

WATER SUPPLY, WASTEWATER, OR IRRIGATION SERVICE DELIVERY

LWP continued with the efforts to create a public-private partnership with the RWEs in Y4. In earlier quarters, LWP was able to get the approval of the water establishments on specific Public-Private Partnership (PPP) interventions. While LWP understands that the decision to sign a performance-based contract is the unilateral prerogative of the RWEs, LWP still focused its efforts on creating a strategic model performance-based framework for the RWEs. Below is a summary of LWP’s PPP activities for BWE, NLWE, and SLWE. LWP’s PPP expert has developed the three contract models with detailed scopes of work and tender documents for BWE, NLWE, and SLWE. LWP has shared them with the RWEs.

NLWE. The focus of this PPP initiative is the Tripoli water system. In Y4-Q3, LWP’s PPP expert finalized the revisions NLWE requested in the proposed PPP documents, after discussions with EBRD. Next, NLWE’s BoD officially approved the Tripoli PPP initiative and supporting documents. The NLWE BoD then submitted its approval decision to the MoEW for ratification. NLWE also requested the MoEW to inform the Higher Council for Privatization (HCP). Once the MoEW ratifies the Tripoli PPP initiative, it can then move forward with the project and officially request from HCP to conduct the feasibility study agreed upon based on EBRD requirements for financing.

BWE. The focus of the BWE PPP is wastewater. The documents were revised and discussed in detail with the LWP team. Challenges for BWE include lack of funding as well as on-going O&M contracts for these identified WWTPs. BWE plans to move forward with identifying funding sources to implement its PPP activities.

SLWE. After sharing the revised PPP documents with SLWE, LWP received the DG’s formal approval as to the content of the bid documents, in Y4-Q3.

TASK C.2. DEVELOP AT LEAST ONE PILOT PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIP TO

LEVERAGE THE FUNDING OF INNOVATIVE WATER CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGIES

Nine stone cutting industries engaged under the Water Efficiency in Lebanese Industry (WELI) program of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI) concluded their work in Y4-Q3. To celebrate the successful installation of the new recycling systems, LWP and ALI held ceremony on April 23, 2019 under the auspices of the Minister of Industry and in the presence of representatives of the ministries of industry and energy and water. These nine marble-cutting enterprises are also saving a total of nearly $700,000 per year after installing water-saving equipment and up to 90% of the water they use yearly in the marble-cutting process.

TASK C.3. DEVELOP AT LEAST ONE PILOT PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIP TO

IMPROVE WATER USAGE AWARENESS

On May 30, 2019, LWP held a coordination meeting at its offices with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), LWP’s partners, beneficiaries, and stakeholders to introduce them to EBRD’s Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF). Attendees included a representative from the EBRD Head Office visiting Beirut and LWP’s partners from the private sector (wine industry, agri-business, industrial association, and cooperatives). The purpose of this event was to enhance LWP’s role as facilitator in linking the private sector to available financing and encourage water conservation investments. Already operating in Lebanon, GEFF supports businesses and households that wish to invest in green technologies. The meeting allowed EBRD to present GEFF to LWP’s private sector partners and offer them potential financing for water or wastewater projects. For its part, LWP showcased its success stories with its private sector partners, highlighting the big impact that even small, grant-supported investments could achieve in terms of protecting water resources and improving

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 48

profitability. Based on this meeting, the EBRD’s team met in June 2019 with one LWP partner, the “Château St. Thomas” Wine House, a Bekaa winery renowned for its wine. Being a partner in the LWP Stewardship Program, Château St. Thomas had previously raised awareness among technical and administrative staff on water issues. With EBRD’s financial assistance, “Château St. Thomas” is currently considering installing WWT solutions to recycle used water on its premises.

For detailed information related to all activities under the tasks of Result C, please refer to the table

below.

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 49

RESULT C: TABLE OF ACTIVITIES AND DELIVERABLES


Deliv. No.

Task & Activities


Y5 Status of Activity

Challenges Next Steps or Mitigating Measures

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

C.1. DEVELOP A PILOT SECTOR PARTNERSHIP TO IMPROVE WATER SUPPLY, WASTEWATER, OR IRRIGATION SERVICE DELIVERY

113 C.1.1-a Develop at least two service contracts with RWEs for private sector support in reducing NRW

X Completed in Y4-Q2. Contract between CashUnited and SLWE signed in Y4-Q2.

114 C.1 NOT USED

115 C.1.1-b At least three contracts developed for use by RWEs with private companies to improve operations, deliver improved services, and manage wastewater system

X All contracts and tender documents developed and shared with RWEs.

Willingness of RWEs to engage in PPP activities.

Financial capacity of RWE and identifying financing for O&M service contracts for main facilities

RWEs to move forward with the PPP agreements and obtain financing and assistance from government.

C.2. DEVELOP AT LEAST ONE PILOT PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIP TO LEVERAGE THE FUNDING OF INNOVATIVE WATER CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGIES.

116 C.2.1 Develop incentive-rebate program and prize concept to spur the transition of industries to more efficient water uses

Completed in Y2.

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 50


Deliv. No.

Task & Activities




Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

100 C.2 Hold at least four meetings with industry associations on water conservation issues.

Completed in Y3-Q3.

108 Partnerships will be established with industry associations to conduct water audits, co-sponsor workshops on water conservation technologies, and award annual prizes to industries that significantly reduce water use or pollution.

Completed in Y3-Q4. Prize award ceremony held in Y3-Q4.

118 C.2.2-b Award at least 3 innovation grants to develop/promote more efficient water use.

Completed in Y3-Q4.

C.3. DEVELOP AT LEAST ONE PILOT PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIP TO IMPROVE WATER USAGE AWARENESS 119 C.3.1 Identify at least three interested

sectors/industries to do awareness

Completed in Y3-Q2.

120 C.3.2a Launch at least one pilot with industry to improve water use awareness among their members

Completed in Y3-Q3.

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 51


Deliv. No.

Task & Activities




Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

121 C.3.2b Establish at least five programs with industry and business associations, and media to improve water use among their members and by the general public

Completed in Y3-Q4.

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 54

ANNEXES

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 55

ANNEX A – SUMMARY OF

GRANTS

Below are the LWP grants that are active in Y4-Q3.

Grantee

Organization

Purpose of

Grant

Award

Date

Amount of Grant Current

Disbursement to

Date

Grantee Main

Achievements

LRC LRC will

promote

NLWE’s image

through

awareness

campaigns in the

Koura Caza

focusing on the

duties of

consumers and

citizens.

Collaborating

with

municipalities,

NLWE, and

citizens, LRC

intends to attain

a “Village with

Sustainable

Access to

Water”.

July 6,

2017

LL.217,882,500.00

($145,255.00 @

$1=LL1,500)

LL 148,122,000 -Project officially launched with NLWE and six municipalities of Koura.

- Completion of First Round of Awareness

- Water Festival Completed.

- LRC assistance to LWP subcontractor resumed in Y4-Q2.

CCIAZ “Improving

water

availability,

quality and uses

in agriculture

and industry in

the Bekaa” is

CCIAZ’s

project. CCIAZ

intends to assist

farmers in the

Bekaa with drip

irrigation

systems and

August

24,

2017

LL.223,062,000.00

($148,708.00 @

$1=LL1,500)

LL.142,500,000 - Physical installation of all farmer pilot plots completed.

- Dairy industries installation of whey treatment systems ongoing.

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 56

Grantee

Organization

Purpose of

Grant

Award

Date


Disbursement to

Date

Grantee Main

Achievements

monitoring

equipment. It

will also develop

irrigation

schedules,

provide new

irrigation

technologies,

and install solar

panels to reduce

both water and

energy

consumption.

Finally, CCIAZ

will assist dairy

producers in

decreasing

pollution and

treating dairy

waste.

Saint Joseph

University -

CEEDD

Raise awareness

among youth

and adults about

sustainable

water use and

management, in

order to reduce

water

consumption in

Metn district.

Liaise Metn

citizens with

BMLWE and

strengthen the

communication

between the

citizens and

water

contractors.

July 16,

2018

LL.135,665,000.00

($90,443.33 @

$1=LL1,500)

LL.82,500,000 The grantee started working on water management in Metn and has held meetings with schools and municipalities to establish contacts and revise work plan. Trainings on water conservation in schools on-going.

Jezzine

Foundation

for Culture

Raise awareness

among the local

communities

August

7, 2018

L.L.87,992,200.00 LL.15,000,000 - Planning for first town hall meetings and for school

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 57

Grantee

Organization

Purpose of

Grant

Award

Date


Disbursement to

Date

Grantee Main

Achievements

and

Heritage

and national

authorities about

sustainable use

and

management of

natural water

resources and

awaken their

eco-citizen spirit

to reduce water

consumption

within schools

and households

in the Jezzine

region.

Establish a

sustainable

network and

strengthen the

communication

between the

local community

stakeholders

involved in the

management of

water problems

and resources.

($58,660.94 @

$1=LL1,500)

As per modified final

grant agreement

L.L.92,186,400.00

($61,457.360 @

$1=LL1,500)

Original Agreement

training in Y4-Q3.

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 58

ANNEX B – SUMMARY OF TRAININGS

Below is a summary of all training delivered in Y4-Q3.

Training Title Training Date

Number of Participants

Purpose of Training

Female Male

O&M Pump Stations at BMLWE

April 4 and 5, 2019

1 15 LWP developed training material and delivered a training session to 16 BMLWE operators in the Jbeil region. The two-day training focused on the basic concepts of pump station O&M and included a field visit to the Jbeil pump station.

O&M Pump Stations at BMLWE

April 24 and 25, 2019

0 15 LWP developed training material and delivered a training session to 15 BMLWE operators in the Jbeil region. The two-day training focused on the basic concepts of pump station O&M and included a field visit to the Jbeil pump station.

WQAP – BMLWE

June 17- 20, 2019

5 0 During the training, trainees learn about many aspects such as: metal analysis, tagging chemicals, MSDS, certificates, inventories, chemical verification, instrumentation, maintenance, and safety measures.

WQAP – NLWE

June 17- 20, 2019

1 5 During the training, trainees learn about many aspects such as: metal analysis, tagging chemicals, MSDS, certificates, inventories, chemical verification, instrumentation, maintenance, and safety measures.

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 59

ANNEX C – SUMMARY OF GENDER

INTEGRATION ACTIVITIES

Below is a description of LWP gender integration and mainstreaming activities for Y4-Q3. Additional activities are planned for Y4 as LWP moves along with its activities.

Activity Name Activity Date Activity Description

Training activities including

women

Y4-Q3 LWP delivered various training sessions addressing different topics throughout this quarter. Sessions were attended by men and women and contributed to empowering women and enhancing gender equality through capacity building and knowledge sharing. For details on training sessions held, please refer to Annex B.

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 60

ANNEX D – SUMMARY OF SHORT TERM

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Below is a summary of STTAs for Y4-Q3 of LWP.

Name Title Organization Purpose of Assignment STTA Duration

From To

Max Goldensohn Interim COP DAI/LWP Act as LWP interim Chief of Party. 04/04/2019 06/14/2019

Mohamad Barada

Microsoft Dynamic

NAV Senior

Consultant

DAI/LWP

Provide technical support to LWP in finalizing the ERP scope for the Bekaa

Water Establishment, South Lebanon Water Establishment, and North

Lebanon Water Establishment.

Oversee the ERP implementation, and supervise the transition of the

responsibility of the ERP from LWP to these regional water establishments.

04/15/2019 01/10/2020

Ahmad Al Azzam Principal/Financial

Specialist

Allied Business

Advisors

(ABA)

Review NLWE Billing and Collection reports and outputs.

Audit the cycle of NLWE Billing and Collection module.

Review and follow-up on the progress of NLWE 2018 financial closing.

Work with NLWE on the Billing and Collection governance manual.

Assist SLWE in 2018 financial closing and review 2018 cut-off accounts.

Support BWE ERP implementation related to financial and process issues

as needed.

Finalize LRA risk responses and prepare LRA executive Plan

05/12/2019 05/23/2019

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 61

Name Title Organization Purpose of Assignment STTA Duration

From To

Astrid Oksnevad Senior Project

Manager DAI/LWP

Support the LWP strategic retreat held on June 19 & 20, 2019 and

participate in the strategy, team building, and technical sessions.

Meet each LWP technical team to review their respective section of the

project annual in preparation for supporting the development of LWP Year

5 work plan.

Review DAI project management policies and procedures with the new

Chief of Party, Daniel Bichanich.

Meet with the LWP team as the project’s new Home Office manager.

06/14/2019 06/22/2019

Tine Knott

Senior

Facilitator/Strategic

Advisor

DAI/LWP Design and lead the LWP technical and team building retreat held on June

19 & 20, 2019. 06/17/2019 06/21/2019

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 62

ANNEX E – ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE REPORTING

Below are all environmental compliance activities that took place in Y4-Q3.

LWP Environmental Mitigation & Monitoring Actions

Activity # Activity Description Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Update

RESULT A: IMPROVE SERVICE DELIVERY AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CAPACITY

TASK A.6 NLWE - PODAs The “Environmental Review Assessment Checklist (ERAC) was approved by USAID. The Environmental Review Officer (ERO) has approved the health and safety plan and the subcontractor started infrastructure works. The ERO visited the site and found that most of the mitigation measures were being applied. The ERO will keep visiting the site and checking on the implementation of environmental mitigation measures.

TASK A.6 BWE - PODAs The subcontractor is working on the rehabilitation of the Barr Elias well. The ERO has visited the site and found that most mitigation measures were being applied. The ERO will keep visiting the site and checking for the implementation of the environmental mitigation measures.

TASK A.7 SLWE demonstration area project

The ERAC was approved by USAID. The subcontractor submitted the health and safety plan, and started work. The subcontractor is working on the construction of transmission and distribution lines as well as house connection in Jezzine caza. The ERO visited the sites in Y4-Q3 on a biweekly basis, and found most mitigation measures were being implemented. The ERO explained the importance of good housekeeping measures, the importance of the health and safety measures, and the importance of cleaning the site directly after works are completed. The ERO also explained the importance of cleaning any oil spill from work machinery, and the subcontractor started cleaning the spills. The field visits will continue in Y4-Q4 and until the end of the works.

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 63

LWP Environmental Mitigation & Monitoring Actions

Activity # Activity Description Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Update

TASK A.7 NLWE demonstration area project

The ERAC was approved by USAID. The subcontractor submitted the health and safety plan and it was approved by LWP. The ERO visited the site and found that most mitigation measures were being applied. The ERO will keep visiting the site and checking on the implementation of environmental mitigation measures.

TASK A.7 BMLWE demonstration area project

The ERAC was approved by USAID. The subcontractor has send the health and safety plan and it was approved by LWP. The subcontractor is working on district meter areas (DMAs) and rehabilitating reservoirs. For the DMAs, the roads were closed for safety reasons and the premises of the reservoirs were fully barricaded. The mitigation measures were mostly implemented. The ERO explained the importance of keeping the sites clean and the importance of cleaning any oil spill that occurs. The subcontractor is cleaning the oil spills.

TASK A.9. Support the development of context appropriate models for sanitation service and sewage management

Roum Constructed Wetland: LWP’s consultant prepared the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) based on the design, the Ministry of Environment (MoE)’s comments and LWP’s comments on the EIA screening report. The EIA was submitted to MoE for review and approval. In Y4-Q3, the MoE reviewed the EIA and provided comments. The consultant is currently updating the EIA based on the MoE’s comments.

Joub Jannine and Kherbet Qanafar (rehabilitation and extension of WW networks): The ERO visited the sites and drafted the ERAC for both sites. LWP submitted the ERAC to USAID and it was approved. The ERO will start field visits once infrastructure works start in Y4-Q4.

Kherbet Qanafar wetland: The ERO visited the site and drafted the ERAC. LWP submitted the ERAC to USAID and it was approved. The ERO will start field visits once infrastructure works start in Y4-Q4.

Wastewater treatment plants rehabilitation (Jbaa, Moukhtara and Mrousti): The ERO visited the site and drafted the ERAC. LWP submitted the ERAC to USAID and it was approved. The ERO will start field visits once infrastructure works start in Y4-Q4.

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 64

ANNEX F – SUMMARY OF CONSTRUCTION WORKS STATUS

The intent of this table is to identify construction projects and major ongoing activities while addressing construction challenges and mitigation measures/resolutions. All LWP construction projects have CQC provided by the design engineering firm. LWP as the implementer and Social Impact as the USAID construction quality assurance firm provide additional oversight.

Project Title/Status Challenges

Resolution/Update

Site Visits (Dates)

LWP SI

South Lebanon Water Establishment – Jezzine Demonstration Area

Qaitoule (customer meters, district meters, distribution network, reservoir rehabilitation, spring rehabilitation)

Started on September 17, 2018

No Major Challenges. Ongoing. April 30, 2019

May 3, 2019

May 7, 2019

May 29, 2019

June 12, 2019

June 26, 2019

April 2, 2019

April 4, 2019

April 6, 2019

April 9, 2019

April 11, 2019

April 13, 2019

April 16, 2019

April 18, 2019

April 20, 2019

April 23, 019

April 25, 2019

Sniye (customer meters, district meters, distribution network, WWTP rehabilitation)


No Major Challenges. Ongoing.

Ain Majdalein (construction of new reservoir, reservoir rehabilitation)



LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 65


Resolution/Update

Site Visits (Dates)

LWP SI

Sabah (customer meters, district meters, distribution network)

Started on October 16, 2018


April 27, 2019

April 30, 2019

May 2, 2019

May 4, 2019

May 7, 2019

May 9, 2019

May 11, 2019

May 14, 2019

May 16, 2019

May 18, 2019

May 21, 2019

May 23, 2019

May 25, 2019

May 28, 2019

May 30, 2019

June 4, 2019

June 6, 2019

June 8, 2019

June 11, 2019

Bouslaya (customer meters, district meters, distribution network)



Taaid (customer meters, district meters, distribution network)

Started on November 7, 2018


Machmouche/Ghobatiye (transmission line)



Kroum el Arez (customer meters, distribution network, new reservoir, new pumping station)

Started on December 14, 2018


Mazraet el Mathane (transmission line)

Started on December 22, 2018


LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 66


Resolution/Update

Site Visits (Dates)

LWP SI

June 13, 2019

June 15, 2019

June 18, 2019

June 20, 2019

June 22, 2019

June 25, 2019

June 27, 2019

June 29, 2019

Zhalta (customer meters)

Started on January 4, 2019


Bisri (customer meters)

Started on January 4, 2019


Roum (customer meters, reservoir rehabilitation)

Started on February 4, 2019


Qoubaa (customer meters)



Beba (customer meters, reservoir rehabilitation)



Midane (customer meters, pumping station rehabilitation)



LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 67


Resolution/Update

Site Visits (Dates)

LWP SI

Qattine (customer meters, spring rehabilitation)



Harf (customer meters)



Haidab (customer meters)

Started on March 2, 2019


Saidoun (customer meters)



Ouadi Jezzine (customer meters)



Macknouniye (customer meters)

Started on April 1, 2019


Dahr el Ramleh (transmission line)



LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 68


Resolution/Update

Site Visits (Dates)

LWP SI

Homsiye (customer meters)



Machmouche (customer meters)



Shoum 1 & 2 (rehabilitation of pumping stations)

Started on May 24, 2019


Jezzine City (customer meters, district meters, customer service center, rehabilitation of assembly pumping station, distribution line, )


Delays in initiation of works on the Municipality distribution network due to conflicts on jurisdiction/authority

Ongoing.

Works resumed after successful coordination between SLWE, Jezzine Municipality and LWP. Jezzine municipality had an agreement with SLWE concerning the handing over procedure.

Bteddine el Loqch (rehabilitation of WWTP)

Started on June 7, 2019


Jouar El Sous (transmission line)



LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 69


Resolution/Update

Site Visits (Dates)

LWP SI

Aazour (customer meters, construction of new reservoir)


The excavation of the Aazour reservoir has exposed the soil and rock foundation of the adjacent reservoir.

Ongoing.

Construction of reservoir and valve chamber completed.

A&E cleared the proposal on slope protection as per the last revision submitted by Subcontractor and approved by Consultant. Subcontractor to proceed with works.

Jal Neshe (customer meters, new reservoir)


Works on hold due to disagreement on reservoir foundation design between Consultant and A&E engineers.

On hold.

LWP is exploring an alternative to this intervention that consists of rehabilitating an existing reservoir in Benouati Village (adjacent to Jalneshe) and laying a 75 mm distribution pipe to feed Jalneshe Village.

Subcontractor has performed all the required tests to check on the integrity of Benouati’s existing reservoir. A detailed report is under preparation by consultant and will be communicated with A&E soon.

Subcontractor to proceed with works upon clearance from A&E.

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 70


Resolution/Update

Site Visits (Dates)

LWP SI

Raimat (customer meters, distribution network, reservoir rehabilitation)


Few of the installed meter boxes were damaged, a sign of citizen’s opposition to the installation of customer water meters.

Ongoing.

LWP conducted town hall meetings in Jezzine to bring awareness on the importance of customer water meter installation.

Subcontractor is moving forward with the installation of meter boxes and SLWE was informed of the incident.

Beirut & Mount Lebanon Water Establishment – Metn Demonstration Area

Data Survey and Customer Water Meter Installation

Delays in data surveys and customer meters installation due to difficulties in collecting data.

Subcontractor is allocating additional crews to compensate for delays and meet deadlines.

Ain Alak (customer meters, district meter area, rehabilitation of system reservoir)


No As-built Drawings were made available for the systems reservoirs leading to inaccuracies in the designs compared to actual site conditions.

Ongoing.

Subcontractor, in coordination with LWP and BMLWE, conducted several site visits and trial pits to validate the initial design. The Consultant had to redesign parts of the proposed works.

April 2, 2019

April 10, 2019

April 11, 2019

April 12, 2019

April 17, 2019

April 18, 2019

April 24, 2019

April 29, 2019

April 2, 2019

April 4, 2019

April 9, 2019

April 11, 2019

April 17, 2019

April 25, 2019

April 30, 2019

May 2, 2019

Beit Chabeb (District Meter Area, rehabilitation of system reservoir)



Ongoing.

The Subcontractor, in coordination with LWP and BMLWE, conducted several site visits and trial pits to validate the initial design. The

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 71


Resolution/Update

Site Visits (Dates)

LWP SI

Consultant had to redesign parts of the proposed works.

May 3, 2019

May 6, 2019

May 7, 2019

May 10, 2019

May 16, 2019

May 17, 2019

May 21, 2019

May 24, 2019

May 29, 2019

May 31, 2019

June 14, 2019

June 21, 2019

June 24, 2019

June 25, 2019

June 28, 2019

May 4, 2019

May 7, 2019

May 9, 2019

May 11, 2019

May 14, 2019

May 16, 2019

May 21, 2019

June 11, 2019

June 13, 2019

June 18, 2019

June 20, 2019

June 25, 2019

June 27, 2019

For the DMA, both sewer network and the existing water network were found to be laid adjacent to each other.

Ongoing.

The Subcontractor had to perform several trial pits in order to find a suitable location to build the DMA.

Beit el Kiko (rehabilitation of system reservoir)



Ongoing.


Dik el Mehdi (District Meter Area, rehabilitation of system reservoir)



Ongoing.


For DMAs, works delayed because the municipality did not authorize the initiation of works until end of school year on June 21, 2019.

Ongoing.

Works resumed after the said date.

Mazraet Yachouh (District Meter Area, rehabilitation of system reservoir)



Ongoing.

Subcontractor, in coordination with LWP and BMLWE, conducted several site visits and trial pits to validate the initial design. The

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 72


Resolution/Update

Site Visits (Dates)

LWP SI

Consultant had to redesign parts of the proposed works.

Bikfaya (District Meter Area)


Bikfaya Municipality did not authorize initiation of works before September 2019.

On hold.

Works to resume in September 2019.

North Lebanon Water Establishment – Koura Demonstration Area

Jradeh (rehabilitation of pumping station)


Results of Geotechnical investigation report for the construction of Jradeh Dry pit were not satisfactory.

On hold.

Consultant had to do modifications to initial proposed design.

April 3, 2019

April 15, 2019

May 2, 2019

May 8, 2019

May 13, 2019

May 20, 2019

June 17, 2019

June 24, 2019

June 27, 2019

May 8, 2019

May 14, 2019

May 17, 2019

May 23, 2019

May 25, 2019

May 28, 2019

May 30, 2019

June 1, 2019

June 6, 2019

June 8, 2019

June 11, 2019

June 13, 2019

June 15, 2019

June 18, 2019

Qalhat (customer water meters, district meters, construction of new elevated reservoir, distribution and transmission line)


For Qalhat reservoir, the expropriated land is not sufficient to build the proposed reservoir.

Ongoing.

LWP and Consultant conducted several negotiations with Qalhat Municipality and the private land owner in order to solve this

issue. Qalhat Mayor issued a letter as a goodwill act by the mayor not to delay the work. The land owner is outside the country and has provided his verbal consent to the said mayor. LWP will follow up on this matter with the mayor to ensure the completion of needed signatures at the earliest convenience.

MoPW permit was received and works have resumed.

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 73


Resolution/Update

Site Visits (Dates)

LWP SI

For Qalhat network, delays in initiation of works were encountered due to delays in getting the permit from MoPW to work on main roads.

June 20, 2019

June 22, 2019

June 25, 2019

June 27, 2019

Batroumine (customer water meters, district meters)


No major challenges. Ongoing.

Bekaa Water Establishment – BWE PODA (Barr Elias)

Barr Elias (Construction of control room, rehabilitation of pumping line, connection line to UNICEF intermediate reservoir, sector zoning)


No major challenges. Ongoing. May 22, 2019

June 28, 2019

June 13, 2019

June 17, 2019

June 20, 2019

June 25, 2019

June 27, 2019

North Lebanon Water Establishment – NLWE PODA

El Aayoun (Construction of a new reservoir and pumping station, connection pipeline from pumping station to reservoir and from reservoir to existing network)

On hold.

Opposition from land owner on the construction of the proposed reservoir.

On hold.

Design Subcontractor proposed 2 alternatives to substitute the initial reservoir location. NLWE is coordinating with landlord to reach

June 18, 2019

LWP-Y4-Q3-REPORT 74


Resolution/Update

Site Visits (Dates)

LWP SI

an agreement concerning new reservoir location. NLWE to convey the final decision.

Rachaaine (Construction of a new pumping station, connection pipeline, rehabilitation of existing reservoir)

Started May 13, 2019

Delays due to issues related to expropriation limits of the proposed pumping station.

Ongoing.

Consultant is modifying the design of the pumping station and reducing its size to fit in the allocated plot.

May 28, 2019

June 25, 2019

Rahbeh (Well deepening and equipping, construction of new pumping station and connection pipeline, rehabilitation of existing reservoir)

Started May 13, 2019

Minor delays at the beginning of the project in activities related to well deepening due to technical difficulties.

Ongoing.

Issues were solved and well deepening resumed.

May 28, 2019

June 18, 2019

June 25, 2019

LWP Y4-Q3-REPORT 75

ANNEX G – SUMMARY OF COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA

Please refer to the excel spreadsheet attached as Annex G.

lebanon water project - pdf.usaid.gov

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