Newsletter of Skat - Swiss Resource Centre and Consultancies for Development
Dear Friends and Partners,
The electronic newsletter of Skat is sent to you approximately three times each year. Skat News provides you with brief summaries of recent and ongoing projects, links you to further information and documents, and provides you with relevant contact addresses. Your feedback at info[AT]skat.ch is welcome.
Skat Projects and Activities
* Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation *
Decentralised Wastewater Management in Moldova
Three decentralised wastewater treatment systems have just been implemented and taken into operation in Moldovan villages within the framework of the Water and Sanitation Project in the Republic of Moldova (ApaSan) funded by SDC and implemented by Skat. The implemented treatment systems are constructed wetlands, an extensive treatment technique consisting basically of a gravel layer planted with reeds. The wastewater is treated while flowing through the gravel bed. The systems serve communities and institutions (a women’s prison, an elderly house and schools) serving approximately 100 to 400 people each. Beneficiaries have been trained to operate and maintain the system.
It is the first time that constructed wetlands have been implemented in Moldova. The ApaSan project team and their partners benefited from the French experience with this technique observed during a study tour conducted in France in 2009. The constructed wetlands are currently one of the predominant options for wastewater treatment in rural areas of France.
The ApaSan team will monitor closely the performance of the new treatment systems in collaboration with the Moldovan Centre for Preventive Medicine in order to support the elaboration of sound guidelines for the implementation, operation and maintenance of such systems in the Moldovan context.
For further information contact Agnes Montangero (agnes.montangero[AT]skat.ch) or Roger Schmid (roger.schmid[AT]skat.ch)
Costing and Pricing: A Guide for Water Well Drilling Enterprises
In the framework of the Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN), Skat coordinated the preparation of a guide for Water Well Drilling Enterprises. This field note is written for enterprises and other agencies which manage, or are involved in drilling projects. Using a step-by-step approach, it gives clear guidance on how to cost and price the construction of drilled water wells. It also provides tips on business management with an emphasis of the realities faced in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Once you are familiar with this field note, you will be in a much stronger position to calculate drilling costs, consider prices and deal with business realities.
There are five distinct steps to costing and pricing: (1) the basic costs of running your business; (2) analysis of tender documents; (3) setting out the cost components; (4) calculating your costs and (5) determining your price. Within each step a number of key issues need to be considered: costs are broken down into siting, mobilisation, drilling, casing/completion, well development/pumping test and pump installation. Practical, worked examples enable the reader to easily follow the costing method. The field note sets out bills of quantities and considers how to deal with risks and uncertainties as well as the tender process. Key advice for effective management is also given.
For further information contact Kerstin Danert (kerstin.danert[AT]skat.ch)
Self-supply
The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) of Uganda assigned Skat and an international consultant (Sally Sutton) to develop an Action Plan for the accelerated Self-Supply in Uganda. Self-Supply is defined as incremental improvements which are undertaken by the owner of a well. Self Supply is an option where there is inadequate public water supply, or where individuals prefer to have closer and more reliable access to water. Self Supply complements MWE’s Strategy for Water Supply. Based on the evaluation of pilot projects in several districts and field visits to three districts, the team developed an Action Plan to Accelerate Self Supply. Findings and recommendations with respect to a suitable organisational setup, short and mid-term activities and financial requirements have been discussed within a wide group of staff members of MWE and Technical Support Units members.
For further information contact Andre Olschewski (andre.olschewski[AT]skat.ch)
Human Rights Obligations related to Water and Sanitation - Good Practices
An independent expert on the issue of human rights obligations related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation, Ms. Catarina de Albuquerque, has launched an initiative aiming at identifying good practices that address the question of how human rights obligations related to sanitation and water can be implemented. Skat has coordinated the AGUASAN contribution to the compendium of good practices in the area of human rights obligations related to water and sanitation. Four good practices from different countries have been documented: Institutional and legal reforms in Hungary; Water resources management program in Nepal; Transformation of individual open wells into safe drinking water sources in Northern Benin; and Promotion and dissemination of SODIS in Vietnam.
Even though the limited number of good practices does not allow drawing generic conclusions and recommendations, a few elements characterising the different good practices have been identified: (i) Clear allocation of responsibilities, i.e. clear definition of the responsibilities of the different institutions, effective State oversight and sector regulation; (ii) Pro-poor orientation and policies, i.e. focus on disadvantaged groups, financial instruments such as cross-subsidies and pro-poor water tariff structures, empowerment, increased participation and ensuring a voice for the disadvantaged through public audits; (iii) Setting targets and standards, i.e. targets and timelines at national level, standards for minimum water quantity, water quality and maximum distance; and (iv) Monitoring and accountability mechanisms, i.e. development of independent regulatory bodies, application of utility customer service approach, among others.
For further information contact Agnes Montangero (agnes.montangero[AT]skat.ch)
Solid Waste Management in reconstructed villages in India
In the years following the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, huge housing reconstruction and new settlement schemes have been implemented along the southeastern coast of India. With technical support from Skat, Swiss Red Cross together with several Indian partner organisations has built 5 villages for the resettlement of fishermen in the districts of Karaikal (Puducherry) and Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu). Supported by Skat, Indian partner organisations of Swiss Red Cross continue to be involved in these villages in order to establish viable and sustainable systems of solid waste management. Skat is supporting the implementing organisations in improving the present operations of collection, transfer, composting of waste and sorting of recyclables, with a particular focus on improving community participation and obtaining a gradually stronger involvement of the local authorities (Panchayats), in order to make service provision sustainable without further external support.
For further information contact Jonathan Hecke (jonathan.hecke[AT]skat.ch) or Agnes Montangero (agnes.montangero[AT]skat.ch)
* Building and Settlements *
VSBK Dissemination through South - South collaboration
The introduction of Vertical Shaft Brick Kilns (VSBK) to the Indian Subcontinent started in the mid 90s, where Skat in collaboration with Development Alternatives and the support from Chinese experts adapted the technology to the Indian context. Since then, with the funding from SDC, the technology has been further disseminated to Nepal, Afghanistan, Pakistan and lately, to South Africa. Another country, where Development Alternatives and Skat are working is Bangladesh. In this country, a pilot kiln has been constructed and production was initiated with funding of the World Bank.
The so developed local know-how has been anchored in India and Nepal, where the demand from the private sector for technical support and establishment of new VSBK units is increasing day by day. The technology transfer from Nepal and India to Afghanistan and Pakistan is being supported by highly qualified specialists who have been trained and gained considerable know-how over the past years in India and Nepal on the VSBK technology transfer. Improvements on the whole production chain, though small but important, are being coordinated from Nepal and disseminated among the different players, therefore increasing the regional know-how and capacity to secure the sustainability of the technology even without external support. Experienced fire masters, working at the VSBK kilns in Nepal have been sent to other countries to support their counterparts in firing and operation of the respective pilot kilns. This South – South exchange brought valuable lessons and supported horizontal learning.
Following the Project Document of the current Phase the VSBK project has successfully established the private company MinErgy Pvt. Ltd. It supports VSBK programmes not only regionally but increasingly also globally on a commercial basis.
As an offspring of the VSBK project MinErgy inherits the competence, skills and expertise. As a result of this, for the second time MinErgy Pvt. Ltd has won the “Best Innovative Clean Energy Program” award in the Clean Energy Marketplace 2009 and 2010, organized by USAID and ADB http://cleanairinitiative.org/portal/node/4531. This award clearly demonstrates MinErgy’s innovation and it is hoped that this reputation will open new business opportunities in the clean energy sector.
For further information contact Urs Hagnauer (urs.hagnauer[AT]skat.ch) or Karl Wehrle (karl.wehrle[AT]skat.ch) and visit http://www.vsbknepal.com.
Backstopping of Roma Housing Project in Kosovo
Since 2009, Skat has been mandated by Caritas to provide guidance, supervision and support to the project team and partners in the implementation of a resettlement housing and integration project for Roma families in Gjakova, Kosovo. Skat is in charge of ensuring that minimum technical and social quality criteria are followed and of assessing the needs of project partners. It provides technical and conceptual support in the planning process, design and building of houses, as well as social and technical infrastructures. The project strengthens integration of minorities, supports participatory community building, social integration, income generation and economic development with the objective to improve living and housing conditions of Roma people in the country.
For further information contact Claudia Schneider (claudia.schneider[AT]skat.ch)^
Review of Community-Based Contracting of Primary Schools in Lao PDR
Between 2005 and 2008 the Education Development Project II (EDP II) has introduced a model of Community-Based Contracting (CBC) in Lao PDR. A large number of schools, latrines and water supplies have been built through this project financed by the World Bank, co-financed by AusAID and the Lao PDR Government.
Within this framework, AusAID has mandated Skat, to carry out an independent review of CBC as a precursor to this decision to provide lessons learned and to guide implementation of Community Based Contracting under the Education for All Fast Tract Initiative (EFA-FTI) program. The review mission took place in May 2010. During three weeks of intensive field work, two teams of consultants (both International and National) met with different stakeholders, who are active at central, provincial and district levels. The target districts of Luang Namtha, Houaphan and Attapeu Provinces were visited and a total number of 26 schools were inspected. The objective of the assignment was to inspect a sample of schools built under CBC to identify any issues related to safety, sustainability and longevity. Changes and/or additions to the “Operations Manual for Community-based Construction” were also outlined.
For further information contact Daniel Schwitter (daniel.schwitter[AT]skat.ch)
Special Monitoring in New EU Member State
Skat was mandated by the Financial Mechanism Office (Brussels) of the EEA (European Economic Area) and Norway Grant through the Swiss Centre for International Health of the Swiss Tropical Institute to conduct a special monitoring of a public project in Legnica District, Poland.
Skat assessed the project with respect to energy savings and thermal modernisation works of school and social facilities buildings, and in addition sport facilities. This included a desk study and a site visit with interviews of the partners in Poland.
For further information contact Claudia Schneider (Claudia.schneider[AT]skat.ch)
* Emergency Response *
Haiti post-earthquake rehabilitation and reconstruction project proposals for HEKS
In the late afternoon of 12th January 2010 the region near Port-au-Prince in Haiti was hit by a strong earthquake. Over 220’000 people were killed, many injured and infrastructure and ten thousands of houses have been heavily damaged or destroyed. Skat was appointed by HEKS to assess possible reconstruction projects in the strongly affected town of Petit Goave situated around 60 Km. west of Port-au-Prince. One month after the earthquake two Skat experts visited the region for 14 days and analysed the pattern of destruction in several neighbourhoods of the town, evaluated possible areas and solutions for reconstruction projects. The proposals were discussed with local authorities and decision makers of international organisations that are leading the reconstruction process of Petit Goave. The three project proposals include technical measures for rehabilitation and new construction of houses with livelihood, environmental, water and sanitation components. Skat also provided a concept for the elaboration of a regional master plan proposing further negotiation between local authorities, international agencies and the civil society organisations on how to define the process of beneficiary selection.
For further information contact Andre Olschewski (andre.olschewski[AT]skat.ch) or Daniel Wyss (daniel.wyss[AT]skat.ch)
Support to Helvetas Haiti
Helvetas, one of the leading Swiss NGOs, has been active in Haiti for 30 years, predominantly in the areas of rural water supply and sustainable use of natural resources / agroforestry. After the devastating earthquake on January 12, 2010, Skat was requested to support Helvetas Haiti in assessing the implications of the earthquake on ongoing programmes in the water sector, developing projects for immediate relief actions and preparing the involvement of Helvetas in the upcoming, large scale reconstruction efforts. During a 3-week mission in Haiti, Skat prepared a project for rainwater harvesting benefitting 600 families in the carstic Forêt des Pins area, for immediate implementation through SDC funding. Further, water supply projects linked to upcoming housing reconstruction projects were identified and recommendations to the ongoing Helvetas water programme were made. The Skat service package includes the option for further planning and backstopping support.
For further information contact Jonathan Hecke (jonathan.hecke[AT]skat.ch)
Support to Sphere Handbook Revision
Skat has been commissioned to provide advice in the development of key indicators of the 2010 edition of the Sphere Handbook (Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response). In addition, Skat supports in the formulation of a working definition of ‘indicators’ and in the assessing of key indicators based on their measurability and the degree to which they reflect whether a Sphere standard has been attained. Key indicators have to fulfil the SMART criteria and consistency between process, outcome and impact indicators in the areas of Common Standards, WASH Food Aid, Shelter / Non-Food Items and Health Services have to be assured. The Sphere Handbook is designed for use in disaster response, preparedness and humanitarian advocacy. The purpose of the handbook’s revision is to update the qualitative and quantitative indicators and guidance notes as needed, enhance linkages between sectors, take into account latest developments in the sectors and make necessary relevant additions leading to a consensus on the new edition of 2010.
For further information contact Claudia Schneider (claudia.schneider[AT]skat.ch)
* Knowledge sharing, capacity building and training *
Delegation from Ukraine to Switzerland
In the framework of its Decentralisation Support Project in Ukraine, DESPRO, Skat supported the participation of a Ukrainian delegation in the international conference on “Democracy and Decentralisation” which was held from 3rd to 4th May in St. Gallen. The conference, which was organised by the Council of Europe, focused on the topics of democracy and decentralisation, strengthening democratic institutions through participation to foster good governance. The delegation consisted of representatives of the Ukrainian Parliamentary Committee on Local Self-Government and State Building, Cabinet of Ministers, Mayors, coordinators and officers of UNDP, SDC and DESPRO.
Additionally, Skat organised a site visit to the solid waste incineration plant of the municipality of St. Gallen to demonstrate effective decentralised services delivery at communal level. Furthermore, Skat arranged a visit to the City Administration of Zurich, where participants were informed in the areas of energy efficiency / 2000-Watt-Society, traffic management and the health system of Zurich.
For further information contact Claudia Schneider (claudia.schneider[AT]skat.ch) or Juerg Christen (juerg.christen[AT]skat.ch)
Study tour from Bosnia-Herzegovina in Switzerland
From 18 to 22 April 2010, Skat organised and facilitated a study tour to Switzerland for a delegation of municipal and cantonal officials from different regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Study Tour was prepared by Skat in the framework of GOV-WADE, a Swiss funded project for the development of municipal management, where Skat is mandated with an advisory role. Using its regional network in eastern Switzerland (Cantons St. Gallen and Thurgau), Skat prepared a tailor-made series of meetings, site visits and workshops for the 16 high-ranking delegates. The delegates were given the opportunity to learn first-hand from Swiss political representatives, cantonal officials, mayors, councilors and utility managers about a wide spectrum of governance issues, particularly as applied to municipal services such as water supply, wastewater treatment and solid waste management. The organisational, management and financial set-ups of communal and regional water supply schemes of different scales as well as solid waste treatment and recycling infrastructures were studied and discussed, providing participants with practical insights and ideas on how to best move forward in their home constituencies.
For further information contact Jonathan Hecke (jonathan.hecke[AT]skat.ch) or Karl Wehrle (karl.wehrle[AT]skat.ch)
* Skat’s Networking activities *
May 24-26, 2011, Kampala, Uganda: 6th Forum of the Rural Water Supply Network
The coming RWSN Forum focuses on Myths in the Rural Water Supply Sector and will present visions and promising approaches for the challenges ahead until 2015 and beyond. As in previous RWSN Forums, this event will allow participants from national governments, local governments, NGOs and from Private Sector to present latest practical results and to exchange experience and know-how in different fields of the Rural Water Supply Sector. Thematic issues will focus the four flagships of RWSN but also new and emerging issues. The participants could visit presentations in thematic sessions, small group discussions, a fair and a field trip.
The Forum will build on the intensive efforts and ongoing initiatives in the Rural Water Supply Sector in Africa, but also in Asia, Oceania and Latina America. It is expected that the Forum will be attended by approx. 300- 400 participants. In the coming weeks the Call for Papers will be launched.
For further information please contact Kerstin Danert (kerstin.danert[AT]skat.ch) or look at http://www.rwsn.ch.
Skat Publications
RWSN: Accelerating Self Supply - A Case Study from Zambia
Zambia has a very low density rural population, which makes the establishment of sustainable community water supplies a particular challenge. Previous pilong of improvements to traditional water sources showed both a demand for and an impact from low cost up-grading (Sutton 2002). UNICEF, with RWSN technical support, has been encouraging improvements to water supplies in some of the poorest districts of Luapula Province. Remarkably, these have been achieved with zero subsidies. All hardware costs (labour and materials) are covered by householders; the donor input being only in capacity building through training and marketing.
For further information please contact Kerstin Danert (kerstin.danert[AT]skat.ch) or for download click on the following link: http://www.rwsn.ch/news/skatnews.2010-05-31.5397392690
The Myths Paper of the Rural Water Supply Sector
This recently published 7-page provocative article by RWSN discusses seven myths which have been used as the basis for implementing Rural Water Supply Programmes over the last decades. The myths are in relation to hardware subsidies, an emphasis on the construction of new facilities, community management, water requirements, the private sector, doing-good and a quick fix. The article takes a hard look at achievements, points to areas where approaches need to be radically improved and sets some challenges. You may find some of the myths glaringly obvious, but are likely to find that your programme is adhering to them despite this fact. The Myths Paper has been highly appreciated within the sector.
For further information please contact Kerstin Danert (kerstin.danert[AT]skat.ch) and to download the document click on http://www.rwsn.ch/news/documentation/skatdocumentation.2009-07-27.8158674790
Skat Annual Report 2009
The Skat Annual Report 2009 shows that both financially and institutionally, 2009 was the successful continuation of the previous years. During 2009, Skat experts were involved in about 50 projects and initiatives, 30 of which could be completed successfully and handed over to satisfied clients. The report presents an update of the projects and services provided in 2009, the current staff and functions as well as a summary of the financial statements. Skat’s annual report 2009 is available on our website: http://www.skat.ch/about/prarticleblockfile.2010-06-07.6587039638/file
For further information please contact Juerg Christen (juerg.christen[AT]skat.ch
The Skat Foundation edits various publications in the fields of water supply and environmental sanitation, waste management, sustainable building and settlement development, and transport and mobility. Browse through our list of publications on our website: http://www.skat.ch/publications. For any enquiries please send a mail to publications[AT]skat.ch
About Skat
Job opportunity
Infrastructure Specialist
Skat is seeking an experienced infrastructure specialist with a strong background in rural and urban infrastructure development such as sustainable building as well as water supply and environmental sanitation.
For further information, please refer to the following link:
http://www.skat.ch/prarticle.2006-05-23.7701790099/prarticle.2010-02-16.4713727211
