Enhance Climate Resiliency and Water Security in the Maldives Quarterly Performance Report (January-March 2013)

The project, which began in 2011, is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Chemonics International. The project's primary focus is on enhancing the capacity of the Maldives' water and sewerage utility, FENAKA, to provide reliable and sustainable water services to the population. To achieve this goal, the project is working closely with the Maldives Ministry of Environment and Energy (MEE) to identify and address the country's water security challenges. During the January-March 2013 quarter, the project's activities were focused on finding common ground between USAID project objectives and MEE infrastructure planning requirements. The project also organized a community outreach program to provide clear, factual, and relevant information about water supply to island residents, promote public debate, and facilitate local decision making. The project negotiated an interim waste management system on Hinnavaru, leveraging cooperation from the nearby Komandoo Resort. Additionally, the project facilitated World Water Day celebrations on Dhidhdhoo and Hinnavaru and developed a draft water and sewerage tariff setting policy and procedures document for FENAKA's reference. Technical activities and deliverables during this quarter included the completion of Task 1: Assessment, Design, and Mobilization activities, with outstanding tasks remaining to obtain environmental clearance for construction activities. Task 2: Institutional Strengthening was a lesser focus this quarter, while the project ramped up in other areas. Chemonics is investigating steps to improve the capacity of local utilities on both islands, including examining operations, providing parts and services, and training local operational staff. Task 3: Community Outreach involved significant time and effort in developing materials for public forums to promote public discussion about water on the islands. The project plans to train selected island residents as environmental facilitators who will guide public forums and conduct other public outreach workshops throughout the project. This quarter, Maldives GCC conducted an intensive workshop on both islands, resulting in the creation of "Champion Island" committees. Task 4: Infrastructure Interventions involved working closely with local engineering subcontractor Riyan to complete design documents for the Dhidhdhoo rainwater storage expansion project and for the Hinnavaru solid waste management facility. USAID requested the project to delay all other activities under this task until an agreement is reached with MEE. Task 5: Technical Assistance to the National Utility involved lining up short-term consultants to work with FENAKA on organizational structure and planning, creating a standardized training plan, facilities auditing, and water and sewerage tariff policy. However, USAID asked the project to halt all work with FENAKA pending agreement with MEE. Task 6: Regulatory Oversight activity included project sponsorship of two Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) staff members to attend the Pacific Islands Climate Services Forum in Suva, Fiji. The project faced significant challenges this quarter, including garnering MEE support for the activities envisioned by the project. MEE wants a substantial shift in resources from technical assistance to infrastructure and construction activities. GoM officials have expressed frustration about the constraints of USAID funding and the limitations to any changes that can be made in the project scope at this point. USAID has requested that Chemonics obtain written concurrence from MEE for all activities undertaken by the project, resulting in implementation delays while the project awaits this concurrence.