Lebanon Water and Wastewater Sector Support Quarterly Report: January 1, 2011—March 31, 2011

The program is implemented by DAI and focuses on increasing the capacity of the water establishments in Lebanon to provide efficient and sustainable services. The program is divided into seven components, each with specific objectives and activities. Component One involves the development of an Initial Assessment Report and a High Priority Intervention Plan, while Component Two focuses on strengthening the capacity of the water establishments in managerial, technical, and operational efficiency. Component Three aims to increase the financial and commercial viability of the water establishments, and Component Four seeks to increase the capacity of the water establishments in capital investment planning and project management. During the second quarter of project year two, substantial progress was made in several components. In Component Two, training and capacity building were conducted for the Beirut-Mount Lebanon Water Establishment (BMLWE) and the Beka'a Valley Water Establishment (BWE) to increase their IT skills and pump station operations and management. A detailed pump station survey was also developed for the South Lebanon Water Establishment (SLWE), which will allow them to have a detailed asset inventory of their pump stations. In Component Three, LWWSS completed steps 5e and 70 percent of 5f of its year-two work plan, which involved upgrading the financial and customer relations management systems for the BMLWE. Additionally, steps 5b and 5c were carried out for the BWE. These activities are expected to improve the financial and commercial viability of the water establishments. The program also conducted a series of presentations at the Ecole St. Joseph des Soeurs Antonines in Zahle, Ksara region, to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and educate students about their daily water consumption. A workbook for each student with exercises was given to them, and a quiz was conducted to test their knowledge. The program has made significant progress in the second quarter of project year two, with several components showing substantial progress. The program's activities are expected to continue in the coming quarters, with a focus on improving the water and sanitation services in Lebanon. The use of funds during the quarter was as follows: [insert information]. The contract deliverables for the quarter included the completion of several activities, including the development of a detailed pump station survey and the upgrade of the financial and customer relations management systems for the BMLWE. The program faced several challenges and issues during the quarter, including delays in procurement and the need for additional training for the pump station operators. However, the program's staff and short-term technical assistance (STTA) worked diligently to overcome these challenges and ensure the program's progress. The performance management plan (PMP) reporting for the quarter showed that the program was on track to meet its objectives. The program's counterparts and primary contacts, including the Beirut-Mount Lebanon Water Establishment, the Beka'a Valley Water Establishment, and the Ministry of Energy and Water, were also engaged and supportive of the program's activities. Overall, the Lebanon Water and Wastewater Sector Support program is making significant progress in improving the water and sanitation services in Lebanon. The program's activities are expected to continue in the coming quarters, with a focus on improving the financial and commercial viability of the water establishments and increasing their capacity in capital investment planning and project management.