Lebanon Water and Wastewater Sector Support Quarterly Report: July 1, 2011—September 30, 2011

The program is implemented by DAI and focuses on strengthening the capacity of the water establishments in the country. The program is divided into seven components, each with specific objectives and deliverables. Component One, Initial Assessment Report and High Priority Intervention Plan, involves conducting an initial assessment of the water sector in Lebanon and developing a high-priority intervention plan to address the identified challenges. The assessment is conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Water and the water establishments. Component Two, Strengthened Capacity for Managerial, Technical, and Operational Efficiency, focuses on improving the capacity of the water establishments to manage and operate their services efficiently. This includes training for staff, development of management information systems, and implementation of performance monitoring plans. Component Three, Increased Financial and Commercial Viability and Operational Efficiency, aims to improve the financial and commercial viability of the water establishments. This includes developing and implementing financial management systems, improving customer service, and increasing revenue collection. Component Four, Increased Capacity in Capital Investment Planning and Project Management, involves improving the capacity of the water establishments to plan and manage capital investments. This includes developing and implementing capital improvement plans, conducting feasibility studies, and managing projects. Component Five, Provision of Technical Equipment to Improve Water Establishment Performance, focuses on providing technical equipment to the water establishments to improve their performance. This includes delivering laboratory equipment, such as autoclaves, and providing training on their proper operation and use. Component Six, Implementation of Small- and Medium-Scale Projects to Improve Operations and Services, involves implementing small- and medium-scale projects to improve the operations and services of the water establishments. This includes improving water treatment and distribution systems, and enhancing customer service. Component Seven, Improved Customer Service and Customer Relations, aims to improve the customer service and customer relations of the water establishments. This includes developing and implementing customer service strategies, improving communication with customers, and enhancing customer satisfaction. The program also involves collaboration with donors and government officials to ensure that the program is aligned with the national priorities and strategies. The program uses funds to support the implementation of the components and deliverables, and the contractor, DAI, is responsible for managing the program and ensuring that the deliverables are met. The program has achieved several successes, including the implementation of a media campaign in the Beka'a Valley Water Establishment's service area, which resulted in the collection of over $100,000 in arrears and the subscription of 602 new customers. The program has also delivered laboratory equipment, such as an autoclave, to the Tyre laboratory and provided training on its proper operation and use to six SLWE laboratory staff. The program is expected to continue its activities in the next quarter, with a focus on implementing small- and medium-scale projects to improve operations and services, and improving customer service and customer relations. The program will also continue to work with the water establishments to improve their outreach programs and to assist them in taking advantage of free public service announcements.