Management Engineering Services Contract (MESC) Phase II Quarterly Progress Report No. 5 Q2 FY 2021

The project began on January 2, 2020, and is scheduled to end on January 1, 2023. Engicon is the prime implementing partner, with subcontractors AECOM and Competitive Advantage Consulting Ltd. The project's geographic coverage includes the entire country of Jordan, with a focus on reducing NRW levels. Historically, USAID has been actively involved in Jordan's water sector, with a focus on expanding water supply systems and network restructuring. Reducing NRW is a key component of this effort, as it is estimated to be around 47% of the total water supplied in 2019. The project's goal is to reduce NRW levels and improve the overall efficiency of Jordan's water supply system. The project's progress is monitored through a series of performance indicators, including NRW results in completed distribution zones, summary of NRW project progress, and summary of MESC II's progress. These indicators are used to track the project's progress and identify areas for improvement. One of the key interventions implemented by the project is the replacement of Class B meters with US meters in various distribution zones. This has resulted in an increase in billed consumption in areas such as Zarqa's Haya and Tareq areas, as well as a reduction in NRW levels in Aqaba test areas. The project has also implemented a series of training programs for water utility staff, including cost management and risk management training. The project's progress is also monitored through a series of assessments and evaluations, including a midterm evaluation that revealed a 27% increase in household income among program participants compared to the control group. The project's findings and recommendations are presented in a series of annexes, including a performance indicator tracking table, geographic data reporting template, and proposed transmission pipeline for YWC. The project's next quarter's planned activities include the continuation of NRW project phase II, implementation of gender mainstreaming, and collaboration and/or knowledge sharing with other USAID activities and donor agencies. The project's branding communications and dissemination plan includes a calendar of planned outreach and communication events for the next quarter.