Urban Water Solutions in the Developing World:Sustainable Services and Just Policies for the Poor

Philadelphia Global Water Initiative

 

7th Annual Conference Proceedings

April 10th, 2014Drexel University

Behrakis Grand Hall3210 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA

 

 

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 www.pg wi.org #pgwi20142TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Note from the President 4

Conference Summary 5

Keynote Addresses 6

The Scope of the Problem 7

Panel A: Finance and Economics for Urban Communities 9

Panel B: Technical Solutions toServe Growing Populations 11

Panel C: Governance: Leadership andManagement for the Poorest Cities 13

Speed Solutions 15

PGWI Speakers 16

Visiting Speakers 17

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 www.pg wi.org #pgwi20144A Note from the President...

Dear Colleagues and Friends, I am happy to provide you with this summary of the seventh annual conference

sponsored by the Philadelphia Global Water Initiative [PGWI]. This conference, Urban Water Solutions in the Developing World: Sustainable Services and Just

Policies for the Poor, recognized the pressure on cities in a rapidly-urbanizing world and brought together experts from Asia, Africa, the World Bank, USAID, NGOs,

and the private sector. As you will see in these proceedings, the participants offered many excellent ideas, including post-2015 ideas for addressing issues related to the urban poor. We will share these ideas with the United Nation

as they deliberate on the Sustainable Development Goals for water and sanitation. It is our hope that this conference will engender continued

discussions on how to help the poor and women have a stronger voice in the future.

PGWI continues to evolve as an organization that supports both projects on the ground in developing countries and educational opportunities here and abroad. At the conference it was my pleasure to announce that PGWI will formally become the Global Water Alliance later this year. This event would not have been possible without the continued support of our generous sponsors, our wonderful speakers and panelists, and the many volunteers who worked long hours to make this conference a success. We especially thank Drexel University for the use of the conference space, the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center of hosting the post-conference reception and the many student volunteers, lead by Alexandra Nawrot, Conference Manager. Finally, we thank Bill Cohen, Francine Leech, Alexandra

Nawrot, and the volunteers for preparing these proceedings.

Sincerely,

Angelita Fasnacht-Cuellar, President Philadelphia Global Water Initiative

 

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CONFERENCE SUMMARY

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The Philadelphia Global Water Initiative held its 7th Annual Conference at Drexel University. This year’s topic, Urban Water Solutions in the Developing World, focused specifically on sustainable solutions and just policies for the urban poor. The stimulating and interactive discourse was lead by professionals from The World Bank, Women for Water Partnership, USAID, USEPA, and many other private and governmental agencies, seeking to address the critical challenges that face the international community. These issues for developing nations primarily revolve around accessibility to sanitary water and hygiene services in poor urban and peri-urban areas.

After the encouraging opening remarks from Ms. Francesca Di Cosmo (EPA) and Kusum Athukorala’s (Women for Water) inspiring Keynote Address, the first panel addressed the financing and economics of urban communities. They shared examples of how successful developing cities have managed finances to secure drinking water and sanitation services to the poorest people. Many new opportunities for inroads were presented at this time, backed by case study examples in Colombia, Ghana and Senegal among others. The experts elaborated on the importance for poorer communities to empower themselves through the practice of ownership, micro-governance and self-reliance.

The second topic of discussion was centered technical solutions to serve growing populations. The exponential urban growth in developing countries requires the establishment of sustainable water sanitation systems and protective standards for treatment and construction. Panelists offered unique technical solutions that address loss of vegetation, increased pollution and migration. The interventions proposed called for the engagement of communities, infrastructure improvements and change in political representation to inspire a new way of thinking.

The third and final panel discussed leadership and management in the poorest cities. Diverse, complex relationships between social, political, economic, and health factors in poor urban areas pose unique challenges to water management. Gender equality and performance indicators of governance were highlighted as possible models for success in such systems.

The conclusion of the conference was formatted in ‘breakout discussion’ groups that integrated experts, professionals and students in active problem solving. This platform for dialogue provided an interdisciplinary approach and facilitated the sharing of information and ideas in order to provide a framework for the future.

 

 

 

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Jeanine Cooper’s keynote address examined another part of the globe in Kenya, where climate change has triggered an alarm among humanitarians who predict that the next war in Africa will be over water. It is currently estimated that 600 people were killed in Northern Kenya over competition for limited water supplies. Increased threats of severe weather patterns that result in floods and droughts are expected to further destabilize conditions within government organizations.

The coupled effect of increased violence over water access and unclear political accountability has had a dramatic effect on a large population of

Kenyans. A lack of reliable water utilities within Kenya has forced an estimated 8 million people to adopt a semi-nomadic lifestyle to follow water sources.

As reliable water sources begin to diminish a formal introduction of management practices will be required to ensure a sustainable solution that deters violence and promotes social stability.

Keynote speaker Kusum Athukorala opened the conference by addressing the principle issues surrounding water justice for the poorest of the poor and by stressing the rapidly

growing need to put urbanization on the agenda. As a representative from the Sri Lanka branch of the Women for Water Partnership, Kusum made reference to the struggles of

integrating water resource management in urban settings. POOR INDIVIDUALS IN URBAN CENTERS SUCH AS SRI LANKA SPEND 15% OF THEIR INCOME ON WATER. The high price of water around cities has been driven up by accelerated urbanization coupled with the emergence of “water

mafias” that illegally monopolize the water supply. As a consequence residents are being stripped of their water rights and the problem is being magnified by a migration trend from farms to cities. In order to fulfill the basic water rights of the people and provide safe, reliable drinking water politicians, water bureaucrats and citizens must integrate to create proactive holistic approaches that ensure water justice for all.

KEYNOTE ADDRESSES

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Jeanine Cooper Afternoon Keynote

Kusum Athukorala Morning Keynote

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T H E S C O P E O F

 

 

 

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Financing successful water and sanitation projects within developing nations can be both politically challenging and fiscally rewarding. Success depends on coordination between multiple stakeholders with an emphasis on local involvement. Panelists shared financially successful water ventures that aid impoverished communities within urban and peri-urban areas. Common themes among the discussions included locally incentivized financial investment, decentralized ownership, and transparent subsidies. The clear message is that water and sanitation ventures can stimulate local economies if handled by accountable utilities that respond to the unique needs of each community.

Successful financing of WASH initiatives in developing cities depends heavily on community engagement and localized ownership. Rather than applying blanket solutions, more local and individualized approaches should be implemented within the context of the community and political structure. Incorporating unique factors and fostering a sense of ownership through education will help sustain water systems in the long term. For example, cities serving intermediate populations are often neglected by both regional aid and ruralized governments, and are thus less likely to provide sufficient management of water utilities. In Columbia, where responsibility of providing water services shifted from the national government to local municipalities, flexible public and private systems have been largely successful at providing service and covering costs. If peri-urban areas that exist in this grey area are still underserved, they can benefit from taking ownership rather than relying on established municipalities for aid. Proactive involvement by local community members in the small communities of Oyibi, Ghana, benefited from a multi-village scheme that both improved service and increased revenue. Rather than wait for support from government officials, these community groups have made significant progress through local cooperation and support of public-private partnerships to further WASH endeavors in their area.

Oyibi, Ghana Multi-Village Water Network

In 2004, the Danish International Development agency funded at US$ 1.4 million water system in the greater Accra region around Oyibi, Ghana. Two boreholes and shared infrastrucutre provide safe drinking water for six to seven thousand residents in eleven impoverished peri-urban communities. Despite high energy costs and pipe breakages, the system has not only reliably covered costs, but generated surpluses.

Learn more at www.safewaternetwork.org

ModeratorAngelita Fasnacht

President,Philadelphia Global

Water Initiative

PanelistsVentura Bengoechea

Lead Water and Sanitation Specialist,

The World Bank

Luz María GonzalesPrincipal Associate,

SEGURA Consulting LLC

Dr Arun DebVP, (retired) Weston

Solutions Inc; PGWI Board Member;

Former Board Member, Water

for People (WFP)

FINANCE & ECONOMICS

 

 

 

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FOR URBAN COMMUNITIES

 

 

 

 

Urban poor often have to choose between unregulated, insufficient groundwater or overpriced, untreated water from distributers. In a study conducted by the World Bank, residents in a Calcutta slum reported that 76% of both male and female residents would be willing to pay a fee for water if it could be delivered in good quality and at a reasonable price. This suggests that financing at the micro scale may not be as limiting a factor as other issues, such as introducing reliable distribution systems. No model will achieve success

without the political will to engage these marginalized communities.

Incentivizing payment structures are key to assuring sufficient financial inputs have effective results. When properly assessed and managed, serving poor communities can be a profitable business venture, but there is a strong need for sound financial backing through transparent subsidies and performance-based rewards. For distribution entities, outcomes can be assessed by their water quality, accessibility, and reliability. In Dakar, Senegal, a sanitation facility was constructed with the requirement that it meet certain standards before being allocated funding. Combined with monitoring and community engagement, 63,000 people gained access to improved sanitation systems by 2004, exceeding the project’s original goal of 60,000 by 2006. The success of this sanitation facility is largely due to payment plans that are contingent on efficient implementation driven by local action. Effective investments in service will garner greater consumer confidence, making it easier to assess and acquire customer fees.

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PanelistsVentura Bengoechea

Lead Water and Sanitation Specialist,

The World Bank

Jeanine CooperRepresentative to the

African Union and Economic Commission

for Africa; Head of Liaison Office

Anthony KolbUrban Health Advisor, US

Agency for International Development (USAID)

Hariprasad HegdeGlobal Head of

Operations, Wipro Ltd

ModeratorVincent W. Uhl

President and CEO, Uhl Associates

Learn more at ww.umande.org

Learn more at www. grundfoslifelink.com

C o m m u n i t y latrines in Nairobi, Kenya, known as bio-centers, use biodegestion to turn human waste into clean water and gas for cooking. Close to 50 bio-centers, now offer clean sanitation, kitchens, and public gathering spaces for some of the poorest slums in Nairobi.

The Grundfos Lifelink system harnesses renewable energy and mobile payment technology that allows users to access and pay for a safe water supply. The combination of customizable design, adaptive financing, secure payment and remote monitoring provides the quality, affordability and accountability necessary for a decentralized water supply system.

Addressing the technical challenges of providing urban and peri-urban WASH services in developing countries requires more than traditional infrastructure and treatment solutions. Successes have come in many cases from innovative ideas that change behavior through grassroots engagement that focuses on outcomes. The following four innovative solutions offer urban communities more than just better water, they offer a better way of life. Municipal and private utilities can build on these achievements by integrating site-specific technical applications with social and economic incentives to drive local participation.

BIO-CENTERS IN NAIROBI, KENYA

TECHNICAL SOLUTION TO SERVE GROWING POPULATIONS www.pg wi.org

 

 

 

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Both the Sanergy model (top) and the Clean Team Toilets model (bottom) integrate simple, cost effective technology with sustainable waste management practices to create community driven sanitation solutions uniquely suited for urban slums. Not only do these highly adaptable options create energy and fertilizer, they stimulate the local

economy by creating jobs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn more at www.cleanteamtoilets.com

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TECHNICAL SOLUTION TO SERVE GROWING POPULATIONS www.pg wi.org

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GOVERNANCE: LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT IN THE POOREST CITIES

ModeratorDr. Christiaan

MorssinkAdjunct Professor,

UPennExecutive Director,

UN Association of Greater Philadelphia;

PGWI Board member

PanelistsKusum Athukorala

NetWwater, Sri Lanka

Jeanine CooperRepresentative to the

African Union and Economic

Commision for Africa

Sasha Koo-OshimaEPA Senior Water

Advisor

As rural populations inundate and expand the poorest urban areas, strong local and national leadership will be instrumental in securing environmental, social and economic justice. Commonly, lack of political representation and/or recognition in marginalized communities, combined with instances of local, national and regional political instability, inhibits the delegation of regulatory responsibility and stymies private investment. Through innovative partnerships with properly engaged stakeholders from technical, political, financial and social sectors, both community leaders and regulatory agencies can work together to recognize opportunities and garner support for solutions.

A sustainable water management strategy reflects community needs and institutes grassroots responsibility. Participation, consultation and coordination on multiple levels effectively contribute to integrated decision making. The Hydro-Social Contract embodies these strategies while accounting for the pervading values and implicit agreements between stakeholders. The modern paradigm of urban water values has grown to include the considerations of environmental protection, resource conservation, climate adaption, and sustainability, moving towards a “Water Sensitive City” that employs “adaptive, multi-functional infrastructure and urban design to reinforce water sensitive values and behaviors.” This holistic understanding of natural, physical and social relationships provides a workable framework for Integrated Water Resources Management in underserved communities.

The city of Hyderabad, India has developed rapidly as a result of globalization. Now the 6th most populous city in India, the growth has strained peri-urban water resources as flow is rerouted to supply the inner city. In some cases, residents have been forced to give up their land and the water sources located there. To reverse the loss of the quickly urbanizing natural landscape and restore resident’s access to water, Hyderabad implemented the Green Hyderabad Environment Programme. With the mission “to achieve sustainable improvement of the living environment with active stakeholder participation and a focus on gender and poverty alleviation,” the Green Hyderabad Programme will drastically increase green ground cover, sustainably conserve treat and manage 87 lakes, and create new food systems by incorporating decentralized vegetable and fish cultivation. This kind of assembly of local governments, NGOs, civil societies and the private sector players can equitably initiate proposals to improve the environmental situation by appreciating ‘rural’ and ‘urban’ relationships, not only in terms of flows of goods and services, but also flows of water and other natural resources.

Green Hyderabad Environment Programme Hyderabad, India

 

 

 

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GOVERNANCE: LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT IN THE POOREST CITIES

 

 

 

 

Governments and stakeholders need to give slum dwellers dignity by legalizing their settlements and accepting their right to water. Informal and transitioning settlements lack legal recognition in cities that have been unable or unwilling to plan for rapidly rising poor populations. Lack of inclusion inhibits access to regulated water sources and service providers. The lasting effects of community inclusion are slow to develop, as are infrastructure for housing and water. In Sri Lanka, the government has invested in public assets as well as social welfare. This past year, communities that were unplanned were recognized, and the residents now ‘exist’ and have a right to water. Singapore’s public housing program in the 1960s could be used as a starting model for developing countries with overflowing megacities. Sustainable services and just polices can only begin with legal access to water through political will. Marginalized communities, although strong in numbers, do not have a political voice to appeal to politicians.

Learn more here...

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S P E E D S O L U T I O N S The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for the year 2015 will be replaced by Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the post-2015 period. Special focus is expected to be given to WASH issues in urban/peri-urban areas, to the poorest people, and to gender issues. The United Nations is coordinating inputs from throughout the world as these SDGs are being developed. WASH issues in urban/peri-urban areas include considerations of technology, economics, law culture, governance and other disciplines. During afternoon breakout sessions, conference attendees and panelists conceptualized tactics that apply WASH goals to both the poorest populations and the greatest number of people. Although it was recognized that the goals need work in order to be quantified, it is hoped that the ideas presented below will be useful to decision-makers.

 

 

 

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  Angelita Fasnacht President, Philadelphia Global Water InitiativeMrs. Fasnacht is a Civil Engineer with 18 years of experience in Environmental & Civil Engineering, specializing in Water and Community Health and has worked on WASH programs with domestic and international governments on five continents. She also mentors students with Engineers Without Borders Rowan University Chapter, and is a current Board member of Aguayuda, a Colombian non-profit organization specialized in water programs.

Dr. Arun Deb Vice President, Weston Solutions Inc (retired) Dr. Deb has more than 50 years experience in teaching, research and consultancy in water and wastewater management. During the last 20 years, he started his volunteering activities with a goal to help poor people of developing countries in providing them safe drinking water and good sanitation. At present, as a Board Member of PGWI, Dr. Deb is involved in a safe drinking water supply project for many schools in West Bengal and involved in improving education and health

of students.  

Francesca Di Cosmo International Programs Manager, USEPA Green Communities ProgramAs the Region III International Programs Manager, Ms. Di Cosmo is responsible for the development, management, oversight and coordination of all international technical assistance and capacity building training programs in which the Region is engaged. Drawing upon the strengths of her 900+ employees as well as technical experts from various state and local governments, environmental institutions, universities and non-profit organizations, Ms. Di Cosmo has developed an international portfolio of environmental projects in Africa, Asia, Central Europe, and the Middle East.

 

Stanley L. Laskowski Lecturer/Advisor, UPenn Master of Environmental StudiesMr. Laskowski is co-founder and former president of PGWI. A senior executive, leader, teacher, scientist, advisor, and mentor during his career in environmental protection, he specializes in US and global environmental management, environmental policy, and issues related to the attainment of the UN Millennium Development Goals for water and sanitation. At Penn he develops and teaches environmental management and policy courses and advises students and

professors in many Departments including environmental science, business, and law.

 Dr. Christiaan Morssink Adjunct Professor, Perelman School of Medicine at UPennAs a founding PGWI member and Executive Director of the UN Association of Greater Philadelphia, Dr. Morssink is interested in the elimination of social inequities and the related consequences for health, nationally and globally. From a development and sustainability perspective, Christiaan is focusing on the need to rethink and restructure the global food production systems by promoting urban, well organized local food systems, with low carbon footprint, and high reliance on organic, holistic production methods.

 

Bonnie Smith Media Relations Officer, US EPA Bonnie Smith is a media relations officer at the U.S Environmental Protection Agency´s mid-Atlantic region. In the past 20 years she has been an agency adviser and spokesperson on environmental and enforcement issues impacting public health, including improved air quality, safe drinking water, water quality and sustainability. Prior to joining EPA, Ms. Smith developed new programs for several non profits in New York City. She is a Wisconsin native, experienced in

community programming and a Master Gardener.

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  Kusum Athukorala Women For Water PartnershipMs. Athukorala works on a range of community level training and sensitization programs allied to ground level issues in Sri Lanka. Regionally she works on issues related to water and society, especially empowerment of community women activities and water professionals. She has published nationally and internationally and her research areas include water education, water governance, river sand mining, water transfers out of agriculture and water pollution.

Ventura Bengoechea Lead Water and Sanitation Specialist, The World BankSince joining the World Bank in 1993, Mr. Bengoechea has managed projects in Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica, Domin-ican Republic, Venezuela, Guyana, Peru, Paraguay, Argentina, Indonesia, Burundi, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia and Senegal, among others. Prior to joining the Bank he served as Managing Partner of a US engineering consulting firm where he worked for nearly 15 years. In addition to his normal duties, he has served as a volunteer in several water and sanitation

nonprofit organizations and is an Honorary Member of the American Water Works Association.

 

Jeanine Cooper Representative to the African Union, United Nations OCHAOCHA is a part of the UN that brings humanitarians together to respond to emergencies. As liason between the UN and the African Union, Ms. Cooper co-chairs the humanitarian team of agencies and NGOs as well as Regional Economic Communities. Before joining the United Nations, Ms. Cooper’s extensive humanitarian work was with international NGOs and other charitable institutions, and she worked for several years supporting community-initiated agricultural projects in Liberia.

 

Luz María Gonzales Principal Associate, SEGURA Consulting LLCMs. González is a seasoned economist with ample experience in economic and financial assessment of infrastructure proj-ects, financial evaluation of public utilities, design of water and sanitation tariffs, and preparation of financial schemes for public-private partnerships for infrastructure projects in emerging economies. She has worked on numerous projects in 24 countries in Latin American, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, helping design strategies to structure

infrastructure projects that meet the financial needs of the utility, the government, the investors, and the consumers.

 

Hariprasad Hegde Global Head of Operations, Wipro Ltd.Wipro is a U.S. $7 Bn IT and Consulting Services provider with presence in 61 countries. Hari brings significant understanding and expertise on micro and macro issues of managing water in a rapidly urbanizing world and experience dealing with challenges related to large scale commercial development in Indian cities. Emerging trends and fvvuture solutions in the area of sustainability, water, energy and mobility are his areas of work.

 

 

Anthony Kolb Urban Health Advisor, USAIDIn his 25 year career, Dr. Kolb has worked with the United Nations, bilateral donors, and NGOs to address environmental health concerns in urban slums, especially those related to water supply and sanitation, in over 20 countries in Asia, Africa and the Former Soviet Union. His primary focus is supporting USAID country missions in improving and expanding health activities among the urban poor and integrating field experience from those efforts

into agency best practice.

V I S I T I N G

 

 

 

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Sasha Koo-Oshima Senior International Water Policy Advisor, EPASasha Koo-Oshima has a rich background of 26 years of national and international experience, focusing on agriculture and urban water management, wastewater reuse, and integrated water resources management. She has published extensively (nearly 100 publications) on international water issues, and served on numerous international technical

advisory panels in support of research and policy-making for planning and management.

 

Dr. Shannon Marquez Dean & Director of Global Health Initiatives, Drexel School of Public HealthDr. Márquez is an accomplished educator, researcher, administrator and “public health engineer,” who has garnered local, national and international recognition for research and practice in the field of global environmental health. Her international areas of focus include safe water systems, health systems strengthening and health governance, and agricultural health. Dr. Márquez also lead research on sustainable solutions to address the environmental burden of disease and health disparities in developing countries of Africa, and has also worked in Asia, and Latin America and underserved communities in the United States.

 

Dr. Julie Mostov Vice Provost for Global Initiatives, Drexel UniversityDr. Mostov specializes in studies on the politics of national identity, sovereignty, citizenship, and gender and has a particular interest in Southeastern Europe. She has been actively involved in development projects in Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, and Moldova, and programs and grants to stop violence against women in the U.S. and abroad. She serves on the board of multiple local and international organizations including Women Against Abuse and the Global Philadelphia

Association.

 

Howard M. Neukrug, P.E. Water Commisioner of Philadelphia Mr. Neukrug is a national leader for sustainable practices and quality management in the water industry, creating Philadelphia’s “Clean Water, Green Cities” program which integrates land-based urban sustainability goals with the goals for clean, safe, attractive and accessible rivers and streams. As chief executive of Philadelphia’s water, wastewater and stormwater utility, he is responsible for ensuring safe and affordable drinking water and providing integrated wastewater and stormwater services to support a healthy and vibrant river and stream network.

 

Vincent W. Uhl Professional Hydrogeologist and President, UHL & Associates, Inc.Mr. Uhl has over 40 years experience in the exploration, development, management, protection and remediation of groundwater and surface water for public, industrial and agricultural uses. He consults with industry, municipalities, local governments, international governments, NGOs, USAID contractors, consulting firms and legal clients on projects with water resource components. He has worked extensively in the United States and abroad, including southern and

eastern Africa, Afghanistan, the Philippines, and India.

S P E A K E R S

Thank you to all of our panelists for your wonderful work and support!!!

GLOBAL WATER ALLIANCE

640 WATERWORKS DRIVE, PHILADELPHIA , PA 19130 office 215 • 645 • 2231 web www.addresshere.com

Letter from Angelita Fasnacht-Cuellar

I am pleased and honored to present to the world the Global Water Alliance. The challenges facing our communities continue to reveal themselves as the issues of income disparity, lack of infrastructure, emerging climate change and political conflict and nothing seems strong enough to stop their current pace and progress. In Spanish we have a word descarado, which translates roughly to the term two-faced in English, but with a more ironic flavor. That is a relevant word for me at this juncture, as it feels that the global conditions presented to us are descarados. On the one hand, we make huge strides in partnership and execution of excellent global water and sanitation programs.

But, oh, tan descarado es este mundo! – critical shortages of funding, continued lack of political will and new and emerging issues threaten to push back our progress. Now, are we up for this challenge? The answer is a vibrant, collective, YES.

The Global Water Alliance is ready to take our partnerships and expertise to the next level. It is our aim to increase the number of countries impacted with appropriate MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning tools), increase the number of functional partnerships and further program integration. We are ready to take our work to scale.

Let us forge ahead. Let us be proactive; because clean water is the foundation for all development.

Angelita Fasnacht-CuellarPresidentGlobal Water Alliance