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| UN-HABITAT launches Water Operator's Partnerships in Belgrade |
A first set of Water Operators’ Partnerships (WOPs) have been launched in South East Europe, under the Water Operators' Partnerships-South East Europe (WOP-SEE) platform.
During the Sajam Voda (Water Exhibition) 2010 in Belgrade, Serbia earlier this month, the Governess of the South Backa District, Ms. Darija Sajin launched the twinning project that will see waterworks employees and municipal officials getting practical experience in water loss reduction from other water providers.
Utilities from 11 municipalities in this north Serbian district will be exposed to the approaches of Croatian utilities, a short distance across the border, which have made great strides in reducing their water losses. The operators will collectively be led through water auditing and training sessions before implementing water loss reduction programs of their own.
The process, which is expected to be replicated around the country, is supported by the South Backa District, the water professional’s network in Serbia, IPM and German development agency GTZ’s Strengthening Local Self-Government project.
At the same venue, the Romanian Water Association (ARA) announced that a number of WOPs agreements have been signed between Romanian and Moldovan utilities. Following a study tour to Romania by representatives of Moldovan water utilities, three formal WOPs agreements have begun between the two countries, matching the utilities from the cities of Constanta with Cahul and Ceadar Lungam, and Chisinau with Pitesti. Twins were also formalized between Satu Mare and Arad with two Hungarian cities - Niregzihazo and Bacechaba, respectively. The Association is preparing yet another five WOPs.
“All these WOPs were developed through the initiative of municipalities, operators and their associations in the region, with minimal external support. It is real testament to the demand for peer support in this region that with only a small catalyst, so many WOPs are taking off,” said Julie Perkins of UN-HABITAT. |
