In period from 11 – 13 June 2019 around 40 representatives of SDC and SECO offices from Switzerland, and representatives from partner organisations involved in the implementation of Swiss projects in Central Asia (Tajikistan, Kirghistan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan) and South-East Europe (Albania, Moldova, Ukraine, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina), as members of Sub-RésEAU network shared experiences and learned from each other and their hosts about key challenges and best practices in the water, wastewater and governance.
Day 1 focused on understanding the thematic focuses: wastewater treatment and water and sanitation as entry point for improved governance.
Introductory inputs were provided on Swiss cooperation overview in the region – why water and wastewater as entry points for good governance, Exploring the mutual reinforcing link between water and governance and Mapping key challenges for sustainable wastewater treatment plant operation. Following inputs, seven case studies were presented through poster presentations.
Second day of the Regional Water Team Days was focused on field visits and validation.
The participants were familiarised with the context with introductory presentations on the preparation and implementation of infrastructure projects, policy dialogue and accompanying measures, followed by the guided tour to Bihac Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)
To discuss key challenges and solutions regarding sustainability of wastewater infrastructure structured dialogue with Mayor of Bihac and local governance officials was organised.
Afternoon sessions continued with visit to field visit to the Cazin decentralised wastewater system, discussion with Mayor of Cazin, director of Public Utility Company and their associates.
Day 3 looked deeper into potential solutions. Regional Capacity Development Network (RCDN) for Water and Sanitation Services was presented under the session Best Practices to Address Sustainability, along with MEG Project and Performance based approach with partner water utilities in Albania, followed by the group work and discussions.
The participants also had opportunity to visit Old Town Ostrozac, and learn more about culture and history of Una – Sana Canton and BiH.
RésEAU is SDC\’s water network. It aims at assuring the sector knowledge management within SDC and with its partners.
https://www.shareweb.ch/site/Water/reseau/Pages/About-ResEAU.aspx
