News

We update this page with news related to the project as well as the progress of the project. Follow the project also on our LinkedIn #EUWOP.

The EU WOP partnership project ended but development and partnership continue

EU funding for the Water Operators’ Partnership (WOP) project between HSY and in Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara region in Ethiopia, officially ended at the beginning of March. In the last week of February, a representative of HSY paid an inspection visit to Bahir Dar and verified on-site what the project has achieved.

Unfortunately, the security situation in Ethiopia, especially in Amhara, was poor during the project. The state of emergency, declared in the summer of 2023, lasted almost one year. During that time, air travel was the only link to Bahir Dar, where travel was advised to be avoided, e.g., by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. The internet connection was completely down or only worked sporadically for several months. There were occasional armed clashes in Bahir Dar as well, but the water utility continued its operations. Despite understandable delays and, especially, the challenges caused by the security situation, the project largely achieved its goals. We can be satisfied with this.

The project has, among other things, created a completely new customer register in Bahir Dar, launched the division of the water distribution network into areas, whose water balance calculations help in finding sources of water loss, developed a financing instrument to enable low-income families to connect to the water supply, created the plant's own website and provided training in, among other things, leak detection and strategic planning.

During the February visit, it was a pleasure to observe that the development measures initiated in the project are being continued in Bahir Dar, such as water supply for the low-income families, and strategic planning inspired by the training provided by HSY in Helsinki, with local resources.

Although the cooperation funded by the EU is formally ending, the partnerships continue on a personal level. Several people involved in the project have informed their Bahir Dar colleagues that they are ready to provide advice and companionship in the future if necessary. These promises show that the HSY project team found the cooperation with the professionals of the Bahir Dar water plant motivating and rewarding.

No-One Left Behind: Transforming Water Access in Bahir Dar

Bahir Dar Water Supply and Sewerage Service (BDWSS) has successfully improved water access for low-income households in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia, through an innovative interest-free loan program. This initiative, supported by the Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority (HSY) and the EU WOP project, has enabled 100 poor households to receive water connections during the 2023-2024 financial year, with plans for 200 additional connections in 2024-2025.

The program has led to a 135% increase in water use, improved health outcomes, and time savings for women and girls who previously had to travel long distances to collect water. While some supply interruptions were reported due to electricity issues, overall satisfaction remains high. The project highlights the importance of sustainable revolving funding and collaboration with development partners for future expansion and long-term success.

October 16, 2024: Despite the challenging security situation, the EU-WOP project progresses

The progress of the EU-WOP project has been affected by the tightened security situation in the area. Nevertheless, the project's key activities are advancing. A training session organized by AAWSA (Addis Ababa Water and Sewerage Authority) on reducing water leakage was successfully conducted in Bahir Dar. As a result, the local water utility team can now use the leak detection equipment provided to the facility through the HSY project and utilize the data collected with them.

The measurement arrangements for the separately metered (DMA) area have been completed, and the facility is collecting measurement data for analysis. Discussions have been held with the utility regarding the lifecycle management guidelines for water meters, and the guidelines are nearly finalized. Reporting defined in the benchmarking segment of the project is ongoing.

Furthermore, the Bahir Dar water utility has advanced the updating of customer data, and new water connections have been installed for low-income households. The project will also conduct a survey study to assess the impact of the water connections and their financing arrangements on these households.

Visit in Finland related to the EU WOP Project: training, discussions, and practical exercises

We had the priviledge of hosting a visit on May 27-31 to a delagtion consisting of the director, vice-chairman of the board, financial manager, deputy director, and network engineer from the Bahir Dar water utility. During the visit, extensive training and practical exercises on leakage detection were provided, along with an introduction to HSY's water service operations. Key topics covered included budgeting, investment management, safety, asset management, and long-term staff development. This visit was crucial in light of the security challenges in Ethiopia's Amhara region, which have hindered remote training and meetings.

Moving forward, the Bahir Dar water utility will focus on finalizing its business plan and budget for the next year, with district metering measurements set to begin in June. The visit also facilitated the decision on necessary leakage detection equipment to be sent to Ethiopia. As the project enters its final year, efforts will concentrate on completing the promised tasks and actions within the project timeline. Read more: Visit related to the EU WOP Project: training, discussions, and practical exercises - HSY

Our Partnership Project Highlighted for professionals of the water sector

Vesihuoltopäivät were held on May 15-16, 2024 in Oulu, Finland. This event brought together numerous water management professionals and experts to discuss innovations, developments, and challenges within the field. There were many interesting presentations, and it was great to showcase our project to water management professionals.

Representing HSY, project specialists Hanna Yli-Tolppa and Anssi Yrjölä presented the project, providing an overview of its background and progress. Hannu Vikman, who works as a consultant on the project, also gave a brief commentary on the subject, sharing his experiences with the partnership project.

The everyday life of low-income families reflects the value and necessity of water in Bahir Dar

Arto Suominen, working as a consultant on the project, visited Bahir Dar in February to learn about the daily lives of low-income families. Currently, without access to a water connection, daily routines such as bathing and laundry are challenging and time-consuming. Access to a water connection would enable families to bathe regularly and do laundry, eliminating the need to carry water from public sources. This would significantly improve their quality of life.

Loan opportunity for water connections

Many low-income families are unable to afford the upfront cost of a water connection. Therefore, the project has developed a model where they are offered the opportunity to obtain a water connection through a loan.

A comprehensive study was conducted as part of the project to assess the desire and ability of small households to pay the connection fee. Nearly all interviewed households expressed interest in a water connection and were willing to pay for it in small installments. This allows them access to safe drinking water while simultaneously improving their health and quality of life.

European WOP operators in Bonn, Germany on 17th-18th January 2024

The Global Water Operator Partnership Alliance (GWOPA) organized an event in Bonn, Germany, on 17th-18th January for European WOP operators, especially targeting water utility companies and financiers. Representatives from HSY and the South Savo Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre) participated from Finland.

During the event, discussions revolved around methods to facilitate water utility companies' participation in WOP activities. One method proposed was the development of national financing mechanisms and legislation.

Continuation for the WOP programme

The EU has decided to extend the Water Operators' Partnership (WOP) programme into a second phase, expected to kick off in mid-2025. Moving forward, the focus will be particularly on integrating WOP projects with investment initiatives, as well as emphasizing digitalization and the promotion of human rights.

In November, the mid-term status of the project was assessed, and decisions were made regarding further actions

The Steering Committee of the project convened on November 20th to examine the mid-term status and determine the project's next steps. The meeting was chaired by Tommi Fred, the CEO of HSY, and Jyrki Kaija, who serves as a special expert in the project. Other members of the Steering Committee represented our partner VEI, as well as the Water Office of the Amhara region and the city of Bahir Dar.

The implementation of the project has been hindered by the state of emergency declared in the Amhara region in August for a period of six months, during which communication has been extremely challenging. Despite the state of emergency, the project is progressing, and it was decided at the meeting that the Bahir Dar Water Utility will continue all sub-tasks that can be carried out without an internet connection. In February 2024, hopefully after the end of the state of emergency, the project's work plans will be updated, taking into account the delays incurred, and focusing on the most essential sub-tasks.

In June, representatives from HSY visited Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

While the project has encountered challenges, collaboration between water utilities is efficient, and there is enthusiasm and a willingness to develop. Challenges have arisen, particularly in securing funding for projects. The city is constantly growing and evolving. Currently, water is primarily sourced from wells and springs, but there is a need to construct a surface water treatment plant on the shores of Lake Tana to ensure an adequate water supply.

Additionally, plans for the future include the construction of a sewerage network and wastewater treatment plant. The utility has already built public toilets in the city, where shower and toilet services are available for a small fee. However, the utility cannot undertake these significant and necessary investments on its own and requires external financing. Read more here.

The director of the Bahir Dar Water Utility (BDWSS) in Ethiopia, Mr. Yirga Alemu, visited HSY from May 15th to 19th

The goal of this particular visit was to provide training to Mr. Yirga Alemu in utility management according to the project plan, by giving him examples, especially regarding HSY's water utility management and the necessary support activities, programs, stakeholders, and processes. Throughout the week, many representatives from HSY were involved in presenting our operations to the director of the Bahir Dar Water Utility. The visit was related to the EU Water Operators' Partnership (WOP) project that started last year, in which HSY supports the Bahir Dar Water Utility located in northern Ethiopia. The EU-funded WOP program aims to strengthen the provision of sustainable water services through mutual learning and knowledge sharing between different water utilities. Read more here.