A WASA Presentation to Water Operators and Universities at German Water Partnership
WASANet introduced the WASA programme and its ongoing projects during the 19th Session of the Working Group on Operation and Capacity Development from German Water Partnership (GWP), held in Dresden from March 11th to 12th. This session brought together German water operators, research institutes, and technical universities within the Membership of GWP.
Lisa Engler, representing GIZ, presented the current activities of the utility platform, highlighting the collaboration between German water operators and their counterparts in Zambia. Presently, five operator partnerships are in place in Zambia, with a focus on strengthening the capabilities of water utilities. Notably, Dresdner Stadtentwässerung is part of a partnership with Luapula Province, alongside the German operator FERNWASSER ELBAUE-OSTHARZ (FEO).
The FEO partnership with Luapula has been centered around optimizing and equipping laboratories at various water treatment plants and establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs). A significant challenge faced by the water treatment plants in this region is the management of extreme weather events, especially since water is predominantly sourced from surface water.
Both the water operators and technical universities within the GWP network are eager to exchange knowledge and integrate potential innovations into practice. The technical universities have shown interest in collaborating with the water operators, particularly in directing more students toward water operator partnerships. This would enhance fieldwork, particularly in the areas of water sampling and analysis. Furthermore, the working group participants expressed their openness to exchange ideas and collaborate with the WASA projects, where applicable.
WASA projects are invited to join the forthcoming session of the working group. The exact date will be shared on the WASA events section, providing an opportunity for further collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Author:
Marie-Louise Chagnaud