Resident Project Manager VEI in Nakuru and Kisumu (Kenya)
VEI is responsible for the The Water Operator Partnership in Nakuru and Kisumu, under the umbrella of the WaterWorX program, executed with the three water utilities (NAWASSCO, NARUWASCO and NAIVAWASCO) in Nakuru County and the water utility (KIWASCO) in Kisumu County. The goal of this partnership is to increase the improved water and improved sanitation and faecal sludge management services in Nakuru County and Kisumu County in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. A key task is to ensure that water resources, infrastructure, water supply and demand match under current and future conditions. Climate change, demographic growth and economic development scenarios are key components to look at within this framework as well as reduction of Non-Revenue Water, reduction of energy costs and improved management of faecal sludge management. I am responsible for: Daily coordination of VEI’s input in the project; Planning and supervision of short-term inputs; Financial project management; Reporting to WaterWorX coordination unit and Communication and visibility actions; Stimulation of the involvement of partners such as the cities, municipalities and town leaders and stakeholders, both national and international organisations; Liaison with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nairobi and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hague and bi-/multilateral organisations such as KfW, AFD and International Financial Institutions; Promoting and testing innovations in the field of water treatment (removal of fluoride, reduction of turbidity) and water management (Sponge City Approach with Meta Meta); Specific activities related to Sanitation, Wastewater and Faecal Sludge Management: Promotion and facilitation of improvement of onsite sanitation systems through the Finish Mondial approach with AMREF Kenya and WASTE Netherlands/ Developing and testing mechanical desludging methods using the ROM Vacuum option and Practica’s PuPu pump including mobile transfer stations / Elaborating and promotion the implementation of FSM Business models, among others the ‘Permitting’ Model / Promotion of safe sanitation at World Toilet Days in Kenya. Specific activities related to reduction of energy costs: Assessing the potential reduction in costs / Elaborating the impact of more efficient pumps and improved hydraulic designs of networks / Elaborating the impact of generation electricity using solar power / Hiring and supervision of consultants to detail the measures and assessing the associated costs / Finding and securing funds to finance the proposed measures / Monitoring the effect of the measures.
Phase 1 Evaluation Siaya Water and Sanitation Project 2017 -2022
Review pilot phase and recommendations whether or not there is sufficient evidence to enable the partners to proceed to Phase 2. The project adopted a Public Owned, Privately Managed model. The project partners, a.o. Dorcas, receive 50% subsidy from RVO. The private actor contribution is an investment that is to be recouped in a period of 7 years. This project is anchored on a business case in which (after rehabilitation of the schemes), the private actor is to infuse technology that involves online monitoring information, installation of pre-paid water meters for private and individual connections and on-going monitoring on Non-Revenue Water. Activities: Desk review / Project site visits / Key informant interviews / Focus group discussions / Reporting.
Team leader FSM Business Development Support to Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC) through WSUP
Zambia’s capital is suffering from a sanitation crisis that claims lives through regular occurrence of cholera, typhoid and dysentery and causes severe environmental pollution. The Lusaka Sanitation Program (LSP) aims to improve sanitation services in Lusaka and strengthen LWSC’s capacity to manage sanitation services. LSP is supported by the World Bank, African Development Bank, KfW and EIB and covers both infrastructure development, as well as developing LWSC’s capacity to manage all aspects of sanitation, from conventional sewerage to on-site sanitation and Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) services. Our assignment: Assessing and advising LWSC on the business potential that exists with regard to FSM services in Lusaka; Preparing an FSM business plan to guide LWSC in achieving safe and efficient collection, transportation, treatment and reuse of the faecal sludge generated in the city; Identifying and evaluating FSM service delivery models, including the franchising model that LWSC is considering, and advising on the most appropriate model and Providing technical support to LWSC in implementation of the FSM business plan; and the chosen FSM service delivery model.
Faecal Sludge Business secondary towns Rwanda (GGGI)
Specialist Faecal Sludge Management for Global Green Growth Institute: Assessment the sector, agencies involved and the market for deployment of faecal sludge treatment technologies in four secondary cities in Rwanda; Identification of options for faecal sludge management (emptying, collection, transportation, treatment), study four sites, assessment investment, operation and maintenance costs; Identification of potentials for valorisation of waste streams to strengthen the revenues; Develop business cases for bankable projects that address GGGI’s strategic objectives of green growth; and Develop a 3-year capacity strengthening program with WASAC on wastewater and sanitation.
From emergency sanitation to compost business in Guiuan in Philippines
Adviser Faecal Sludge Management with
ACTED and UNICEF, Guiuan, Philippines: Reconnaissance survey sanitation systems implemented by International NGOs funded by UNICEF in Guiuan after Haiyan typhoon; Analysis existing situation through interaction with the local population UNICEF, ACTED and municipalities; Development of a strategy to mitigate any environmental pollution and to turn faecal sludge management into a local business producing (vermi-) compost to be sold to farmers.
See article from ACTED.
Wastewater expert UNICEF Lebanon
Through the Disaster Surge Support Facility together with Daily Business (Gert de Bruijne) and Middle East Partners (Ghada Zeidan) I conducted a reconnaissance survey wastewater and sanitation services Informal Tented Settlements. We also analysed the existing situation through interaction with refugees, UNICEF, International and Local NGOs, Water Establishments, Municipalities, Ministry of Energy and Water, Ministry of Environment, private sector and service providers. We developed a technological strategy to mitigate any environmental pollution and to reduce the operating costs by 80%.
Opportunities to scale up sanitation businesses in Africa
Through WASTE COOP and Africa Funded, together with Aqua for All, I investigated the opportunities to scale up sanitation businesses in Africa. This initiative of the Toilet Board Coalition was started by Unilever. We screened 12 companies and investigated readiness to scale, viability of the plans and how co-creation and cross selling opportunities can be beneficial for the innovative entrepreneurs. We presented the results in London to the board of the Toilet Board Coalition.
Team Leader Feasibility Studies High Priority Investments Lake Victoria Basin Integrated Water Resources Management Project
The Lake Victoria Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Programme with High Priority Investments is to contribute to the improvement of the water quality and to a sustainable management of the Lake Victoria Basin. Hired by SWECO and responsible for shortlisting of High Priority Investments and the preparation of four Feasibility Studies in line with the KfW project appraisal guidelines: wastewater collection and treatment in Mwanza (Tanzania), Faecal Sludge Management in Kigali (Rwanda), treatment of an open sewer (Nakivubo channel) by means of Constructed Wetlands in Kampala (Uganda) and sanitation improvement in informal settlements through a delegated management model in Kisumu (Kenya).
Mid-Term Review Young Expert Programme (YEP) Water
The YEP Water aims to support the continued availability of international professionalism and expertise in the Netherlands water sector. YEP Water is a public private partnership between the Netherlands Water Partnership and MoFA and started in 2013 for a 5-year period. The Mid Term Review aims at gathering conclusions and lessons learned halfway to help the programme to reach its full potential.
Faecal sludge treatment for application in emergency situations
Within the S(P)EEDKITS project an extensive research for faecal sludge sanitising methods has taken place in Blantyre, Malawi. Three faecal sludge sanitising methods—lactic acid fermentation, urea treatment and lime treatment—were studied for application in emergency situations. These methods were investigated by undertaking small scale field trials with pit latrine sludge. The result have now been published in IJERPH (International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health),
Sanitation Marketing in FINISH INK
On behalf of WASTE Advisers, I supported the
FINISH INK Project (Financial Inclusion Improves Sanitation and Health IN Kenya) in sanitation marketing. The project expands access to and demand for sanitation facilities through financial inclusion in a sustainable way. In July 2015 I developed and implemented orientation modules on key sanitation marketing and communication strategies and tools tailored to the objects of FINISH INK. In addition, I supported the development of a comprehensive sanitation marketing strategy as well as a capacity building plan aimed at strengthening the demand for and supply of improved sanitation.
Round table discussion with Kamal Kar on slippage and challenges post Open Defecation Free phase
The Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) resulted in an increase of sanitation coverage worldwide. But, what happens once a region has been declared 'ODF' (Open Defecation Free)? How is usage, operation and maintenance organised and guaranteed? Together with Plan Nederland and the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I organised - on behalf of WASTE - a round table discussion on the 'slippage' and the challenges of the 'post ODF' period. Our guest of honour was the chairman of the CLTS Foundation Dr. Kamal Kar, from Kolkata, India. He shared his vision with us regarding the success factors, while PLAN presented her study on slippage.
Improving sanitation through Service Level Agreements (Sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and DFID)
On behalf of WASTE and in close cooperation with the Blantyre City Council in Malawi, we studied how sanitation in urban areas can be improved by a more thorough involvement of the private sector. Our project’s scope was threefold: Profitable
Service Level Agreements (SLAs); City wide coverage; and Covering the full sanitation chain: from toilet to valorisation of faecal sludge. We studied the successes and failures of existing SLAs, we identified the ‘sticks’ and ‘carrots’ to increase the motivation of the population to use SLAs including local rules and regulations / building code and the ‘six principles of persuasion’ (Cialdini) and to increase the motivation of the service providers and the government. We assessed the possibilities to increase the technical and financial capacity of service providers (more efficient equipment and meso-financing with guarantee funds).
Coordinating the cooperation between Brabant Water and SONEB / ORIO Parakou
From November 2012 through April 2016, I coordinated and initiated activities as part of the Water Operator Partnership between Brabant Water (the Netherlands) and La Société Nationale des Eaux (SONEB) Cotonou, Bénin. We identified the needs and priorities, developed mutual understanding and exploring the possibilities to set-up a water meter repair shop and to improving water meter reading practices (hand held terminals). We prepared all paperwork to secure a € 10 mln. ORIO grant (
Facility for Infrastructure Development) and a € 13.5 mln. loan for
drinking water in Parakou: rehabilitation of Barrage d’Okpara, rehabilitation of water treatment works and extension of drinking water distribution system. To facilitate the process we engaged two Young Expert (YEPpers) who were mentored by me. We engaged the services of RoyalHaskoningDHV to prepare the Project Documents.
Desludging
The mainstream technology of vacuum tankers is inefficient when it comes to emptying pit latrines as the latrines are difficult to access and contain sludge that is semi-solid and full of rubbish. As part of the ESP and SPEEDKITS projects we
tested different types of equipment and developed an efficient way to fluidise the sludge, to fish out the rubbish and to empty the latrines.
Reconnaissance Study Innovative Sanitation Facilities and Treated Effluent Reuse Rural Egypt
For the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands Water Partnership and Egyptian/Dutch High Level Water Panel I studied the feasibility of promoting the application of innovative sanitation facilities and treated effluent reuse for rural areas in Egypt by: (1) Reviewing existing proposals, (2) Field visits and quick scan of potential project areas, (3) Identification of innovative sanitation and wastewater reuse approaches applicable in Egypt, (4) Assessment potential added value Dutch Water Sector, (5) Assessment potential funding source for setting up a business case and (6)
Outline feasibility studies.
Key adviser Water and Sanitation Netherlands Embassy in Cotonou on behalf of the NWP
Seconded at the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP), I supported the Netherlands Embassy in Cotonou (Benin) in the elaboration and implementation of the multi-annual strategic plan in cooperation with the Dutch water sector. In addition I inform and advise the Dutch water sector regarding the (business) opportunities in Benin. I also contribute to the positioning of the Dutch water sector in Benin in a sustainable way and define strengths and added values of the Dutch water and sanitation sector in fulfilling the water and sanitation needs in Benin.
Final Evaluation of the Bonaire Sewerage and Sanitation Project
On behalf of EuropeAid / European Commission Delegation an independent assessment of the performance of the Bonaire Sewerage and Sanitation Project implemented to safeguard Bonaire’s marine environment (coral reefs). I collected data on the vacuum sewerage system, wastewater treatment by means of Sequential Batch Reactor and irrigation by means of treated effluent. Based on the collected data and interviews, I made an analysis and judgement of the system. The
findings and recommendations for the present system were presented to the stakeholders. Finally I recommended an appropriate sanitation approach for isolated islands for future projects.
Evaluation multi-annual water and sanitation program in Benin (PPEA2) & prolongation.
The Netherlands Embassy in Cotonou, Benin in cooperation with the Water & Sanitation Program (WSP) from the World Bank in Benin and the European Union has requested us to evaluate the current multi-annual program on water and sanitation in Benin, West Africa (PPEA2). We were also requested to write the program document (
PRODOC) for a possible prolongation up to 2020. We are a team of 4 expatriates and 4 Beninese experts and we are working closely with all relevant stakeholders in Benin. Our endproduct includes the Terms of References for technical assistance.
Developing innovative approaches Emergency Sanitation
WASTE is working together with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and Oxfam GB in the
Emergency Sanitation Project, aimed to increase the global understanding of current and future emergency sanitation and to propose new concepts and modular technologies for safe excreta disposal in emergency settings that are applicable in a variety of situations.
A menu of options has been made available through the development of specialised emergency sanitation modules, which are rapid to deploy and are cost-effective when compared with traditional solutions. Responsible for desluding in difficult areas, alternative faecal sludge treatment options, urinals, anti-stick material, local production of latrine slabs and biodegradable plastic utilisation. This was followed by development of a
field lab.
Sanitation Options flooded areas
On behalf of WASTE, I prepared an overview of practical sanitation solutions for areas that are frequently flooded in Bangladesh as part of the
SANTE project with Unesco IHE and IRC.
Des training for Unicef WASH Cluster partners in Palestine
For the Unicef-led WASH Cluster, I developed and executed a training in the field of household sanitation and wastewater reuse in the Occupied Palestine Territory:
Assessment sanitation conditions in the field / An appropriate sustainable sanitation technology mix / A 3-day training course for WASH Cluster Partners in Ramallah and Gaza / Training manual with elaborate description and design approach for selected dry, wet, community based sanitation and septage management / Focus on immediate improvements in the field and grey water reuse.
Water and wastewater consultancy Eco-Region Pemongkong / Masterplan Tanjung Ringgit Lombok - Indonesia
Invited by Joachim Elbe Architektur (Germany) and Atelier Dreiseitl (Ueberlingen, Germany), I joined a group of 25 experts to prepare an integrated master plan for the development of an Eco region in Tanjung Ringgit on the island of Lombok in Indonesia.
The area is extremely dry because of the limestone underground and the area was over exploited in the past and has poor soils. Hence, we developed innovative water retention systems, comprehensive (waste-) water reuse and paid a lot of attention to the valorisation of urine and excreta. Amongst others by proposing Terra Preta Sanitation to add fertile soils.
Wastewater expert master planning Bogor, Surabaya en Makassar (Indonesia)
The Government of Australia through the Australian Agency funds for International Development (AusAID) supports the Indonesia Infrastructure Initiative (IndII). IndII aims to assist national and sub- national agencies to improve infrastructure in Indonesia. I guided and supported the teams of MottMacDonald Indonesia in the preparation of master plans for the development of wastewater infrastructure for
Bogor,
Surabaya and
Makassar including supporting feasibility studies, institutional and financial analysis, and capacity building of local governments. A key requirement was the balancing of the investment needs with the capacity of local government to share in the financing of the investment within the overall framework of Indonesia’s policy for assistance for development of wastewater infrastructure.
Feasibility Study / Environmental Impact Assessment Sewage Treatment Plant Yogyakarta
On behalf of IWACO and as part of the Swiss Development Cooperation Yogyakarta Urban Development Project (YUDP) I executed the feasibility study for a sewage treatment plant in Yogyakarta. The recommended technology was the aerated pond system. The sewage treatment plant was built by JICA according to the design of this study. A
USAID financed study on wastewater treatment in Indonesia praises the system as one of the best working systems in Indonesia.
