The Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) undertook a project preparatory mission to the Seychelles Islands from the 21st of March to the 24th of March 2016. The main purpose of the mission was to discuss with the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) the Technical Assistance support they have requested GWP to provide through technical backstopping in the development of the Integrated and Comprehensive Sanitation Master Plan (ICSMP). The development of the ICSMP is funded by the Africa Water Facility (AWF). The mission team comprised of Mr Andrew. Takawira, GWP SA and Dr Kalanithy Vairavamoorthy, GWP Global TEC and IWMI.
Discussions were also held with the Chief Executive Officer of PUC, Mr Phillipe Morin and Mr Joel Valmont, the PUC Deputy CEO. The mission held consultations with PUC officials from the Water Distribution Department and the Sewerage Department in order to understand issues with regards to the management of the water and sewerage network. A meeting was also held with the Sustainability for Seychelles (S4S) and implementers of the IWRM Demonstration Project being funded through the Global Environmental Fund (GEF) focused on La Digue Island.
Field visits were undertaken on all the 3 islands to see the water and waste water treatment plants. Consultations were held with the Supervisors of the treatment plants on Mahe Island, La Digue and Praslin Islands. The discussions enabled the mission to have a clear understanding of the current systems and the issues on the ground. The list of persons met is attached as Annex 1 herewith.
On the 23rd of March 2016 a meeting was held with MWH where they presented an outline of the Diagnostic and Analysis Report, which is currently being developed for submission on the 30th of April to PUC. The mission team also had an opportunity to discuss their initial observations and key IUWM principles with the team of MWH, the Consultancy firm recruited by the PUC to develop the ICSMP, which comprised of the Team Leader, Environmental Expert and Community Engagement Expert. This engagement was useful for both the mission team and the MWH team.
Based on the consultations held over the 4 days, an Action Plan will be developed by GWPSA and IWMI on the Technical Assistance and the budget required to cover all the components discussed with PUC.