Department of Drinking Water Supply

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Executive Summary

The Review Mission visited the Sector Reform Project in Mizoram between 22-25th September, 2003. The major observations of the Mission are as under:-

1. The Mission felt that the implementation of the Sector Reform Project in the State was, by and large, as per the Guidelines.

Role of Community

2. The community appeared to be willing to make the 10% community contribution. But it appeared that they were making it almost entirely in the form of labour.

3. A high degree of community participation in the execution of the scheme was noted by the Mission.

4. High level of User satisfaction was observed in all villages where the scheme had been completed.

5. The villagers had a sense of achievement, pride and a high degree of ownership of the water supply schemes.

Integration of Water and Sanitation

6. Presently no TSC project has been taken up in the State. But shortly TSC projects for two districts – Saiha and Mamit – will be forwarded to Government of India. The Mission feels that integration of Water and Sanitation at all levels – the State, District and Village would prove useful for successful operation of Swajaldhara in the State. IEC and HRD strategy and activities could and must be common to ensure synergy of effort and optimum utilisation of resources.

Need for effective cohesive effort at District level

7. Officers of all related departments such as those from Health and Education were not contributing to the effective implementation of the Programme at the District level. They need to be more active. It is more of a PHED show.

Need for Health Impact Assessment

8. Health department has to play a major role to initiate post- project health surveys in the SRP villages in order to ascertain the impact of SRP implementation on human health in the sector reform villages and give a feed back to the DWSC and DWSM so that implementation strategy of Swajaldhara can be made more effective.

Issue of Community contribution

9. Stress on 5% cash contribution from the community could be a stumbling block in the successful implementation of Swajaldhara.

Duration of Project

10. The Mission noted that all 11 schemes taken up under the Sector Reform Project are likely to be completed by November, 2003 with only a small part of civil work in one project likely to be completed by January, 2004.

Execution of works by VWSC

11. It was noted that the VWSC did not have any role in purchase of pipes- the major hardware component. This was reportedly being done at the State level as the VWSCs had reportedly passed resolutions to this effect. It was mentioned that this would not be possible under Swajaldhara and the State Government would have to take steps to enable the VWSCs to undertake this responsibility as well.

Support to VWSC

13. The Mission noted that all elected members of the Village Council were members of the VWSC. Further, three representatives from NGOs like YMA, MHIP and MUP are also members of the VWSC and this is a welcome feature.

14. Members of all the VWSCs could be brought together at one forum periodically where they can exchange notes, share experiences – one-day workshops could be organised at Block/ District levels. Visits of selected Presidents/ members of VWSCs could also be organised to other districts and States.

Transfer of savings to O&M Fund

15. In case of savings effected in all schemes due to effective supervision of the schemes by the VWSC, upto 10% of the capital cost could be credited to the Operation & Maintenance Fund of the VWSC. This would ensure sustainability of the project.

Independent third party assessment and certification of quality of construction

16. At the District level, a team of knowledgeable persons comprising of engineers, NGOs, experts, institutions could be constituted by the DWSC to inspect and certify the quality of construction as well as make an assessment of the implementation of the Programme. This independent assessment would enable the VWSC and the DWSC to take corrective measures. This team could be asked to visit all VWSCs at least once in a quarter. This system will require to be put in place for implementation of Swajaldhara.

17. A similar arrangement could be put in place at the State level where a 4 member Team visits each SRP/TSC district every quarter and gives its report to the Secretary, PHED.

Extend scope of IEC

18. Aspects of sustainability of sources, water conservation, water recharge, water recycling , water quality and hygiene need to be stressed upon. This is presently not being adequately covered in the IEC activities. The Mission recommends that a comprehensive integrated IEC activities encompassing both water supply and sanitation needs to launched in all villages where Sector Reform Projects have been taken up and where Swajaldhara projects are proposed to be taken up.

Post Project follow up action

19. Even after the completion of the SRP/TSC projects, certain follow up action would be required. This may include impact assessment in terms of health, decline in incidence of water borne diseases, etc. Further, the functioning of the VWSCs and the schemes must be regularly monitored may be four times a year initially and twice a year after about 3 years to ensure that the water supply and sanitation system does not fall into disuse through any reason and corrective, supportive action may be taken in time.

20. Towards this end, support to DWSM and DWSC may require to be continued even after the completion of the project. The State Government and the Government of India may work out the modalities of support.

Timely release of funds

21. The Mission observed that Sector Reform Project Serchhip had become eligible for release of fourth and last instalment under Sector Reform Project subject to fulfillment of all necessary conditions as per the Guidelines and instructions issued in this regard from time to time.

Operation and Maintenance

22. The Mission noted that all rural drinking water projects in the State are handed over to the VWSCs for operation and maintenance. But since they are not prepared for undertaking this responsibility, quite often the transfer of schemes proves ineffective. The VWSCs will need to be sensitised to various aspects of operation and maintenance.

23. The Mission noted that the State Government had issued instructions wherein the VWSCs could not levy more than Rs. 10 per month for operation and maintenance charges. It was felt that the State Government should immediately rescind this order and it should be left to the VWSCs to decide how much they required to charge from the users.

24. The State Government would also be required to come up with a comprehensive Water Policy at the earliest.

Release of 4th instalment

25. The Mission recommends early release of 4th instalment, if the Project Authorities and the State Government are able to provide complete details of the net requirement of funds. The Mission feels that the balance funds available with the Project Authorities is enough to take care of expenditure on IEC, HRD, Administrative Cost, and Hardware upto 31-12-2003 by when almost all the schemes are likely to be completed.

Execution of Swajaldhara during 2003-04

26. The Mission noted that since 8 of 11 schemes had been completed and the remaining 3 were likely to be completed by November, 2003, the State Government was of the view that since all the project goals had been achieved under the Sector Reform Project and considerable IEC activity had already been carried out and there were other villages in Serchhip which were coming forward, Serchhip could be declared a Swajaldhara II district from the current year instead of 1.4.2004 and Swajaldhara launched in Serchhip during the current year. The Mission felt that there was considerable merit in the proposal and the same could be examined by the Department of Drinking Water Supply, Government of India.

27. REPORT OF THE REVIEW MISSION TO MIZORAM
22nd – 25th September, 2003

A Review Mission was mounted to visit and review the implementation of the Sector Reform Project, Serchhip of Mizoram between 22nd –25th September, 2003. The constitution of the Review Mission was as under: -

1. Shri Sunil Kumar, Director (SW) Team Leader
2. Shri J.K.Natu Member

However, at the last moment Shri J.K.Natu, Director, Swajal, Government of Uttaranchal, could not come for the Mission due to pressing official engagement in the State. Since the Mission had to inspect only one Sector Reform Project, it was decided to proceed with the Review Mission.

II. Methodology

On arrival at Aizawl on 22nd September, 2003, the Review Mission had preliminary Briefing Meeting with Shri M.Dawngliana, Chief Engineer, Public Health Engineering Department and other senior officers of the State Government at Aizawl before commencing the field visit. The Review Mission proceeded to Serchhip the same day and undertook field visit to 3 Sector Reform Projects on 23rd and 24th September, 2003 before returning to Aizawl and holding wrap up meeting with Shri J.H.Ramfangzauva, Secretary, Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED), Government of Mizoram and other senior officers on 24th and 25th September, 2003 wherein the State Government officials were apprised of the major observations in respect of implementation of Sector Reform Project in the State and discussions on the strategy for implementation of Swajaldhara was also discussed.

III. Field Visits

Serchhip district

Serchhip district was created during 1998. It comprises of 8 sub-towns and 31 villages. Traditionally, almost all villages and towns are located on top of the hill. The district had a population of only 48267 as per 1991 Census. It has a literacy rate of 95%. There are 36 Village Councils in the District.

The Sector Reform Project was sanctioned in February, 2000 at a cost of Rs.2.68 crore of which Government of India share was to be Rs.2.48 crore. The details of the approved Detailed Project Report are as under:-

a) Start-up Rs. 1.740 lakh
b) Software Rs. 43.500 lakh
c) Hardware Rs. 208.080 lakh
d) Others Rs. 15.660 lakh

Total Rs. 268.980 lakh

Work has been taken up in 11 villages and the rural drinking water supply schemes have been completed in 8 villages. It is expected that works in the remaining three schemes will also be, by and large, completed by December, 2003.

Three NGOs are engaged in implementation of IEC/HRD and other activities in the district. These are the Young Mizo Association (YMA), Mizo Hmeichhia Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) – an association of Mizo women and Mizo Upa Pawl (MUP) – an association of Mizo elders – above 60 years. These three Mizo NGOs are extremely active and effective. One representative from each of the three NGOs mentioned above have been made a member of the VWSC in all the 11 schemes taken up under the Sector Reform Project.

With this background, three villages (viz. Chekawn, East Lungdar and Hmunzawl were visited. It was observed during the visit that while the water supply scheme at Hmunzawl had been completed, those at Chekawn and East Lungdar were nearing completion. All three water supply schemes were gravity fed piped water schemes. Records of community contribution, meetings of VWSCs, amount received from DWSC were scrutinised and it was noted that these were being properly maintained. It was observed that people had contributed mainly in the form of labour. There was no community contribution in the form of cash in any of the three schemes visited by the Mission. The Mission was informed that given their tradition of community labour, people had no difficulty in providing labour but faced problems in providing community contribution in cash.

A detailed report of all the three schemes inspected by the Review Mission are as under:-

(a) Chekawn

This village has a population of about 228 persons and 42 households. The estimated cost of the piped water supply scheme was Rs. 5.60 lakh. Till date community contribution worth Rs. 55,468 has been made by 71 persons from 40 households. Thus, almost all the households have contributed to the scheme. The water source has been developed, distribution pipeline laid and 4 public stand posts have been constructed. The water source is a perennial stream flowing near the village. The villagers mentioned that even during the dry season there was sufficient flow of water in the stream. An intake chamber had been constructed adjacent to the stream and water was being collected in the chamber after passing through a filtration layer of stone and gravel. From there water was being carried to the village through pipelines. Tanks have been constructed near the public stand posts and water was flowing into these tanks. These tanks were uncovered and there was no overflow pipe nor taps for taking water from these tanks. It was suggested that all these distribution tanks may be covered and overflow pipes provided. Further, taps could be provided at a suitable height so that villagers could take water from these tanks and there is no wastage of water. The President of the VWSC, Shri Zohmachhuana, mentioned that they intended to construct one more public standpost.

Participation in meetings of VWSCs

In village Chekawn, there are 10 members in the VWSC. These include 7 members of the Village Council and 3 associate members from the 3 NGOs of which only one is a woman. The meetings of the VWSCs were held very frequently when work was set to commence and the scheme was under implementation. However, after major portion of the work was completed the frequency of the meetings of the VWSC has decreased. Generally, there was almost full participation of the members in the meetings of the VWSC.

It was noted that the purchase of pipes and laying of pipe-line was being done by the PHED while the VWSC were only doing the civil works in the village. A sum of Rs. 63,302 had been transferred to the VWSC by the DWSC in two instalments and a sum of Rs. 30,009 was the balance amount in the Account on date of inspection. It appeared that because these works were being done by the VWSC they were able to effect considerable savings from the estimated cost. The VWSC had authorised the PHED to procure pipes for them and undertake the technical work of laying the pipes. Thus, the major expenditure was being incurred by the PHED as the order for pipes was being placed centrally. The estimated cost of the project in this village was Rs. 5.60 lakh against which an expenditure of Rs. 4,09, 450 had been incurred till date and only construction of one public stand post and extension of the distribution line by say about 100 feet remained to be done. This could be completed by the balance amount of about Rs. 30,000 with the VWSC. Thus, the total expenditure on this scheme is not likely to exceed Rs. 4.50 lakh. It was suggested that the savings could be transferred to the Operation & Maintenance Fund of the VWSC as these had been largely due to the fact that the VWSC members had taken keen interest in the job.

Attention of the VWSC members was drawn to the aspect of drinking water quality and need to periodically clean the intake chamber as well as the distribution tanks near the public stand posts. It was shown that dirt had accumulated in the intake chamber and leaves, twigs etc. were floating in the distribution tanks as these were not covered. The Executive Engineer, Shri Lalrothanga and other officers of the PHED were advised to prepare a small booklet outlining the maintenance works which the VWSC is required to perform. It appeared that the VWSC had not yet been briefed on this aspect of the Programme. Presently, no money was being collected from the villagers for meeting the operation and maintenance costs, which, even other-wise, is minimal in respect of gravity based schemes. It was pointed out that replacement of pipeline would be the job of the VWSC and they should not expect the State Government or the Central Government to provide funds for this purpose.

(b) East Lungdar

The scheme in East Lungdar was based on collection and storage of rain water in an impounding dam and its use during the dry period of December to April after filtration.

There are 520 households in East Lungdar and it is a big village by Mizoram standards. Its population is above 3000. The cost of the project is about Rs. 50.72 lakh. Public contribution of Rs. 3,39,928 has so far, been received from 430 households against a target of Rs. 3.99 lakh. This again is largely in the form of labour. An expenditure of Rs.40,13,953 has so far been incurred. The impounding reservoir is complete, the filtration plant has also been constructed and the distribution pipeline laid and 24 public stand posts constructed. Presently, work was continuing on the filtered water reservoir and this was expected to be completed by October, 2003. All other minor works are likely to be completed by November, 2003 with only grading of the reservoir bed to be completed after the collected water in the reservoir is used up be end of January or mid February. Thus, for all practical purposes, the scheme is likely to be completed by November, 2003. Here again the VWSC has been entrusted with the civil work while the procurement of pipes and construction of pipeline has been done by the PHED.

The Mission noted that almost every household had a domestic rain-water harvesting structure with big tanks of 7500 litre storage capacity. Members of the VWSC mentioned that during the rainy season, these storage tanks got filled up in about a week. Apparently, there was no shortage of drinking water during the monsoons. It was primarily in the period between December to April that the villagers experienced shortage of drinking water. The scheme based on rain water harvesting taken up in the village was meant to address this problem.

The site selection for the construction of impounding reservoir had been done in consultation with the villagers and everyone seemed to be satisfied with the decision. This reservoir had a capacity of 9200 cubic metres as per design but it could hold upto 12000 cubic metres of water if required. A sum of Rs. 14,61,152 had so far been transferred to the VWSC and the civil works were being constructed under their supervision.

The VWSC comprised of all 8 members of the Village Council and 3 representatives from the three NGOs mentioned earlier, namely, YMA, MHIP and MUP. Representation of women in the VWSC was limited to only one. The VWSC had held 39 meetings since its constitution in February, 2001 with as many as 6 meetings of the VWSC being held in April 2001 and 4 each in May and June, 2001. However, the frequency of the meetings of the VWSC has been less when the works are not being executed.

The VWSC members were aware of their role and responsibility regarding operation and maintenance of the scheme. They were thinking of hiring a chowkidar cum operator for the 6 month period when the scheme would be in operation at a monthly salary of about Rs. 1500 per month. They had already selected a person for the job. They did not foresee any major problem in collecting the water tariff from the households. However, they were not clear as to how they would undertake major repairs. They felt that works like desilting of the impounding reservoir would be undertaken through community labour.

The water supply scheme at Khumtung village has been completed and was fully operational. The population of the village as per the 1991 Census was 841 and this was expected to become 1093 by the time the project was completed. The sanctioned cost of this piped water supply scheme was Rs. 21.175 lakh but the scheme had been completed in October, 2002 at a cost of Rs. 17,42,291. Thus, a saving of about Rs. 3.75 lakh had been effected in the project. A sum of Rs. 2,11,776 had been contributed by 189 households. Altogether, there were 210 households. 23 stand posts and an overhead tank of 45000 litre capacity had been constructed besides laying of distribution pipeline in the village.

The VWSC had 13 members including three prominent citizens of the village namely Shri Sangpuii, Shri Manekimi and Shri Lalnunnema. The VWSC had held 59 meetings since its constitution in December 2001. On occasions, when the work was in full swing, it was even meeting on daily basis. The records were well maintained and the minutes reflected the tone and tenor of discussions. The VWSC was collecting Rs. 7.50 per month from every household as water charges. The chowikdar was entrusted this job and he was being paid Rs. 1000 per month. It was noted that there were only about 2-3 households which had defaulted for 3 months continuously. The members of the VWSC informed that even these households eventually paid up and they were fully aware that during the month due to their financial condition they were not in a position to pay the water tariff. The account was being maintained by the Treasurer and accounts were regularly put up to the VWSC. The chowkidar had been trained for undertaking minor repairs. 7 landslides had occurred and in such situations all villagers contributed labour required for undertaking repairs. The chowkidar was also entrusted the job of cleaning the reservoir. All in all, the scheme appeared to be functioning well in the village and the User satisfaction was high.

SECTOR REFORM PROJECT

IV. Institutional Arrangements

At the State level, the State Water and Sanitation Mission (SWSM) has been constituted. At the District level, the District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) has been constituted under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner as there is no District Panchayat in the State. The District Water and Sanitation Committee is also headed by the Deputy Commissioner.

At the village level, the Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC) had been constituted in all the villages inspected by the Mission. In Mizoram all members of the Village Council, who are elected every three years are members of the VWSC. The President, Vice-President and Secretary of the Village Council are also the President , Vice President and Secretary of the VWSC. The VWSC also has three members of the NGOs viz. YMA, MHIP and MUP. In one village they had also co-opted three prominent citizens into the VWSC.

V. Role of Nodal Department

The Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) is the Nodal Department for executing the Sector Reform Projects in the State. Secretary (PHED) is the Member Secretary of the SWSM. The Mission observed that the Nodal department appeared to be committed to the Sector Reform and has been providing technical support required in the process. However, the procurement of pipes was being done centrally by the Department and the DWSC was making the payment to the Department. It was explained that this was contrary to the spirit of Sector Reform Project Guidelines even though the VWSCs had reportedly passed resolution to that effect. It was also explained that this procedure would have to be amended for Swajaldhara.

VI. Identification of NGOs

The Mission noted that the DWSC had identified the YMA, MHIP and MUP as the three NGOs in the district. These three NGOs represent the youth, women and the elderly people and have presence throughout the State. They are effective and influential and by associating them with the Sector Reform Project, the District and State Authorities have taken a good decision.

VII. Identification Phase

The project concept is based on active community participation and demand driven approach which is different from the normative PHED top down approach for drinking water service delivery as per Sector Reform Guidelines. Technical inputs to VWSCs from Nodal department for water supply are currently playing a vital role in identification phase.

VIII. IEC and HRD activities

Sensitisation and awareness creation amongst members of VWSCs and implementers through IEC is one of the critical activities in the Sector Reform process. The process has started in the Sector Reform district with varying degrees of success but a lot yet remains to be done. IEC with regard to technical & financial areas from PHED are visible in identification, planning and implementation phases in varying degrees. In O&M phase, it is yet to be seen. The Mission feel that IEC activities should be accelerated immediately so as to build a suitable atmosphere for greater community participation and mobilisation of community contribution and also adoption of the entire process activities as outlined in the Guidelines on Swajaldhara. IEC on water tariff is gradually gaining ground in the Sector Reform Project villages. But IEC on technological options, O&M need to be further strengthened.

IEC & HRD activities are complementary to each other. The Mission is of the opinion that the capacity building of VWSCs (implementers of Sector Reform and Swajaldhara ) in all sequencing phases of integrated project should be addressed on priority. The SWSM should (a) assess training need of VWSCs; (b) identify most appropriate Institutions / NGOs to impart integrated training; (c) ensure appropriate training modules are prepared by professionally qualified Institutions/ NGOs and used to impart training to VWSC members; (d) monitor and evaluate VWSC training programme and (e) ensure that mid course corrections are taken as would be required in the training programme.

IX. Technology option

Technical options with financial implications and O& M issues of the technical options for sustainability of the systems are crucial to VWSCs in the reform process. Ground reality in the Sector Reform districts in Mizoram is that the PHED has to play a major role in educating the members of the VWSCs in this regard.

X. Community participation in decision-making

From the records made available to the Mission and observation in the field visit and discussions with the VWSCs members, the Mission noted that community participation in decision making process has started in varying degrees in the Sector Reform Project.

XI. Scheme/System Planning

The Mission noted that in the system planning process, attitudinal changes are taking place at all levels. Participatory demand driven approach with sustainability concept is gradually creeping into the system / scheme planning process. However, it is yet to acquire full shape.

XII. Implementation

The Mission noted that the PHED is undertaking procurement of material and all pipe laying work while civil work is being done by the VWSC under the supervision of the PHED engineers. It was suggested that the PHED could identify a panel of contractors for execution of works, as per Government Rules, and after approval by DWSCs after calling tenders and approval of rates and conditions, this list could be sent to the VWSCs. The VWSCs should be free to select any contractor from the panel and issue work orders for execution of the scheme(s). It was also clarified that VWSC can get the work executed by any other registered contractor provided (i) specifications approved by DWSC area not relaxed; (ii) rates are lower than approved by DWSC; (iii) VWSC selects the contractor & approves rates as per rules prevalent in the State. It was made clear that the existing practice of implementation of major part of the work, particularly procurement related works, by PHED would not be permitted under Swajaldhara. It was suggested to Secretary, PHED, Government of Mizoram that the VWSC could be given a free hand in execution of work by engaging any contractor of their choice or getting the work done under their supervision provided quality of work is certified by an approved technical person (Engineer).

XIII. Present status of implementation

The present status of implementation of Sector Reform Project in the Serchhip Sector Reform Project in Mizoram, based on information made available by the Project Authorities, is as under:-

Financial Progress:
(Rs. In Crore)

#.	District/State	Approved Project Cost	Funds released	Reported expenditure upto 31.8.03	%age exp.	Community Contribution	No. of Contri-butors
Mizoram		Approved Project Cost	Funds released	Reported expenditure upto 31.8.03	%age exp.	Community Contribution	No. of Contri-butors
1.	Serchhip	2.68	2.23	1.99	89.23	0.21	2933
	Total	2.68	2.23	1.99	89.23	0.21	2933

Physical Progress:

#.	District	VWSC Constituted	VWSC Account opened	WS Scheme taken up	WS Schemes in schools	Total schemes	Schemes completed (up to 31.8.03)
1.	Serchhip	11	11	11	0	11	8

XIV. Taking over of completed schemes

The Mission observed during the field visit that 8 of the 11 schemes had been completed and the remaining three schemes were also likely to be completed by November 2003. It was felt that members of the VWSCs of these villages required to be apprised of the handing over process. All possible support in this direction should be provided to such VWSCs by DWSCs at least in the initial stages.

XV. Operation and Maintenance

A number of schemes in Sector Reform Projects will entire into Operation and Maintenance phase shortly. The Mission could not find any O&M Guidelines for completed scheme to be used by VWSC. If no such Guidelines is readily available, it would be appropriate that the SWSM/DWSC ensures preparation of such Guidelines and the same is made available to concerned VWSCs on priority basis. Continuous capacity building of members of VWSC, pump operators, linemen is to be ensured by the DWSC. This task may me entrusted to appropriate NGOs. The Mission observed that IEC on water tariff required to be carried out in the Sector Reforms Project.

Experience of Operation & Maintenance in Khumtung of Serchhip District

In Khumtung village, the VWSC was collecting Rs. 7.50 per month from all households for meeting the operation and maintenance cost of the water supply scheme. The villagers were receiving adequate water supply and it was mentioned that since the water source was a perennial stream, they did not envisage any problem in this regard. The VWSC had engaged a local person to act as a chowkidar for the water supply scheme. He was being paid Rs. 1000 per month by the VWSC. His job entailed collection of the water charge from all households in the village besides undertaking repair, if any, of the distribution pipeline.

The VWSC members reported that there was 100% collection from all households and if, for some reason, 2-3 households defaulted for 3 months or more, then it was on account of genuine difficulties and even these households paid up the dues in full as soon as they were in a position to do so. The VWSC had held 59 meetings between December, 2001 to September, 2003 and they were meeting almost daily when the scheme was under execution. The experiment of involving three eminent persons of the village in the VWSC had paid rich dividends as there was virtual unanimity on almost all matters and the decisions of the VWSC were being accepted by all villagers.

XVI. Role of women and / SC/ST

While checking at random the composition of the VWSCs during field visit, the Mission observed that inadequate representation has been given to women. The Mission observed that there was only one woman member in the VWSC and that too as representative of the MHIP- a women group. It was noted that Swajaldhara Guidelines provide for at least one-third members of the VWSC being women. Thus, Government of Mizoram would be required to issue necessary instructions in this regard.

XVII. Financial Management

The Mission noticed that access of VWSC to the financial guidelines issued by RGNDWM was lacking. It was noted that in Chekawn village the cash book was not being maintained properly and the local officers of the PHED had not provided requisite training to the VWSC Treasurer/ Secretary in this regard.

XVIII. Water Quality

The Mission observed that requisite attention was not being given to water quality. Water Quality guidelines in the local language (Mizo) which can be easily understood and followed by VWSC, need to be prepared URGENTLY by a competent and qualified NGO and approved by the PHED and CMO and widely disseminated amongst VWSC for its use. VWSC members are to be trained on water quality management.

Water quality

In Chekawn village of Serchhip District, the Secretary of the VWSC immediately took off his clothes and started cleaning the intake reservoir when it was shown that dirt had accumulated in the intake reservoir and that the water being supplied was not very clean. It was suggested that the periodicity of cleaning of intake reservoirs, use of chlorination etc. should be taught to the VWSC members. Periodically, water could also be tested. However, no facility for testing quality of water was available at the Village/ District level nor had the members of VWSC been provided any training in this regard. The Sector Reforms Project aims to provide not only adequate but also safe drinking water to the consumers. Therefore, it is important that villagers are provided training in this regard and a Water Quality Guideline is prepared and made available to the VWSC in the local language.

XIX. Sustainability of sources

The Mission noted that all villages in Mizoram are situated on hill tops. In several cases they face drinking water shortage during the dry months. Pumping water from the river running ion the valley is ruled out as a feasible technology option since the cost is prohibitive and electricity supply is not reliable. Thus, catchment treatment, rain water harvesting, recycling and re-use of waste water for irrigation and flushing of toilets, minimizing leakage and wastage of water, minimizing evaporation losses from reservoirs and lakes, other preventive and corrective measures to conserve precious water resources in the State and particularly in Sector Reform Projects, need to be encouraged and VWSCs are to trained and guided accordingly.

The Mission recommends that an easily understandable Technical Guidelines may be prepared in Hindi for sustainability of sources by a technically qualified Institution/ NGO with the guidance of the SWSM and circulated amongst VWSCs for their consideration to ensure sustainability of sources.

XX. Water tariff

A very positive attitudinal change was noticed by the Mission in fixing and collection of water tariff in villages where Sector Reform Projects had been completed. The villagers were prepared to pay and there were no defaulters and collection was from over 95% of the households in Khumtung village every month. This was a very heartening development. This clearly shows that the villagers are willing to pay for operation and maintenance if they get good and assured supply of water. However, the issue of affordability must be kept in mind at the time of selection of technology.

XXI. Enabling Environment

Attitudinal change with regard to Government (PHED) as facilitator has been observed in the Sector Reform district but this needs to be further developed at all levels. The Nodal Department needs to be reassured that it will continue to play a pivotal role in the sector. The only difference would be that it would have to reorient itself. Issues of water quality, system and source sustainability will become increasingly important.

XXII. Record keeping

The process and mechanism of record keeping, on the whole, has been observed to be satisfactory. The Mission during field visit checked at random the records/ documents maintained by VWSCs. Preparation and maintenance of type and number of records/ documents as well as quality of records/documents maintained by VWSCs had been observed to be varying depending upon the inputs each VWSC has been receiving from the local officer of the PHED. The Mission recommends that the VWSCs must be provided proper training so as to ensure uniformity and quality of record keeping in VWSC at every stage of reform process.

XXIII. Net requirement of Fund

The assessment of the net requirement of funds for completion of ongoing schemes, as made by the Mission, is as under;-

Funds

1. Release from Government of India Rs. 2,23, 35,000
2. Community contribution Rs. 20, 92,897
3. Interest accrued Nil

(Funds had been kept in Current Bank Account)

Total Funds available Rs. 2,44,27,897

Expenditure

1. IEC Rs. 4,86,073
2. HRD Rs. 2,99,210
3. Administrative Rs. 4,49,373
4. Hardware Rs.1,87,04,028
5. Labour component Rs. 20,92,897

Total Expenditure Rs.2,20,31,581
Balance fund available Rs. 23,96,316

The Mission feels that the balance fund available should be enough to take care of the remaining liability in case of three schemes of East Lungdar, Hmumzawl and Chekawn, which are presently incomplete as well as liabilities, if any, of the other completed schemes in light of the fact that no major procurement of pipes is to be made for any of the incomplete schemes, and the labour component for service reservoir/dam in case of Hmumzawl scheme would be contributed by the local community. Thus, the Project Authorities and the State Government will have to communicate all details of expenditure incurred and the net requirement of fund before release of fourth instalment along with latest audit report and utilization certificate. The Mission is of the view that at this stage, funds are not a constraint for completion of all the eleven schemes under the Sector Reform Project Serchhip.

B. Major Observations

XXIV. Major observations of the Review Mission

The Mission felt that the implementation of the Sector Reform Projects in the State was picking up after initial hiccups and delay. Mistakes are being rectified. The letter and spirit of the Programme was, by and large, being observed in the districts and the villages, members of the VWSC and district officials were aware of the Sector Reform principles, their duties and responsibilities.

1. The Mission felt that the implementation of the Sector Reform Project in the State was, by and large, as per the Guidelines.

Role of Community

2. The community appeared to be willing to make the 10% community contribution. But it appeared that they were making it in the form of labour rather than cash.
3. A high degree of community participation in the execution of the scheme was noted by the Mission.
4. High level of User satisfaction was observed in all villages where the scheme had been completed.
5. The villagers had a sense of achievement, pride and a high degree of ownership of the water supply schemes.

Integration of Water and Sanitation

Need for effective cohesive effort at District level

Need for Health Impact Assessment

Issue of Community contribution

9. Stress on 5% cash contribution from the community could be a stumbling block in the successful implementation of Swajaldhara.

Duration of Project

10. The Mission noted that all 11 schemes taken up under the Sector Reform Project are likely to be completed by November, 2003 with only a small part of civil work in one scheme likely to be completed by January, 2004.

Execution of works by VWSC

Support to VWSC

12. The Mission observed that while the PHED was providing full support to the VWSCs, it could be a useful and effective strategy to make the Junior Engineer a Technical Member in the VWSC. Quantitative and qualitative support from the Technical Member to the VWSC will be the essence of success of Swajaldhara in Mizoram.

13. The Mission noted that all elected members of the Village Council were members of the VWSC. Further, three representatives from NGOs like YMA, MHIP and MUP are also members of the VWSC and this is a welcome feature.

14. Members of all the VWSCs could be brought together at one forum periodically where they can exchange notes, share experiences – one-day workshops could be organised at Block/ District levels. Visits of selected Presidents/ members of VWSCs could also be organised to other districts and States.

Transfer of savings to O&M Fund

Independent third party assessment and certification of quality of construction

Extend scope of IEC

18. Aspects of sustainability of sources, water conservation, water recharge, water recycling, water quality and hygiene need to be stressed upon. This is presently not being adequately covered in the IEC activities. The Mission recommends that a comprehensive integrated IEC activities encompassing both water supply and sanitation need to launched in SRP villages and villages proposed to be taken up under Swajaldhara.

Post Project follows up action

Timely release of funds

21. The Mission observed that Sector Reform Project Serchhip had become eligible for release of fourth and last instalment under Sector Reform Project. But the Project Authorities and the State Government would have to submit all requisite documents and details of net requirement of funds to the Department of Drinking Water Supply in this regard.

Operation and Maintenance

Release of 4th instalment

XXV. Conclusion

The Mission noted with satisfaction that the implementation of Sector Reform Project at Serchhip had been more or less on schedule and the Project Authorities were, by and large, adhering to the processes outlined in the Guidelines.

The Mission received wholehearted support and cooperation from the State Government and the Project Authorities who made all requisite arrangements for the visit of the Mission.