REPORT OF REVIEW MISSION 0N SECTOR REFORM (SRP) AND TOTAL SANITATION CAMPAIGN (TSC) PROJECTS IN KOLLAM DISTRICT AND TOTAL SANITATION CAMPAIGN (TSC) PROJECT IN MALAPPURAM DISTRICT IN KERALA STATE (21 September –25 September,2003)
Introduction
A Four Member Review Mission was mounted vide Government of India, Ministry of Rural Development, Department of Drinking Water Supply, D.O. letter No.W.11036/1//2002/CRSP,dated 2 and 15 September,2003 to review SR and TSC Projects in Kollam & Khozikode districts and TSC Projects in Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram, Wayanad and Alappuzha. The constitution of the Review Mission was:
1. Mr. C.Ganapaty,
Addl.Adviser,Dept. of Drinking Water Supply : Team Leader
2. Mr. M.M.Datta
WHO Sanitary Engineer(Retired) : Member
3, Mr. Dauda Wurie
Project Officer,UNICEF,Bhopal : Member
4. Mr. C.Ponnuraj
Head,Sanitation Faculty,Gandhigram
Rural University,Dindugal,Tamil Nadu : Member ( Absent)
Ultimately the Three Member Review Mission visited Six districts of Kerala during the period 21 to 25 September,2003.
Methodology
On arrival at Thiruvananthapuram on 21 September,2003 evening, the Review Mission had preliminary Briefing Meeting with Mr. K.J.Mathew, IAS, Principal Secretary, Water Resources, Government of Kerala, Mr. Jayakumar Varma, Team Leader and Mr. Sudheer K.B., of Project Support Unit (PSU) for SR Project in Kollam district. This was followed by a separate Briefing Meeting with Mr. A. Nazeemudeen, Addl. Development Commissoner, Rural Development Department, Govt. of Kerala, and Senior Officials of the TSC Projects in Kerala State before commencing field visits from early morning of 22 Septrember,2003.
Initially, Mr. Ganapaty was expected to cover SR & TSC Projects in Khozikode district and Mr. Datta was expected to cover SR & TSC Projects in Kollam district. Mr. Wurie was assigned to Alappuzha & Thiruvananthapuram districts to review TSC Projects.Mr. Ponnuraj was expected to review TSC Projects in Malappuram & Wayanad districts. But at the eleventh hour (late evening of 22 September,2003) information reached to the Review Mission about the inability of Mr. Ponnuraj in joining the Review Mission. Assigned tasks of reviewing TSC Projects by Mr. Ponnuraj in Wayanad district were undertaken by Mr. Ganapathy and in Malappuram district by Mr.Datta.
Sector Reform Projects: Kollam District
Field Visits
1.Planned and visited
After preliminary discussion with the Team Leader and Officials of the PSU of SR Projects in Kollam district, three water supply schemes in Chithara Gram Panchayath of Chadayamangalam Block were selected for field visits on 22 September,2003.The selection of the schemes and the Benificiary Groups(BGs) were made in such a manner as to cover all phases of the SR Projects. The following three types /stages of sector reform schemes were visited by the Mission in Kollam district:
Category “A” :
Completed, commissioned and handed over to the BG :Thoottikal W/S Scheme;
Category “B” :
Completed but yet to be commissioned and handed to BG : Meechery W/S Scheme;
Category :C”:
Implementation stage : Aiswarya W/S Scheme.
2. Summary of Field Observations on the above Schemes:
General and Technical
Cat.”A”
(a) Though reported 100% completion, but actually it was observed not so. The well was yet to be covered, minor civil, electrical and plumbing work, water quality testing, O&M training to BG were yet to be done as on 22 tember,2003.
(b) Against estimated cost of Rs. 9,37,740/-,payment of Rs.4,05,000/-was reported and the balance of Rs.3,32,740/- were reported yet to be paid as on 22 September,2003.
(c) Physical and Financial aspects of the scheme need to be carefully checked, verified before settlement of the final payment. Smooth technical exit of the scheme by five Gram Panchayat Resourse Team(GVRT) and 18 member Project Support Unit( PSU) charged under SR Project for Kollam district has been recommended by the Review Mission. The Mission also recommends that the GVRT & PSU should take immediate action for smooth closure of the scheme and train the BG on O&M (including monitoring and surveillance of water quality) of the scheme so that they can maintain it independently.
(d) The human settlement of 73 families was facing serious problem of drinking water supply. People had to walk 2 km to fetch water. When SRP started, 73 families joined together and formed a Beneficiary Group(BG) and registered on 20 March,2002 under Society’s Registration Act 1955.
(e) First General Body Meeting of the BG was held on 7 March,2002 and the GB elected a 11 Member Executive Committee which include 4 women members. In this BG, representatives of SC and ST were reported “Nil.”
(f)Last GB was held on 1 September,2003. During the period of 18 months (7 March 2002 to 1 September,2003),BG had 9 GB and 30 Executive Committee Meetings. Concerned, sense of duties and responsibilities of this BG, particularly the President of the BG for the SR Project, had been observed by the Review Mission as “Excellent”. Records are maintained nicely. The President (Mr. Sunderashan) is a very potential person for any reform process in the country.
(g) The BG started collection of Beneficiary contribution from 26 March,2002. The BG has been collecting Rs.26/-as Membership Fee. BG has opened Society’s Pass Book(A/C No. 15144 with Chithara Services Co-operative Bank in Chithara G.P.) on 20 March,2002. In this account ,the BG deposit collection of Beneficiary Contributions for the Capital Works and from this account, the BG meet day to day administrative expenditure (Travelling expenses, Telephone Bill Payment etc.). While checking this Pass Book (A/C No. 15144),the Mission noted that Rs. 12,000/- was withdrawn on 29 August,2003.This withdrawal was cross checked with the deposit in the Pass Book (A/C No. 15728) opened by BG for Capital Works. The Mission was highly pleased to note that the withdrawal of Rs. 12,000/ from the Society’s a/c was deposited on the same day in the Capital Works A/C of the BG. Integrity and accountability of the BG was noted with great satisfaction. Reform Process and finance accountability has been observed to be taking firm ground in Chithara G.P. of Chadayasmangalam Block in Kollam district of Kerala State. This is a very good example of Sector Reform Process.
(h) The BG has opened Capital Works Pass Bookwith the Chithara Services Co-operative Bank in Chithara G.P.(A/C NO.15728).Pass book checked and balance found recorded:Rs.40,755/-as on 19 September,2003. First Instalment of Rs.26,823/- recorded receipt on 14 March,2003 and Last Instalment of Rs.50,000/-found recorded as receipt on 19 September,2003 from Chithara G.P.
(i) While checking the Society’s Pass Book,the Mission noted that out of total expected beneficiary contribution of Rs.94,000/- for this scheme,actual BC collected and deposited was Rs.72,000/-(Rs.1300/-each from 55 Beneficiaries and Rs.600/- to Rs.1000/- from 15 Beneficiaries. 3 Beneficiaries of this BG had left and they did not give any contribution).The President of the BG assured the Mission that the balance BC of Rs. 22,000/-would be collected and deposited in the Pass Book,before final closimg of capital works of this SR scheme.
(j) The President of the BG informed the Review Mission that BG has estimated about Rs.2500/- as O&M expenditure p.m with the following break-up:
(i) Payment towards Electricity chatge :Rs. 1200/- p.m.
(ii) Payment to Pump operator :Rs. 500/- p.m.
(iii) Minor Repair :Rs. 650/- p.m.
(iv) Bleaching Powder(For disinfection) : Rs. 100/- p.m.
(v) Insurance Payment : Rs. 50/- p,m.
Total : Rs. 2500/- p.m.
(k) The President of the BG also informed the Mission that Rs. 36/- p.m. would be collected from each of the 70 Beneficiaries House Holds with effect from October,2003 to meet the above O&M expenditure. The collected amount would be deposited in the Society’s Pass Book A/C no.15144.
Success Story of Thoottikkal WSS
Thoottikkal, a small habitation in Kanakamala ward of Chithara Grama Panchayat, is an elevated rocky terrain and highly drought prone. The area faces acute water shortage all throughout the year and at peek summer time almost 85% of the wells dry up, leaving the brunt on the women folk. During this period their only solace is some neighbouring wells and some natural resources like ponds, for which they have to walk over two kilometers to fetch water for the entire family.
Deprived of a proper water supply scheme, the villagers received Sector Reforms Project as a boon from the central government. Though skeptics popped up heads here and there, the villagers, with the help of GVRT and PSU, mobilized there resources by generating wide spread awareness in the locality. The response of the villagers was overwhelming and they were ready to spare anything for drinking water, as in the words of Mr. Sundareshan, the President of the BG- ‘we need water, for which we are ready to sacrifice anything’.
The needy families joined together to form a beneficiary group and registered as a society as THOOTTIKKAL KUDIVELLA SUCHITHWA SAMITHY with register number Q183/2002 on 20/03/2002. The BG opened their bank account and went ahead with mobilizing 10% contribution towards capital cost. As 44% of the families fall below poverty line, collection of contribution was a Herculean task.
‘Despite abject poverty they have managed to construct sanitary toilets without any external aid. Now, they are ready to bear anything for drinking water’, says Ajitha , a beneficiary. It is interesting to note that 80% of the families have constructed sanitary toilets by themselves. Here again, squeezing out from their poverty, they pooled in the 10% of capital cost with the sole aim of owning a water supply scheme for themselves. Led by experts from PSU, the BG members moved into action with the help of the GVRT. Starting from baseline survey and resource map using PLA tools, the BG went into engineering survey and prepared the detailed scheme report. After approving the DRS in their general body, they obtained the administrative sanction from the GP committee and forwarded it to PSU. The experts in the PSU scrutinized the DSR before submitting it for DLTC sanction.
Once the DLTC sanction was obtained green signals were given to start the construction work. The PSU with its expertise in all the discipline trained the BG in taking up various works during the scheme cycle of the project.
Women are given equal importance and they are ensured a say in all the activities of the project including decision-making process. In the 11 member beneficiary committee 4 are women. They are also members in the construction committee and purchase committee. Apart from this they take active role in the implementation process.
Once the BG collected the 10% of the amount for source development, the remaining 90% was transferred from the PSU to the GP and then to the BG account. Likewise the second installment for tank and pump erection, the third for distribution system and fourth for electrification and finishing work.
Breaking all hurdles that came their way with sheer will and concerted effort of 70 families, GVRT and PSU, the Thoottikkaal WSS has been made a reality quenching the thirst of 350 odd people. The realization of this scheme has brought an end to the long drawn drudgery of the women folk, fetching life saving water for the entire household from kilometers apart.
Category “B” :
(a) 45 member BG registered on 25 September,2002(Registration NO. Q845/2002) for Meechery W/S scheme. The BG in their meeting on 23 September,2002 formed an Exccutive Committee(EC) constituting of 11members of which 4 areWomen and 7 are from General Category. “SC”and ST”representatives “Nil”.
(b) BG maintain the following records:
(i) Minutes Book: Checked and found O.K. During the period23 Sept.2002 to 21 August,2003, 5 GB & 10 EC meetings held and minutes recorded nicely.
(ii) Member Register :Maintained nicely.
(iii) Cash Book : opened; closing balance:Rs.684/- as on 12.06.03.
(iv) Project Work Pass Book: opened; A/C No.831 in Chithara Service Co-operative Bank in Chithara G.P.; balance amount :Rs.400/- as on 17.09.03.
(v) Society’s Pass Book : opened on 05.10.02 with Rs.8000/-A/C No. 744 in the same bank as mentioned at (iv) above; balance amount : Rs.50/- as on 25.01.03.Last withdrawal :Rs.10,500/- as on 25.01.03 and deposited in the Project A/C No. 831.Cross checked and found O.K.
(vi) While checking Project Pass Book, the Mission noted that Rs.15,000/- was withdrawn on 17.09.03 from A/C No.831.While checking the cash book and expenditure, the Mission observed that this withdrawal was not reflected. Secy. to the GP clarified that this amount Rs.15,000/- had given to GP Electrician(without any record) on 17.09.03 to deposit in the Electricity Dept. as security deposit to get electric connection to this scheme. GP Electrician was yet to convenience the Secy. to GP that the amount had been deposited, receipt obtained. Secy. to the GP should try to obtain the Deposit Receipt of Rs.15,000/- immediately from the Electrician of the GP. This was brought to the notice of the concerned officials of Block and District Panchayts of Kollam District.
(c) BG were provided with Guidelines(in Malayalam Language) on community contracting for procurement of materials and services prepared by PSU .On a quary by the Mission, T.L. of the PSU clarified that such Guidelines including IEC materials developed in local language had been distributed to all BGs in GPs and to all Block Panchayts in Kollam district.
(d) The Mission noted that against estimated amount :Rs.5,87,000/-for the scheme and Rs.1,50,000/- for G.W. recharge for the scheme, actual expenditure reported :Rs.6,09,300/- for the scheme and Rs.“Nil” expendidure for G.W.Recharge. The Mission expressed their concern for non utilization of available funds from SR Project for G.W. recharge in the project area. This was brought to the notice of the Principal Secretary, Water Resources, Govt. of Kerala during debriefing on 25 Sept.,2003 at Trivendrum.
(e) The Mission observed that O& M aspects including estimated cost had been overlooked in the Project concept and approval of this scheme by PSU and DLTC. Neither GP nor BGs were made aware and sensitized regarding O&M of the scheme. This was a serious mistake committed in implementation of Sector Reform process in so far as this scheme is concerned.
(f) The PSU intimated that estimated O&M expenditure for the scheme would be Rs.5000/- p.m.(Elec. Charges:Rs.1500 p.m.; Pump operator :Rs.1500/-p.m.;Water Quality :RS.300/-p.m.;General Maintenance/Repair:Rs.1000/-p.m.;Reserved fund;Rs.700/-p.m. The President of the BG confirmed that Rs.120/-p.m.(upto 330 liters consumption of water per family per day) will be collected from each of the 45 beneficiary families after commissioning and handing over of the scheme.It is likely that
with effect from October,2003,the BG will be able to collect O&M charges.
(g) Gram Panchayat Voluntary Resource Team (GVRT) at GP level and Project Support Unit (PSU) at Block and District Panchayat levels set up under SR Project in Kollam district, should immediately concentrate their activities to train and equip this BG on different aspects(including water quality, metering etc.) of O&M so that they are in a position to take over the O&M of the scheme independently.
Category “C”:
(a) 46 member BG formed on 17 September,2002 and registered on 25 September,2002(Reg. No.Q844/2002). Out of 46 members,19 are BPL families which include 15 BPL SC families.
(b) The scheme on completion would benefit large number BPL and SC families as can be seen from (a) above.
(c) BG has constituted 11 member EC which include 6 women members of which 2 belong to SC community. One male SC member is also a member of the 11 member EC of this BG. The Mission noted that required attention had been to women, SC and BPL families in SR Project in Chithara G.P. of Chadayamangalam Block in Kollam district.
(d) BG collected Rs.55,400/- from 46 beneficiary families @Rs.1509/- per family on average as their contribution to the SR Project in their area. BPL families contribution range between Rs. 900/- and Rs. 1200/-per family.
(e) Two Bank A/Cs opened (1) Project bank a/c no.799 in Chithara Services Co-opertive Bank,Chithara G.P. branch and (2) Society’s bank no. 743 in the above bank. The Mission noted that out of Rs. 55,400/- BC collected,Rs.51,000/- had been deposited in A/Cno.799 and the balance Rs.4400/- were reported available with the Treasurer. Cash book was not produced. So the Mission could not check recording of this amount in the cash book of BG.
(f) Membership record/register, minutes book, ledger, cash book, cash receipt book, two pass books, letter head, rubber stamps(3Nos.) had been prepared as reported to the Mission.
(g) The scheme is under advanced implementation stage. Well, pump house completed, power connection yet to be obtained, O.H.tank is in progress(60% completed), pipe line trenching in progress(20% completion), pipes and specials are yet to be procured. It was reported to the Mission that by October end the scheme is expected to be completed. The Mission recommends that for such schemes concerned GVRTs and PSU should immediately prepare individual implementation chart-activity wise and ensure constant interaction with BGs and extent technical support on priority so that ongoing schemes under SR can be completed by 31 December,2003.In short, for each SR scheme under implementation, immediate action is necessary at all levels to ensure that SR Projects and their staff can get “Safe Exit” by 31 December,2003 physically and by 31 March,2003 financially.
(h) The ongoing schemes which can not be completed by 31 December,2003,required funds for residual works should be made available on time and on priority basis to avoid infructuous expenditure and unforeseen legal hurdles at a later date pertaining to the on going SR Projects which can not be completed physically by 31 December,2003.
3. Release of second instalment for Sector Reform Pilot Project in Kollam
3.1 The SR Project was sanctioned for Kollam by GOI on 24 December,2000 with
approved project outlay of Rs.4000 lakhs with the following breakup:
1. Startup : Rs. 60.35 lakh
2. IEC : Rs. 150.00 lakh
3. HRD :Rs. 250.00 lakh
4. Hardware:Rs.3400.00 lakh
5. Admn. :Rs. 139.65 lakh
Total :Rs.4000.00 lakh
3.2 Project funding approved (Rs. in lakh)
1.GOI Share : Rs.3740.00
2. Community Contribution : Rs. 260.40
Total : Rs.4000.00
3.3 Availability of fund as reported to the Review Mission (as on 31.08.03)
1. GOI Share(Ist inst. Released on 30.04.2001) : Rs. 1122.00 lakh
2. Interest : Rs. 91.70 lakh
3. Community Contribution (Received) : Rs. 53.33 lakh
Total : Rs. 1267.03 lakh (A)
3.4 Expenditure reported to the Review Mission (position as on 31.08.03)
1. Hardware (started on February,2003) : Rs. 231.28 lakh
2. Software (started on June,2002) : Rs. 107.60 lakh
3. Other(Community contribution) : Rs. 24.19 lakh
Total : Rs. 363.07 lakh (B)
Expenditure on 60 ongoing schemes and to develop 100 sources.
Software expenditure would assist about 206 ongoing schemes.
3.5 Balance funds available for utilization (as on 31.08.03):(A)-(B) =Rs.903.96 lakh
Sector Reforms Project
Jilla Panchayat, Kollam
Requirement of fund for the completion of the project
| |
Details |
310 schemes as originally approved
(Rs. In Lakhs)
(A) |
206 schemes proposed to be completed by 31.7.2004
(Rs.in Lakhs)
(B) |
100 schemes proposed to be completed by 31.12.03
(Rs. in Lakhs)
( C ) |
| I |
Govt. of India approved schemes cost |
|
|
|
| |
a) Govt. of India share |
3740.00 |
2145.67 |
1106.28 |
| |
b) Community contribution |
260.00 |
191.07 |
105.01 |
| |
c) Total |
4000.00 |
2336.74 |
1211.29 |
| II |
Fund released / available |
|
|
|
| |
a) Govt. of India release |
1122.00 |
1122.00 |
1122.00 |
| |
b) Communit contribution |
53.33 |
53.33 |
41.29 |
| |
c) Interest |
91.70 |
91.70 |
91.70 |
| |
d) Total |
1267.03 |
1267.03 |
1254.99 |
| III |
Expenditure as on 31/8/2003 |
|
|
|
| |
a) Govt. of India share |
338.88 |
338.88 |
338.88 |
| |
b) Communit contribution |
24.19 |
24.19 |
24.19 |
| |
c) Interest |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
| |
d) Total |
363.07 |
363.07 |
363.07 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| IV |
Released/available fund yet to be utilised (II-III) |
|
|
|
| |
a) Govt. of India share |
783.12 |
783.12 |
783.12 |
| |
b) Community contribution |
29.14 |
29.14 |
17.10 |
| |
c) Interest |
91.70 |
91.70 |
91.70 |
| |
d) Total |
903.96 |
903.96 |
891.92 |
| V |
Addl. fund required for completion of the project
( I - II) |
2732.97 |
1069.71 |
(-) 43.7 |
| |
a) Govt. of India share
(Deducted interest accrud) |
2526.30 |
931.97 |
(-) 107.42 |
| |
b) Community contribution |
206.67 |
137.74 |
63.72 |
| (-) 107.42 |
(-) 107.42 |
2732.97 |
1069.71 |
(-) 43.7 |
| Team Leader |
| SRP, Jilla Panchayat, Kollam |
| KERALA STATE |
3.7 Remarks
The Review Mission is of the view that with the balance unutilized fund Rs. 903.96 available (as on 31.08.03) with the project implementation Authority, it would be possible to complete 100 ongoing schemes by 31December,2003.The Mission did not recommend release of 2nd instalment for SR Project in Kollam district.
4. General Observation and Recommendations on Sector Reform Project in Kollam district
4.1 Institutional Arrangements
The institutional arrangement for the SR Project has been worked out within the broader frame work of the Panchayati Raj Institutions. The project’s institutional design is through the partnership between the following entities:
1. Beneficiary Groups(Registered under Society’s Act,1955) through a Beneficiary Committees;
2. Gram Panchayats through Voluntary Resource Teams(GVRTs);
3. Service Agencies;
4. District Panchayats through the Project Support Unit(PSU);
5. State level Steering Committee (SC).
The constitution, functions, duties and responsibilities of BGs,BCs,GP,PSU,DP,SC had been worked and followed as envisaged in GO(Rt) No.2141/2000 dated 1.05.2000 in Circular No. 39412/DP/2000/LSGD DATED 14.08.02 and Govt. of Kerala, Irrigation (Water Supply-B) Department Order GO(Rt) 126/2001/Ird, Dated 31.01.2001
Institutional arrangements for SRP and TSC in Kollam are not the same, though in the GOK Order dated 31.01.2001(as mentioned above) it is clearly mentioned that the “SR Pilot Project will be implemented with the objective of ensuring sustained access to water supply and sanitation for the rural population in the project district…”. Keeping in view the excellent performance of TSC institutional arrangements both in Kollam and Malappuram districts, the Review Mission recommends integrated institutional convergence both for water supply and sanitation at district level.
4.2 Project Implementation
The project is being implemented in two phases.The first phase(pilot) in 5 GPs and the second phase in 21 GPs. The SRP in Kollam targeted about 310 schemes in 26 GPs. The project implementation started in June2001 (6 months after its sanction on 24 Dec.2000) with the establishment of PSU initially with 2 Engineers. Subsequently one Finance Manager joined in October,2001 and C.D.officer joined in December,2001.Upto June, 2002 PSU functioned with 4 Staff members. HRD Consultant joined in October,2002. Training Division came into existence in January,2003.All staff of PSU (18 Nos.) came into position in February,2003. Total administrative cost towards PSU as reported to the Review Mission was Rs.3.20 lakh per month(Salary/Consultancy Fees:Rs.2.10 lakh for 18staff members,Rs.0.60 lakh per month towards T.A.& hiring charges for 4 vehicles,Rs.0.50 lakh per month towards office expenses). 84 BGs formed and registered of which 76 BGs opened bank accounts. In each of 5GPs in first phase phase, a 5 member Gram Panchayat Voluntary Resource Team(GVRT) had been selected. Composition of each GVRT reported: one community Engineer(Rs.5000/- p.m. consolidated); one social mobilizer (Rs.5000/- p.m. consolidated).;one community sub-engineer(Rs.4000/- p.m. consolidated); one community account(Rs.4000/- p.m. consolidated);one community surveyor(Rs.4000/- p.m. consolidated).District Panchayat select GVRT based on certain criteria fixed by the State Level Steering Committee. In all the 84 BGs source identification work completed, all source estimates got sanction from District Level Technical Committee(DLTC),30 DSRs got sanction from DLTC. 4O source work completed,10 source work in progress. One scheme already complected, commissioned and handed over and 7 schemes reported nearing completion. Team Leader of the PSU confirmed that out of 206 ongoing schemes,100 schemes would be completed by 31December,2003 with the balance funds already available with them and for the balance 106 ongoing schemes which are likely to be completed by 31 July,2004,requirements of funds would be of the order of Rs.10.69 crore.
4.3 Drinking Water schemes in schools
On getting the clearance from the SLSC to implement SRP, a press release was published in Kollam editions of all leading newspapers, inviting schools to participate in the programme. The response from the schools was overwhelming, as reported to the Review Mission.150 applications received from various schools in Kollam district. With the technical support of GVRT, the schemes are being assessed. Estimates of 50 schemes were completed and reported under scrutiny by PSU. Implementation would likely to start from end of September or early October,2003. It was reported to the Review Mission that a Guideline was prepared to streamline the implementation of school water
supply schemes and issued to school authorities.
After visiting a few schools where school latrines and urinals were provided under TSC, the Review Mission noticed that all such latrines and urinals were in very bad shape. All the latrines and urinals were found “NOT IN USE”. One of the reason either non –availability or inadequate availability of water in the schools. Urgent need of integration of SRP and TSC had been felt in providing water supply and sanitation in the schools in Kollam district.
4.4 Water Quality Consciousness
The Mission observed that requisite attention was not given to water quality. Water quality guideline in Malayalam language which can be easily understood by BGs need to prepared URGENTLY by a competent and qualified professional and approved by the State Level Steering Committee and issued to DP,BPs.GPs,DLTC, PSU,GVRTs,BGs in Kollam district.
4.5 Capacity building : Need for cohesive effort at District level
Govt. of Kerala had accorded administrative sanction, during October,2002, for the establishment of a Training Division for undertaking the capacity development programme for the different stakeholders of the SR Project. This is a potential Training Division. The Mission noted good contribution of this unit in HRD and IEC activities under SR Project in Kollam. The Mission recommends that this Division should be strengthened by integrating SRP/Swajaldhara and TSC for capacity building of the PRIs in water supply and sanitation with integrated approach in Kollam district.
4.6 Need for Health Impact Assessment
Health surveys in SRP/Swajaldhara & TSC villages shuold be done with integrated approach in order to ascertain the impact of SRP/Swajaldhara and TSC implementation on human health and give a back to PRIs and State Government.
4.7 Quality of construction and materials
In SRP this aspects are being given attention by BPs and DP with the technical support of GVRTs and PSU at block and District levels respectively. Performance of these two technical units were found satisfactory.
4.8 Major Constraints faced in implementation of the SR Project in Kollam District:
1. Initial hiccups and delay;
2. Source Selection and Technology option;
3. GP & GVRT Selection;
4. Lack of Experience of GVRT in preparation of DSR;
5. Non availability of drilling rigs for tube and bore well;
6. Staff Turnover, particularly in PSU.
4.9 Lessons learnt
1. Urgent need of convergence in implementation of SR/Swajaldhara Projects and TSC at District Level;
2. Need to set up a High Level Co-ordination Committee with Chief Secretary on Chair and Seretaries of line departments as Members;
3. Line departments to set up respective State Level Steering committees;
4. Existing institutional set up,especially at the Gram Panchayat level has been proved to be highly cost-effective.The Review Mission recommends its continuation.
5. To ensure sustainability and “safe exit” of SR pilot project in Kollam district , the Review Mission recommends that by the end of March 2004,a critical evaluation (technical as well as financial) of the pilot project be made by an independent Team and based on the outcome of the evaluation a suitable decision be taken to complete the balance works of the pilot project at the earliest during the year 2004-2005.
6. To ensure sustainability of the Sector Reform Process, the GOI may wish to consider inclusion of Kollam district under Swajaldhara-II. |