Pöyry - IDP Consult, Inc.

Establishment of an Interim Secretariat for the East Asia and Pacific Infrastructure Regulatory Framework Forum (2005)

Manila, Philippines & Singapore City
The services conducted during the World Bank-led EAPIRF Forum largely involved the development of the forum website, conducting a needs assessment of regional members, providing dynamic discussion topics and discussion guidelines, assist in the drafting of mission statements, covenants and medium-term strategies for the Forum, including financial and operational plans. Results from associated needs assessment were collated, summarized and presented to attendees and other eminent stakeholders. Among other key functions performed were coordination of forum activities, logistical and organizational arrangements, database management.

Secondary Education Development and Improvement Project (2003)

Metro Manila, Philippines
The SEDIP Project, supported by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, was directed at improving the quality and efficiency of the secondary education system in the Philippines by introducing reforms to expand general access and to address affordability issues. The Project involved coordination with 9 participating school divisions, and provided critical discussion and inputs for education development components such as School Improvement Planning, High School Innovation Fund, Decentralized Education, and School-based Management. Operational policies and implementation guidelines were also prepared, as well as training modules developed for 184 secondary schools. The Project ultimately supported teacher training, curricula development and a significant updating of facilities and learning material.

Third Elementary Education Project (1997 - 2001)

Metro Manila, Philippines
The TEEP, a 7-year, $530-million flagship project of the National Government, was designed to provide technical inputs that would improve the physical and human resource condition in some 22 depressed provinces nationwide The Project proposed the construction, rehabilitation and provision of about 7,000 classrooms and 15 Division Offices under the Dept. of Education (formerly DECS), the substantial procurement of textbooks and additional instruction materials. A significant training component was also earmarked for about 400,000 teachers and school administrators, while some 5,000 small grants were offered to incorporate innovative learning and performance-based management schemes. Campaigns were also designed to generate advocacy for educational policy reform and to heighten the involvement of other community and governmental stakeholders. The Project rendered critical oversight, management and coordination services to facilitate effective dialogue across participating schools.

Public Works and Engineering

Construction of Tema-Aflao Road in Ghana (2001)

Ghana, Africa
The Project entailed an extensive impact assessment of the 120-kilometer Tema-Aflao coastal Road crisscrossed by tributaries and bounded by the Savannah ecosystem present in Ghana. The key responsibilities executed were thorough impact analysis of the road project on the faunal and floral population, environmental scoping of hydrological and edaphic features of the area, and preparation of critical mitigating measures for minimizing overall adverse effects of construction efforts on the environment.

Rural Roads Development Policy Framework (2002 - 2003)

Various sites, Philippines
The technical assistance endorsed by the Dept. of Interior and Local Government formulated and prepared a rural road development policy framework that helped enable LGUs to effectively carry out their mandate for comprehensive local road development and management, as prescribed under the devolution of government functions. The framework promoted sustainable road development through improved decentralization principles, planning, programming, financing and road maintenance in order to support initiatives for national economic development. The Project, more specifically, conducted studies on the cost-efficiencies of the road program, local government capabilities, calculated expenses for rehabilitation, renovation, procurement, and identified options for government subsidies and other financial sources. Road and transport policies were also reviewed to assist in the formulation of credible and viable road network plans given governmental and territorial constraints.

Institutional Capacity Development

ADB Capacity Building - Directorate General Water Resources Development (1996 - 1997)

Jakarta, Indonesia
The Project was mainly directed at improving the human resource management system within Jakarta’s Directorate General of Water Resources of the Ministry of Public Works. The Project’s major deliverables were to conduct an extensive assessment of the present HRM system and to prepare operational guidelines to effectively upgrade the HRMS. The program performed a training-needs analysis, and helped establish a career path development and manager succession program via workshops and other on-site training modules.

ADB Capacity Building for the Regulatory Office of Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Project (2002 - 2003)

Metro Manila, Philippines
The technical assistance project provided the Regulatory Office of the MWSS capacitating implements to strengthen its regulatory functions over water supply and sewerage operations in line with existing concession arrangements. The project tasks include the development of a training program and ensuring its successful implementation, the conduct of training needs assessment, and the development of a training manual for financial regulation and customer service. The tasks performed also provided key support for technical regulation and planning to enhance the provision of technical services.

ADB KAZ Institutional Strengthening for Rural Water and Sanitation Project (2004)

Astana, Kazakhstan
The technical assistance project aimed to develop and integrate the appropriate management systems into the program, in order to facilitate the smooth implementation of the designed strategies for the rural water and sanitation sector in Kazakhstan. The Project entailed the development of systems to heighten private sector participation, gender equity in local development planning, and to reinstate the use of a management model that integrates proposed water consumer groups. Additional sessions were also devoted for training, particularly on tariff setting and revenue collection techniques. The Project’s other key functions were to spearhead interagency coordination, review existing and develop new accounting processes, and to design workshops translating to better financial administration (bookkeeping), project management and reporting procedures.

Creating Grassroots Corporate Ethos to Enhance Barangay Development (2004)

Basilan, Zamboanga, Philippines
The project was intended to conduct an orientation program in Basilan as regards to business and enterprise development for the Islamic communities based in Sangbay Big and Sangbay Small. Accordingly, a training course was developed to enhance grasp of corporate governance for the barangay officials, and to enable them to effectively set up the proposed business enterprise. The Project staged consultative meetings, and training sessions to educate the stakeholders about business development, economic valuation, and operations management.

Institutional Strengthening of the 2nd Subic Bay Freeport Project (2001)

Subic Bay Metropolitan Area, Zambales, Philippines
The 2nd Subic Freeport Project entailed rendering technical support to the local Water Regulatory Board for bolstering financial and tariff setting assessments of Subic Water. The technical assistance also helped the local water enterprise and regulator define their roles and mandates more clearly via study trips and training sessions. The Project introduced a financial model as a benchmark for international best practices, and conducted training needs assessment for local staff and officials.

Strengthening of MWSS’ Planning Capability in Water Supply, Sewerage, and Sanitation Service Provision (2005)

Quezon City, Philippines
The assistance Project for MWSS, the water regulator for Metro Manila, supported the preparation of the MTSP by strengthening the utility’s capacity for water supply, sewerage, and sanitation planning. The Project aimed to update MWSS’ sectoral master plans for Metro Manila in order to facilitate the entry of more investments. Among the initiatives under the institutional development program was a renovated wastewater plan that elaborated on key developmental constraints such as land availability, tariff affordability and willingness to pay, formal connections, and logistical interruptions during construction phase. The project correspondingly analyzed the public’s willingness to pay for new sewerage and sanitation services, and coordinated the drafting of a policy that establishes and describes government subsidies necessary to implement the optimized master plan.

Finance & Administration

Appraisal of the Capacity Building in Tax Mapping and Collection in the Philippines (2004)

Pampanga, Philippines
The project appraisal mission primarily provided the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Finland an independent review and analysis of the Project for accountability and decision making, particularly to determine the eligibility of the Project for premixed concessional credit scheme and soft financing under the OECD Terms. To achieve the objectives, the Mission assessed the overall relevance, efficacy, impact and intervention, sustainability and the general financing cum investment structure throughout project implementation. The Project also evaluated cross-cutting issues such as poverty, gender, and environment, which were subsequently used as criteria for soft financing.

Budget Review and Analysis of Selected Partners of Oxfam UK and Ireland (1997)

Manila, Philippines
The budget review program involved the intensive evaluation of the budget submitted by the 22 partner organizations for possible funding by the Oxfam. This initiative involved the development of criteria for the funding organization for rationalizing budgetary grants to the identified partner organizations. The Project called for a detailed comparison of approved amounts for specific budget appropriations within the sector and across partner organizations.

Neighborhood Upgrading and Shelter Sector Project (2005 - 2007)

Indonesia
The shelter Project essentially entailed the development of appropriate implementation and financial systems for the NUSSP to preserve the agreeable level of performances among oversight consultants and procurement experts, and to enable quality implementation by providing the necessary management and technical expertise. The main services rendered were the overall management of the microfinance components of the project, the socialization of microfinance activities, the design and installation of systems for financial administration, and provision of subcomponents to support documentation, institutional capacity and operations.

Agriculture

Consultancy Services for the Grains Sector Development: Project Management and Agricultural Statistics Package (2002 - 2003)

Quezon City, Philippines
The Program was primarily intended to help the sector attain sustained growth in terms of grains productivity and grains households’ income levels, thereby reducing rural poverty incidence and achieving resource efficiency and food security. The Project also undertook capacity-building initiatives to rehabilitate the policy regime and to rejuvenate an environment conducive for sustained production via heightened private sector participation and institutional reforms. The Program involved the design of an MIS application that incorporated geographic information systems and other technologies to improve overall operations, manpower assistance, documentation or database management and project management functions. Assistance to human resource development was also provided via training needs analyses and specialized services in planning, policy assistance and project development.

Support for the Agrarian Reform Communities in Central Mindanao (2002 - present)

Davao, Philippines
The Project, supported by the European Commission, aimed to increase household incomes among the rural folk and agricultural workers in Mindanao, and attain agricultural diversification and production through technological innovation, improved financial administration, and project management. The Project designed a management information system that included a financial control system, an electronic filing and a database system in order to enhance reporting processes and outputs. The control system, which took into account EC procedures and national fiscal regulations, also included procurement and expenditure verification systems and other control documents for effective monitoring and filing. The Project is engaged across 50 agrarian reform communities in 4 provinces in Central Mindanao.

Energy and Infrastructure

Commercialization/Corporatization of WAPDA Existing Facilities (1997 - 1999)

Lahore, Pakistan
The WAPDA project primarily provided consultancy services to assist the organization in preparing formal procedures for privatization. The main tasks accomplished by the Project were to identify the selection and ordering of asset blocks suitable for restructuring and corporatization. Critical assistance was also provided to aid the organization comply with the energy regulatory framework laid down by the Pakistani government. The Project also developed financial performance criteria, implemented computerized management systems, and prepared systems for tariff administration, financial valuation and sustainable implementation.

Rehabilitation of Renewable Energy Projects for Rural Electrification and Livelihood Development (2004 - 2005)

Various Rural communities, Philippines
This energy project supported by the ADB and the Dept. of Energy was directed at providing electrification among selected barangays nationwide via new and renewable energy (NRE) in order to augment opportunities for development and livelihood expansion. The combination of the two goals was viewed at as a plausible engine for alleviating poverty at the rural level, and for rehabilitating community welfares. The Project conducted tight coordination with local stakeholders, energy cooperatives, and the relevant electric power agencies and developmental organizations. Project analysis, namely of possible constraints, opportunities and support components, was also conducted as part of the overall project experience and data inventory. Economic valuation was also performed to determine the financial viability, investment returns, and cost-efficiency of NRE, while social analysis was integrated to provide a credible impact analysis of the proposed program.

Municipal Finance, Strengthening and Management

SUPPORT TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCING

Funder: Asian Development Bank, PPTA 7451
Agency: Bureau of Local Government Financing, Department of Finance
Location: Philippines
Year: 2010
Brief: The project strives to provide analytical inputs, system development, and institutional strengthening support to the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) and Municipal Development Fund Office (MDFO), both of Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), as Coordinating Committee on Decentralization (CCD) chair to further support local government capabilities in improving local resource mobilization, expenditure management, and service delivery reforms. ADB TA 7451 addresses the technical and developmental concerns among local institutions and communities through the upgraded, strategic and sustainable provision of LG services without incurring additional financial burden on the National Government. Such objectives have to be met through fiscal consolidation measures including revenue augmentation and efficient expenditure management aided by appropriate programming and internal strengthening exercises at the Local Government level. Ultimately, LGFBR 2 reinforces the implementation of a sound and transparent fiscal framework that will serve as a foundation for strengthened resource mobilisation, budgeting and access to credit markets by the LGUs.
Tasks: The scope of consultancy work undertaken by Pöyry IDP for the TA focuses on three components: (i) enhancing efficiency and accountability in financial management, planning and expenditure; (ii) improving access to public and private sources of capital for financing of policy reforms and development projects; and (iii) reducing dependency on internal revenue allotments by developing local sources of revenue. For the first component, principal activities are providing support to development supplemental budgeting guidelines for LGUs, developing a cash flow forecasting template for LGUs, designing a comprehensive competency profile and certicification targeting local budget officers, and enhancing the computerization of the Statement of Receipts and Expenditures as means to retool LGU revenue forecasting and programming. For the second component, to provide support to the CCD technical secretariat through the DILG by assisting in the documentation of meetings, preparation of the agenda and briefing materials, providing quick-policy response to key issues, and preparation of terms of reference for research and other technical assistance; supporting the system design and programming services for the computerization and upgrading of all MDFO administrative and operational functions such as loan applications and processing; and providing training to MDFO personnel on the application of various financial and debt management practices. Activities for the last component include developing guidelines and prototype program for building and administering a local business taxpayer database.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE AND BUDGET REFORM PROJECT

Funder: Asian Development Bank, PPTA
Agency: Department of Interior and Local Government
Location: Philippines
Year: 2008
Brief: The project called for increasing LGUs’ efficiency and effectiveness in basic public services delivery to their constituent communities. The technical assistance included developing a framework/mechanism for effectively managing the changes embodied in the LGFBR policy matrix through a cost-effective and transparent approach; preparation of city planning strategies and investment programming guidelines through capacity strengthening interventions directed at LGU planners and staff; capability development assessment; and development of a framework for analyzing LGU performance. Project involved thorough and regular consultations with relevant government institutions such as the BLGF, MDFO and DILG.
Tasks: Tasks across the three main components include: i) Provide technical and administrative support to the operations of the CCD including the conduct of quarterly evaluations (ii) Design and set-up of a CCD on decentralization bringing together representatives of concerned agencies. (iii) Development of a framework / mechanism that will be used by the aforementioned coordinative body to cost effectively manage the change embodied in the LGFBR policy matrix at various levels (iv) Bridging of sectoral issues and promotion of the institutionalization of LGFBR concerns and TA outputs. For the second component: (i) Preparation of city planning and investment programming guidelines that will be integrated and synchronized with the provincial planning and investment programming system developed under TA 4512. (ii) Utilization of LGPMS results in physical planning and investment programming in budgeting and financial resource mobilization (iii) Capability development assessment for 3 pilot cities (iv) Revise the city planning guidelines; For the third component: (i) Development of a framework for analyzing overall LGU performance by linking governance with revenue performance and service delivery performance (ii) Development of LGU service standards; and (iii) Review performance-based grants systems that have been implemented in other countries as well as discussions in the Philippines on performance-based grants and assess how well the LGPMS meets the needs of performance measurement systems to be used in performance-based grant systems.

MANAGEMENT SUPPORT FOR DHAKA WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION AUTHORITY

Funder: Asian Development Bank, PPTA 7001
Agency: Dhaka Water Supply and Sanitation Authority
Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Year: 2009
Brief: The objective of this TA is to (i) foster and strengthen the autonomy of the national urban water supply and sanitation service utilities through operations monitoring, review and redesign, and capacity building and service enhancement provisions, (ii) develop appropriate institutional and regulatory frameworks to enable successful implementation of the urban water supply and sanitation sector reforms being proposed under the Program, and (iii) assist DWASA in optimizing the existing water supply sources through subsector planning, capital investment management, and regulatory works, and ensuring smooth start-up of the project implementation.
Tasks: The scope of work of the Regulation consultant comprised: (i) Review the existing regulatory frameworks of the water and sanitation sector in Bangladesh; (ii) Review the regulatory frameworks of power and telecom sector in Bangladesh; (iii) review and summarize the good practices of regulatory framework for the WATSAN sector, including legal frameworks, organization and staffing of the regulatory commissions, funding sources, effective interrelations, and drawing lessons from regional regulatory frameworks for the urban WATSAN sector; (iv) Compare different options to regulate urban water supply, including regulation by ministry, by independent regulatory commission dedicated to the water sector, and by regulatory commission covering multiple public utilities; and (v) Support the LGD’s committee to finalize the proposal on regulatory framework.

SUPPORTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE KHULNA WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE AUTHORITY

Funder: Asian Development Bank, PPTA 7223
Agency: Khulna Water Supply and Sewerage Authority
Location: Khulna, Bangladesh
Year: 2009
Brief: The TA provides advice to the KWASA in establishing essential frameworks of corporate governance and utility management. The activities include: conducting a diagnostic analysis, preparing institutional development plans, developing fundamental systems for utility management, and conducting a survey to examine potential customer base. Specific activities include: Diagnostic analysis, Revenue assessment, Diagnostic analysis and comprehensive assistance to the the Water Utility Management Specialist in conducting a short diagnostic analysis of the water supply sector in Khulna. As the KWASA was recently established by separating it from the KCC, the analysis should include detailed assessment on: recent trends of revenues and expenditures of KCC’s water works division; financial management systems of the KWASA; and Human resources transferred from the KCC and to be recruited by KWASA for financial management;
Tasks: Key support activities provided by Pöyry’s expertise include the overall design and development of essential frameworks of corporate governance and utility management, and the delivery of general advisory services to ADB and KWASA on financial management. Specific tasks included general diagnostic analysis and revenue assessment; Provided assistance to the the Water Utility Management Specialist in conducting a short diagnostic analysis of the water supply sector in Khulna. As the KWASA was recently established by separating it from the KCC, the analysis included detailed assessment on: recent trends of revenues and expenditures of KCC’s water works division; financial management systems of the KWASA; and Human resources transferred from the KCC and to be recruited by KWASA for financial management; Assessed consumers’ willingness to connect to KWASA’s pipe network per social survey findings, and estimated the potential customer base based on the survey; Estimated the revenue potential of the KWASA, depending on: transition to volumetric charge from the fixed charge; tariff level; and expansion of the service area; and developed a simple financial model to project the future cash flow and assess the financial viability.

SMALL WATER UTILITIES IMPROVEMENT AND FINANCING PROJECT (SWIF)

Funder: World Bank, Water and Sanitation Program
Agency: Government of the Philippines
Location: Philippines
Year: 2007
Brief: Component 3 of the Small Water Utilities Improvement and Financing Project (SWIF) was established with the objective of improving the performance and financial viability of small water utilities, and support them to increasingly access to market-based financing in line with the Philippines water sector financing policy. SWIF has three components: (1) Developing performance improvement plans, with investment components; (2) Evaluating investment viability through consumer surveys and pricing review; and (3) Improve the access of small water utilities to finance provided by financing institutions. This Third Component of the SWIF project looked into the development of financial products for small utilities, with the goal of establishing a new financing window/product or of modifying policies on an existing window/product that would cater to the requirements of small utilities. It reviewed the ability of small water utilities to prepare loan proposals that will meet the criteria of financial institutions (FIs). Where there were gaps, Component 3 identified the requirements of the FIs, without losing sight of the public service mission of water utilities.
Tasks: The Pöyry consultants looked into the development of financial products for small utilities, with the goal of establishing a new financing window/product or of modifying policies on an existing window/product that would cater to the requirements of small utilities. The team reviewed the ability of small water utilities to prepare loan proposals that will meet the criteria of financial institutions (FIs), and conversely identified the requirements of the FIs, without losing sight of the public service mission of water utilities. Experts conducted interviews with potential FIs and discussed the possibility of these FIs to finance the requirements of the SWUs; On the demand-side, the consultant team assisted in the finalization of the project implementation plans that were prepared by the SWUs. The consultant team also prepared case studies on access to finance and to other financial services available, based on interviews and assessment of participating SWUs and reference materials from other studies. It looked into the factors that contributed to the successful loan proposals and reasons why some proposals failed. The case studies also included the identification of constraints and opportunities in access to financing with the end in view of developing products that would help SWUs access debt-financing.

Urban/Environmental Planning and Social Development

AGUSAN RIVER BASIN INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PROJECT

Funder: Asian Development Bank, PPTA 7258
Agency: Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Location: Mindanao, Philippines
Year: 2010
Brief: The objective of the Agusan River Basin Integrated Water Resources Management Project (ARBIWRMP) under ADB financing is to strengthen the institutional basis for coordinated development and management of ARB resources and advancing the management capacities of relevant government and local institutions. The TA will develop prioritized component subprojects, along with the necessary supporting reports and implementing mechanisms, into a level suitable for consideration by ADB for financing. The project will prepare an investment package to finance a set of prioritized water-related subprojects for sustainable use of natural resources in the basin within the context of IWRM best practices, but without resulting in unwarranted deterioration of the different ecosystems
Tasks: Under the ARBIWRMP, Pöyry IDP is tasked to prepare an investment package to finance a set of prioritized water-related subprojects for sustainable use of natural resources in the basin within the context of IWRM best practices, but without resulting in unwarranted deterioration of the different ecosystems; The consultants are also responsible for conducting a thorough review of the 2008 Agusan River Basin Master Plan and other relevant river basin development/ management projects; To identify gaps and limitations in the ARB Master Plan addressing particularly, but not limited to, institutional strengthening in project implementation and management, environment and biodiversity conservation, disaster risk management, and project management; Identify, justify, and prioritize water-related subproject components in the basin in consultation with stakeholders; and, prepare or enhance studies and reports to support the prioritized subprojects to a level sufficiently acceptable to ADB for financing.

CITIES ALLIANCE – METRO MANILA URBAN SERVICES FOR THE POOR INVESTMENT PROGRAM

Funder: Asian Development Bank, PPTA 4616
Agency: Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council
Location: Metro Manila, Philippines
Year: 2007
Brief: With assistance from the Cities Alliance organization, the ADB-funded urban development mission assisted the Philippine government in preparing a metropolitan-wide 15-year shelter plan for slum eradication and urban upgrading in Metro Manila, with equitable and socialized housing arrangements at the heart of the agenda. The project prepared a meticulous project investment design and feasibility analysis focusing on urban sector improvement, integrated spatial planning, and urban poverty-reduction through resettlement services, economic and ancillary support services, and extensive assistance from institutional partners, local governments and private sector proponents in Metro Manila. Priority support while preparing the investment program was given to high-priority subproject sites in 6 cities in Metro Manila.
Tasks: Main priority tasks accomplished by Pöyry’s expert team included providing assistance in preparing a planning and management strategy for inclusive urban renewal to ensure that the poor will be provided with improved livelihood and services. Analyzed options for and detailed various spatial and housing development studies for each city subproject, consisting of priority shelter and shelter-related infrastructure interventions to be funded under the TA. This includes preparing city pro-poor strategies, a land consolidation plan, a site development study, and required infrastructure investment; Team also established mechanisms to promote and finance new investment, using incentives and other innovative tools to direct and manage growth and unlock the urban land market, in particular the redevelopment of depressed urban poor communities; Provided recommendations to achieve a sound environmental management; Conducted poverty-mapping surveys of prospective poor communities and analysis of experience in the sector to be able to recommend viable management mechanisms to support comprehensive urban revitalization programs. Prepared urban development subproject while taking into account different categories of households. To ensure subproject viability and sustainability of financing, determined the appropriate eligibility criteria and procedures for subprojects to be included in the project; Reviewed the existing organizational framework for pro-poor shelter provision and urban renewal, including a review of the roles and legal bases of government housing institutions, government financial institutions, local governments, NGOs, and civil society; Conducted an assessment for both the Executing Agency and Local Government Units’ capacity on land consolidation and prepare a capacity-building plan for both the EA and LGUs;

INTEGRATED CITARUM WATER RESOURCES PROJECT

Funder: Asian Development Bank
Agency: Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council
Location: Citarum, Indonesia
Year: 2005
Brief: The purpose of the TA is to prepare an investment project for Integrated Citarum Water Resources Management. The proposed project will promote integrated water resources and environmental management within the Citarum River basin, addressing conservation, utilization and mitigation of impacts, and covering watershed management, agriculture, water supply, and energy, for the benefit of all water users in the river basin. The TA will assist the Government to (i) enrich and update if necessary, the existing integrated water resources management (IWRM) plan for the Citarum River Basin, (ii) strengthen the capacity for IWRM, (iii) review the Government policy on raw water tariff and on O&M of water supply system by PJT II, and (iv) formulate a project for Integrated Citarum Water Management Project, for possible funding by ADB.
Tasks: Main assignments performed by Poyry IDP’s expertise included: study public financing and budgetary mechanisms related to water resources management projects including assessment of financing capacity of the local governments; Guide the national consultants in making and reassessing their economic and financial evaluations of each priority sub-projects, and conducting cost-benefit analyses for each; Evaluate the economic and financial viability of the projects, in line with the underlying developmental strategy and goals of the region; Assist the team leader in assessing the viability raw water tariff.

GUANGXI NANNING URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Funder: Asian Development Bank, TA 4385
Agency: Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council
Location: People’s Republic of China
Year: 2005
Brief: The Project prepared a project proposal to reduce adverse economic, social and environmental impacts of flooding, river pollution, riverbank erosion, and depletion of the green environment of Nanning City. This will be done through improving local infrastructure, including riverbank stability; mitigating floods; isolating sources of pollution; and improving the ecological environment. The project more significantly supported the city’s strategic plans for improving domestic solid waste management.
Tasks: Main assignments performed by Poyry IDP’s expertise included extensive economic analyses of each project subcomponent that identified and explained the basic socioeconomic problems that the Project addresses; Identified and explained the economic rationale for NMG intervention, as well as the rationale and value-added of foreign aid; Forecasted demand for output of each subproject based on any projected user charges, and use the demand forecasts to establish the scale of each investment. Financial analysis was concurrently conducted on the preparation of infrastructure projects within the framework of the ADB Nanning Guangxi UID Project.

Water Supply, Sanitation and Regulation

SERVICES FOR THE SECTOR EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT UNIT

Funder: Asian Development Bank / Government of Nepal
Agency: Ministry of Physical Planning and Works
Location: Nepal
Year: 2010
Brief: The Government of Nepal, through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works (MPPW) applied for and received grant financing from the ADB toward the cost of Sector Efficiency Improvement Unit or SEIU under the Second Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project (SSTWSSP). In context of the SSTWSSP, the SEIU Project aims to provide adequate water supply and sanitation across 20 subproject towns in Nepal. Another objective is to develop an efficient, effective and accountable water supply and sanitation sector instrument that reemphasizes improving operating efficiency and quality of service particularly in emerging urban areas. Through the SEIU, the MPPW expects a significant strengthening of performance monitoring capacities, specifically with respect to an active assessment of service delivery indicators and technical standards at the national, provincial and local levels. The SEIU will hence be principal in establishing uniform service standards for water supply and sanitation, and overseeing the assembly of a performance evaluation system that will document sub sector progress, enforce compliance to regulations, and recommend further policy refinements in areas that affect service delivery, utility operations, and performance efficiencies.
Tasks: Pöyry IDP’s role as international consultant focuses on three core areas: (i) policy support for water supply and sanitation; (ii) benchmarking and performance evaluation; and (iii) water supply and sanitation sector coordination. Specific activities significant to the pillar objectives include extensive assessment of the present national water supply and sanitation sector, including reports on current legislations, policies and practices. The team will also draft, test and integrate M&E and MIS schemes to a national water supply, sanitation and sewerage action plan, while generating recommendations for the creation of national WSS act. For the benchmarking component, the consultants are to develop a program for performance evaluation and ranking, which would undergo institutionalization, policy reformulation, and other proper interventions to enhance sector performance. The team would carry out specific studies to derive options for private sector participation, as well as capacity building programs to augment operations of water service providers. As regards the last component, Pöyry IDP will be tasked to review current and recent WSS sector projects from both external and localized development organizations – in view of recommending measures for coordination, resource use, capex financing and implementation.

WATER DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT SECTOR PROJECT

Funder: Asian Development Bank, PPTA 7122
Agency: Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA)
Location: Nationwide, Philippines
Year: 2009
Brief: The objective of the PPTA (PPTA) was to design a sector loan of the Water District Development Sector Project. Pöyry IDP was involved in developing the WDDSP to a level of detail suitable for consideration by ADB for funding, as well as in designing implementation support and institutional development programs addressing sector reform, governance, and public awareness. The project was aimed at heightening the overall liveability and competitiveness in emerging urban areas outside Metro Manila through improved access to potable water supply and viable sanitation infrastructure, reinforced with attendant institutional capacity development initiatives that encourage effective program administration, operational efficiency and tenable resource management.
Tasks: Pöyry IDP was responsible for the review and assessment of the water supply and sanitation sector outside of Metro Manila; review of service coverage and demand for financing for water supply and sanitation; conduct of institutional and financial analysis of LWUA; and develop appropriate recommendations for financial and institutional reforms. The firm specifically assessed the demand of water districts (WD) for capital financing through LWUA and other sources; determined the most suitable approach for ADB intervention, including options for private sector modalities. Prepared comprehensive investment profiles and appraisal reports for water supply and sanitation of 5 subproject WDs, which were selected as pilot beneficiaries to the sector loan project. Prepared management, monitoring and implementation arrangements, as well as a detailed institutional framework for implementing the project.

INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING FOR DECENTRALIZED SERVICE DELIVERY IN THE WATER SECTOR

Funder: Asian Development Bank, PPTA 7078
Agency: National Water Supply and Drainage Board
Location: Sri Lanka
Year: 2009
Brief: The project supports the Government and NWSDB efforts to improve water sector utilities’ management, especially financial management and regional developmental operations within the context of recent sector reforms and policies, including the operationalization of credible regulation, and in view of improving baseline performance across several indicators. The impact of the TA is defined as improved operating efficiency, baseline levels of service, and management performance in the water sector. Its outcomes are (i) the decentralization of NWSDB service delivery functions and (ii) the operationalization of NWSDB internal monitoring and regulatory systems.
Tasks: Pöyry IDP was responsible for the planning, design and development of four specific outputs for the TA: regional benchmarking and regional business development plans to encourage performance efficiency and effective operations management, (ii) a capacity development program for decentralized service delivery, (iii) a 5-year asset management plan for NWSDB to properly establish demand analysis, levels of service and infrastructure, and (iv) a program to facilitate internal monitoring and regulation in NWSDB.

DIAGNOSTIC STUDY OF THE PHILIPPINE WATER SECTOR

Funder: World Bank
Agency: Government of the Philippines
Location: Philippines
Year: 2008
Brief: This project is a thorough diagnosis of the nature of the problems that exist in the water sector including implementation barriers in the present political, economic, business, and financial environment. The diagnosis identifies the changes required to transform the sector into an efficient and effective one capable of delivering the services expected in a Middle Income Country
Tasks: The firm was responsible for undertaking a rigorous review of the historical developments pertaining to the transformation of LWUA, regulation, the formation of an apex body, and private-sector participation; Produced “issue notes” to analyze why previous reform efforts have not had their desired effect, or have had suboptimal impacts; Produced a report on the financial health of the sector based on available information from different segments of the sector including LGUs, WDs, and community-managed systems; Produced a report on the flow of funds used for the development of water systems to discuss the presence and significance of formal and informal allocations, and their implications to development and sustainability; Reviewed the institutional structure of the sector, the legal status of WDs and the relationship between them, LWUA and LGUs, regulatory arrangements outside Metro Manila, the transformation of LWUA under a reformist regime, and the potentialities of expanded private sector participation in the sector.

STRENGTHENING THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION

Funder: Asian Development Bank, PPTA
Agency: National Water Supply and Drainage Board
Location: Sri Lanka
Year: 2007
Brief: ADB TA aimed to develop and disseminate regulations for the water sector within the framework of the Public Utilities Commission Act to facilitate credible and independent, autonomous, accountable and transparent regulation for WS and sanitation providers. The project intended to draft relevant law amendments to existing regulatory bylaws, prepare supporting guidelines for operationalization (tariff methodologies and end-user primers), and to develop training programs and awareness campaigns to support independent regulatory initiatives.
Tasks: Pöyry IDP was responsible for fielding international experts who delivered an extensive review and reformulation options of the Public Utilities Commission Act, the prevailing tariff arrangements viz institutional governance and WSS provisions. Main activities include analysis and assessment of demand for institutional reforms, the effects and benefits of NWSDB regulation, as well as reviewing the key lessons learnt from previous regulatory initiatives in order to maximize social and economic benefit of regulation proposals. Team assessed the regulatory structures, roles and functions of the three key governmental water institutions; Prepared regulatory guidelines to be implemented such as those focused on the regulatory framework, functions and responsibilities of the commission, water supply and sewerage tariff, service obligations, customer service regulation, performance monitoring and performance indicators. Evaluated draft legislation, policies and recommendations in relation to the water sector, produced the previous year, and defined an alternative tariff methodology for water supply.

SECONDARY TOWNS WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION

Funder: Asian Development Bank, PPTA
Agency: Department of Public Health Engineering
Location: Bangladesh
Year: 2005
Brief: The Project aimed to provide sustainable and safe water supply and sanitation facilities in selected district towns in Bangladesh. This is to improve health conditions and introduce public health and hygiene concepts, enhance the standard of living and quality of life of households, and accelerate industrial and commercial development. The improvements in physical facilities will be complemented with institutional development, focused on improving operational efficiencies. The TA critically reviewed the performance of the earlier phase of the Project and incorporate the lessons learned in the ensuing Project. Following that integrated approach, the project will improve water supply services in two phases: (i) rehabilitate the existing water supply facilities, and (ii) expand the service coverage to meet the future water demand. This will ensure that the investments are cost effective. The control of wastage will be an important feature of the design, and include bulk metering to monitor the production and distribution process.
Tasks: Pöyry IDP was responsible for conducting organizational, financial, economic and social analysis of the TA components, with respect to the scope, purpose, and levels of sector and subsector investment in the region. Main activities included a reviewed of the past performance of the DPHE as an executing and implementing agency for water supply and sanitation development projects as well as an institution for supporting operation and maintenance of urban water supply and sanitation throughout Bangladesh; Reviewed the Pourashavas’ and DPHE’s mission statement, objectives, human and financial resources, management capability, autonomy, scope of work and public reporting, and evaluated the pourashavas in the proposed project towns as local government institutions capable of implementing the project components and operating and maintaining existing and new water supply and sanitation facilities and services. Undertook a financial management assessment of DPHE as an executing agency and of the four representative Pourashavas as implementing agencies; Undertook a financial analysis of the Project and propose audit requirements to assess the Project financial viability and sustainability; and undertook economic analysis, covering government investment, policies and tariffs, fund source and fund disbursement arrangements; Organized and analyzed the socio-economic survey results in each of the proposed Project towns inclusive of all slum, squatter and underserved areas; and analyzed poverty incidence in each town, including the projected growth in the incidence of urban poverty, and described the nature and characteristics of poverty in selected towns.

STRENGTHENING OF MWSS’ PLANNING CAPABILITY IN WATER SUPPLY, SEWERAGE AND SANITATION SERVICE PROVISION

Funder: Asian Development Bank, PPTA
Agency: Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System
Location: Metro Manila, Philippines
Year: 2005
Brief: The TA supported the preparation of the MTSP by strengthening MWSS’s capacity for water supply, sewerage and sanitation planning. The main objective was to update the MWSS’s sectoral master plans in Metro Manila, and therefore to help further optimize the investments proposed for MTSP. The TA included other important components: a study of the public’s willingness to pay for sewerage and sanitation services, and a draft policy for the establishment of government subsidies necessary to implement the optimized master plan.
Tasks: The consultant team reviewed institutional arrangements for the delivery of water supply, sewerage and sanitation services as proposed in earlier water supply, sewerage and sanitation master plans; Reviewed the roles and responsibilities of the water supply and sewerage regulatory body in regulating the water and wastewater sector in Metro Manila; Reviewed and updated the institutional relationships and organizational arrangements between the MWSS and the concessionaires to enable the delivery of the required services throughout the master planning period; Reviewed and updated the institutional relationships and organizational arrangements between the MWSS and the concessionaires and the regulatory agencies such as DENR, LLDA, PRRC and DOH to ensure that environmental targets are maintained relating to wastewater discharges in Metro Manila; and reviewed the Concession Agreements with MWCI and MWSI, including the modifications following the 2003 rate rebasing and the subsequent developments with MWSI, as well as respective KPIs on water supply, sewerage and sanitation.

Projects

Description of selected projects