In June 2017, WAI were appointed by CRIDF to head up the institutional development portfolio in CRIDF II that will run for at least the next three years. In this role, WAI formed part of the Programme Management Unit (PMU). The institutional aspect was given a higher priority in CRIDF II than in CRIDF I. The programme addresses a wide range of projects in eleven SADC countries. WAI are playing a strategic oversight, project management and quality assurance role. A key part of this work is carrying out due diligence assessments on the institutions that will be the owners of the projects, once they are implemented. The assessments are strategic but holistic in nature. Climate resilience is one of the key issues being addressed. WAI also played a cross cutting and linkage role with other CRIDF streams.

In additional to the institutional lead role, WAI were also requested to lead the activities undertaken with ESAWAS (the Association of Eastern and Southern African Water Services Regulators). The collaborative activities undertaken by ESAWAS and CRIDF was given effect by a Memorandum of Understanding. This covered four areas; assistance with review and update of the ESAWAS Strategic Plan for 2019-2021, developing a strategy/approach for rural regulation, enhancing Non Revenue Water management and enhancing the climate resilience of WS utilities. WAI were responsible for leading this work as well as most of the related research and development work required.

The services provided by WAI included: Focal point and team leader for implementation of activities identified in the ESAWAS/CRIDF MoU.

Client: DFID
Duration: June 2017 ongoing
Value: Included in parent project
Country: Kenya, Rwanda, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Lesotho, Zanzibar, Burundi, Malawi, Uganda