COWASH IV Conducts Targeted Training Programs to Strengthen WASH Enterprises and Financial Access
COWASH IV has successfully concluded two training programs in the Tigray region earlier this month aimed at revitalizing the local WASH sector. The training sessions focused on strengthening WASH enterprises and expanding financial access for the construction of improved household latrines within rural communities.
Strengthening WASH Enterprises
In Ende Mekoni Woreda, the project conducted an on-the-job training program on October 2, 2024 for two re-established medium and small-scale enterprises. These enterprises, Komah and Mehiret market-based sanitation center and Maregu and Gebre Samuel water scheme construction, maintenance and operation service provider, received training in market development.
Mulatie Yinger, a medium and small-scale enterprise and microfinance institutions specialist at COWASH IV, emphasized the unique nature of this training as it focused on water scheme maintenance service delivery. He says “our goal is to ensure the sustainability of community water schemes by facilitating the easy availability of maintenance services and affordable sanitation products.” And these training programs, according to Mulatie, are a key component of COWASH IV’s medium and small-scale enterprises initiative that plays a crucial role in supporting these enterprises to recover, expand their businesses and diversify their service delivery.
Amanuel Wendyeferaw, COWASH IV’s CMP Advisor in Ende Mekoni Woreda, also emphasizes the crucial role of the training programs in revitalizing the WASH sector in the region following the conflict. He says the conflict has disrupted access to essential services, including water scheme maintenance. As a result, the project focused on providing maintenance services to community water points and the ongoing training programs have been instrumental in ensuring the effective delivery of these services.
With the support provided by COWASH IV, Maregu and Gebre Samuel water scheme construction, maintenance and operation service provider has been actively engaged in maintaining these water points. In the past Ethiopian fiscal year, the enterprise successfully serviced 22 community water points and obtained a grade 11 construction license from the Woreda Medium and Small-scale Enterprises office. This license enabled the enterprise to participate in construction bidding for projects with a value up to 660,000 Birr.
Facilitating Financial Access for Household Sanitation Facilities
On October 3, 2024 COWASH IV provided another training workshop in Degua Temben Woreda on establishing WASH saving and loan associations. This initiative empowers communities to take ownership of their WASH needs by creating financial access dedicated to improving household latrines.
Through these targeted training programs, COWASH IV is actively contributing to revitalizing the WASH sector in the region and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
COWASH IV’s Post-Conflict Recovery Efforts
Following the peace agreement in Tigray, COWASH IV was the first project to bring WASH finance to the region. Recognizing the urgent need for post-conflict recovery, the project mainly focused on rehabilitation and capacity building across its 12 project woredas.
In this regard, one of COWASH IV’s key initiatives has been supporting the revitalization of medium and small-scale enterprises established before the conflict. Through an assessment conducted earlier this year in four Woredas, COWASH IV identified the specific support needed to enable these enterprises to fully function and diversify their service delivery. The project provided comprehensive support, including technical assistance and financial aid in the form of spare parts for maintenance valued at 100,000 Birr.
In the past Ethiopian fiscal year, COWASH IV successfully re-established six enterprises and established one new enterprise operating in the WASH sector in Tigray. Looking ahead, the project is planning to provide comprehensive business development services that includes training programs, financial and market linkage support. Beyond Tigray, the project is also working to establish and strengthen similar enterprises in other project regions, demonstrating its commitment to empowering communities throughout rural Ethiopia.
COWASH IV Sidama Regional Support Unit Concludes Successful Progress Review and Planning Workshop
The COWASH IV Sidama Regional Support Unit concluded a successful Ethiopian Fiscal Year (EFY) 2016 progress review and EFY 2017 plan workshop. Representatives from regional sector bureaus as well as officials, COWASH IV Community Managed Project approach advisors, and focal persons from the five project woredas participated in the workshop held from September 30 to October 1, 2024.
Arareso Geremew (PhD), the Regional Steering Committee chairperson and Sidama Regional Finance Administration Bureau Head, emphasized the significant contributions of the COWASH IV project to the WASH sector in his opening speech.
The project’s progress report, which detailed key achievements and challenges, was presented and discussed. Engineer Kebede Ganole, the Sidama Regional Water, Mines, and Energy Bureau Head, highlighted the successful implementation of safe water supply efforts in the project and expressed optimism for similar outcomes in the sanitation sector in the coming year.
During EFY 2016, the project constructed and rehabilitated 70 community water supply points, benefiting over 31,000 rural people. Additionally, the project constructed and rehabilitated 19 school water supply points, 13 water schemes in health institutions, and improved latrines in four schools and menstrual hygiene management facilities in two schools.
The workshop also focused on the project’s plans for 2017, which include constructing 107 community water schemes and reaching over 43,000 people with safe water. Participants committed to maintaining effective practices and addressing gaps and challenges. Woreda officials in turn pledged to provide necessary support and to facilitate timely contributions from the government’s matching fund.
At the conclusion of the workshop, the COWASH IV project team expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of its partners and expressed confidence in building upon its achievements in the coming year.
COWASH IV: Advancing WASH in Central and South-West Ethiopia
Central and South-West Ethiopia joined COWASH IV as a distinct region in the 2023 following the regional restructuring that established the regions. COWASH IV seamlessly adapted to the changes and signed Memorandum of Understanding with the regional Finance Bureaus providing a solid foundation for uninterrupted project activities.
In Central Ethiopia, COWASH IV works in seven woredas; Lemo and Soro in Hadiya Zone; Abeshige and Geta in Gurage Zone; Hadero Tunto in Kembata Zone; Fofa in Yem Zone and Temebaro Special Woreda. In South-West Ethiopia, the project works in two woredas, Kechi and Mari Mansa in Dawro Zone. The project started working in these woredas in 2021 while they were under the previous South Nation and Nationalities and People’s Region.
In both regions, COWASH IV has taken significant steps in improving WASH services since 2021. The project has facilitated the construction and rehabilitation of 115 water points in Central Ethiopia, benefiting around 60,163 people. In South-West Ethiopia, 42 water points have been constructed, serving 10,251 individuals.
Furthermore, COWASH IV has invested in school WASH facilities, providing clean water to 24,161 students and school staff in Central Ethiopia and 1,674 students and staff in South-West Ethiopia. To promote hygiene and improve healthcare delivery, the project has supplied water to 29 health facilities in Central Ethiopia and four in South-West Ethiopia.
Additionally, COWASH IV has constructed improved latrines in schools and health posts, promoting sanitation and reducing the risk of disease transmission. In Central Ethiopia, Menstrual Hygiene Management Centers have been established in two schools, creating a more conducive learning environment for girls.
The project has also fostered financial empowerment through WASH Savings and Loan Associations and delivered capacity-building training to thousands of people, strengthening community resilience. In Central Ethiopia, over 6,600 people have received training, while in South-West Ethiopia, the number is over 1,100.
COWASH IV’s efforts in Central and South-West Ethiopia have significantly contributed in improving the lives of communities by increasing access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services. These advancements have contributed to better health outcomes and improved education.
NIRAS Workshop Promotes Collaboration and Knowledge among Ethiopian Team
NIRAS International Consulting hosted a successful workshop in Addis Ababa on September 5, 2024, bringing together its projects in Ethiopia to foster collaboration, networking, and knowledge sharing.
Vice President for Business Development at NIRAS International Consulting, Scott Geller, highlighted the importance of such gatherings for building a strong sense of community, revitalizing team engagement, and promoting learning from one another.
Representatives from various NIRAS projects in Ethiopia presented their work, challenges, and best practices. One of the key highlights was the presentation by COWASH IV, which shared its journey in Ethiopia, including its project scope, community-driven approach, key focus areas, and significant outcomes.
Sari Aroalho, the Project Management and Development Advisor for COWASH IV, presented the project’s remarkable impact on over 700,000 people in Ethiopia. Through the construction of 2,300 water supply schemes, COWASH IV has provided access to safe water to a substantial portion of the population. Additionally, the project has launched 21 WASH businesses and established over 100 saving and loan associations, further empowering communities.
Aroalho also discussed COWASH IV’s collaboration with other NIRAS projects, such as the SCRS–WASH Technical Assistance Project (TAP), demonstrating the company’s commitment to knowledge sharing and cross-project collaboration.
The workshop concluded with discussions on future collaboration opportunities among different projects, setting the stage for continued partnership and innovation within the NIRAS network in Ethiopia.
Overcoming WASH Challenges: A Success Story from Abaye Boreta, Ethiopia
Many communities continue to struggle with a lack of safe water and sanitation services. Climate change, environmental degradation, water contamination, and operational limitations are among the primary challenges hindering the sustainable provision of adequate WASH services. COWASH IV is working to address these challenges through its water safety plans, a comprehensive approach that encompasses all steps in the water supply chain, from source to point of use.
COWASH IV’s work in Abaye Boreta Kebele serves as a prime example. The Abaye Boreta Spring Water Supply System in Wondo Genet Woreda previously faced severe challenges, including floods, contamination, and infrastructure damage. Serving a community of 2,900 people across 580 households, the water supply system was initially constructed in 1997 and underwent a crucial reconstruction in May 2024 under the COWASH IV project. Through a comprehensive risk assessment and targeted solutions, COWASH IV achieved significant improvements.
The project reconstructed the spring capping structure, built flood diversion ditches, and ensured safe water access for the community. It also addressed contamination issues through community education and infrastructure upgrades. These measures have enabled the creation of a resilient water system capable of withstanding future climate shocks, particularly by mitigating flood risks to the spring source.
COWASH IV conducted a follow-up visit to the water source from August 7-8, 2024. The project team met with community members, local government officials, project staff, and experts to assess the project’s outcomes and identify any remaining challenges.
COWASH IV: Empowering Women to Lead WASH Initiatives
Women play a critical role in managing water resources and ensuring the health and well-being of their communities. Recognizing this, COWASH IV is committed to empowering women to take leadership positions in WASH facilities construction and management.
Through its Community Managed Project (CMP) approach, COWASH IV places decision-making power directly in the hands of communities. At the heart of this model are WASH Committees (WASHCOs), which are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing WASH projects. The project prioritizes the inclusion of women in WASHCOs, aiming for at least 50% female membership and encouraging communities to select women with the necessary skills and knowledge for leadership roles.
COWASH IV provides comprehensive training on leadership and the CMP approach to equip women with the necessary skills to excel in their roles. The project also develops and distributes guidelines and manuals to support their work.
Mestawet Mengistu, a treasurer from the Abaye Boreta Community Water Supply WASHCO in Wondo Genet Woreda, highlights the positive impact of this approach on her leadership development and community involvement. She emphasizes the importance of empowering women to participate in such committees, enabling them to address their challenges directly and develop their skills.
The WASHCO from Abaye Boreta is currently responsible for administering the Abaye Boreta Spring Water Supply System and working to build a community water point that will benefit 67 households. The committee holds regular meetings, collects monthly contributions, and maintains a savings account. They also actively promote awareness about hygiene, and the benefits of community water points, and encourage community contributions for WASH projects.
Empowering women as WASHCO leaders is crucial for the sustainable management of community water points. Women often bear the primary responsibility for water collection in rural communities and possess a deep understanding of water needs and challenges, making them ideal advocates. Their involvement in WASHCOs ensures that water supplies are managed effectively, with close attention to maintenance and repair, guaranteeing the sustainability of community water points. Moreover, by taking on these leadership roles, women gain valuable experience, positioning them for future leadership opportunities within their communities and beyond.
Abebayheu Campa, a member of the Abaye Boreta WASHCO, shares her experience of developing her leadership skills through her involvement in the committee. She appreciates the project’s community-led approach, which has empowered her community to effectively address their WASH needs.
Beyond water points, COWASH IV promotes women’s leadership in WASH Savings and Loan Associations and Market-Based Sanitation Supply Centers programs. The project requires membership and encourages women to take on leadership roles in these initiatives, fostering women’s empowerment and creating opportunities for women-led businesses in the sanitation sector.
A prime example of this initiative is the Roori Market-Based Sanitation Supply Center (MBSC) in Sidama’s Chrione Woreda. The MBSC has three women among its five members, with two of them in leadership positions. The project provided training for the members, helping them to develop their leadership skills and effectively address the sanitation supply needs of the community.
