Report
Training of water users committee in Daynile
25th and 26th of October, 2023
October, 2023
TABLE OF CONTENT
DECLARATION......................................................................................................................ii
DEDICATION........................................................................................................................iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT......................................................................................................iv
TABLE OF CONTENT...........................................................................................................v
CHAPTER ONE.......................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background of the study..............................................................................................1
1.2 Problem Statement.....................................................................................................18
1.3 Research objectives...................................................................................................20
1.4 General Objectives....................................................................................................20
1.5 Specific Objectives....................................................................................................20
1.6 Research questions....................................................................................................20
1.7 Significant of the Study.............................................................................................21
1.8 Scope of the Study.....................................................................................................21
1.8 Limitations of the Study............................................................................................22
REFERENCES.......................................................................................................................24
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abbreviations
Acknowledgements
Executive Summary
1.1 Background of water treatment
1.2 Water sources and Safe drinking water
1.3 Role and responsibility of WASH Committees
1.4 Leadership skills
1.5 Conflict management
2.1 Equal representation
2.2 Effective Communication
2.3 The concept of sustainability
2.4 Water Uses Governance-Constitution
2.5 Financial Management
3.1 Operation and Maintenance of shallow well/pump
3.2 Cholera/ORS preparation, Community water sources
3.3 Conclusion
3.4 Recommendations
3.5 List of Training Attendance
Pictorial captures
REERENCES
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Abbreviations
ORS
WASH
WUCs
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First of all, I would like to thank to almighty Allah who give me ability to do this training
report. After that, my thankful going to Zamzam administration, and also Mr. Ibrahim
Abdirrahman who helped me to held this training on time be planned and wrote this
training report in Mogadishu from 15th of August to 17st 2022 .I would like to appreciate
again Mr. Ibrahim who assisted me for the implementation of this training which
implemented by Zamzam foundation. My grateful goes to training facilitators who gave me
more efforts on training conduction and also to all participants who took part in all training
days and benefited it perfectly.
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Executive Summary
The training was conducted in JAVA Hotel conducted by Zamzam foundation. The areas
covered during the training comprised of Background of water treatment, • Water
sources and Safe drinking water • Role and responsibility of WASH Committees,• Leadership
skills,• Conflict management,• Equal representation,• Effective Communication, • The
concept of sustainability,• Water Uses Governance-Constitution,• Financial Management,•
Operation and Maintenance of shallow well/pump,• Cholera/ORS preparation, Community
water sources, In a group, list the water sources in you area,• Each group to pick a presenter.
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1.1 Background of water treatment
Unsafe water is water that contains germs, parasites, or toxic chemicals. Harmful germs,
parasites, and chemicals can get in water from many sources, including human or animal
feces (poop), pesticides, and other chemicals. Contaminated water and poor sanitation are
linked to the transmission of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and polio.
The Daynile area hosts one of the largest Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in
Somalia due to prolonged conflict and drought in surrounding regions. Over 30,000 IDPs
currently reside in the camp with inadequate access to basic services.
Worldwide, diarrhea is the fifth leading cause of death in children younger than 5 years old.
The leading risk factors for diarrhea among these children are childhood wasting (low weight
for height score), unsafe water, and unsafe sanitation. 1 The germs that cause diarrhea are
commonly spread by food or water that has been contaminated with human or animal poop.
This contamination can occur in the environment because of inadequate sanitation and
inadequate protection of drinking water sources and food products. Contamination can also
happen in the home through unsafe water storage and poor hygiene.
Water scarcity is a major challenge faced by the IDP population. The few existing wells and
boreholes supplying water to the camp have varying degrees of microbial and chemical
contamination, mainly from open defecation practices nearby. This poses a serious health
risk, especially for children and the elderly.
Disease outbreaks are common in the camp due to consumption of contaminated water and
poor sanitation and hygiene. Diarrheal diseases like cholera spread rapidly in such congested
conditions, often with fatal consequences. Access to treated water is critical to prevent water-
related illnesses and reduce mortality rates,( WHO Feb 2023).
Water treatment processes had a major impact on water-transmitted diseases, and these
processes provide barriers—or lines of defense—between the consumer and waterborne
disease. This chapter provides an overview of the drinking water treatment processes and
requirements, water distribution systems, and organic carbon and microbial growth in
distribution systems. The most common treatment process train for surface water supplies—
conventional treatment—consists of disinfection, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation,
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filtration, and disinfection. The safe drinking water requires a holistic approach that considers
the source of water, treatment processes, and the distribution system. The water distribution
systems may suffer from problems such as taste and odors, enhanced chlorine demand, and
bacterial colonization or development of biofilms of microorganisms in water distribution
systems. The bacterial growth in distribution systems is influenced by the concentration of
biodegradable organic matter, water temperatures, and nature of the pipes, disinfectant
residual concentration, and detention time within the distribution system.( WHO Feb 2023).
1.2 Water sources and Safe drinking water
Water Sources are many that we use such as Surface water is any body of water found on the
Earth's surface, including both the saltwater in the ocean and the freshwater in rivers, streams,
and lakes. A body of surface water can persist all year long or for only part of the yea.
Rivers water is Natural water flows moving under the force of gravity along their channels
and fed by surface and underground runoff is called rivers. Rivers can be divided into
mountain, which have rapid flows and narrow valleys, or lowland rivers, which have slower
flows and wider, often terraced, valleys
1.3 Water Treatment
Methods to remove biological & chemical impurities sedimentation, filtration, disinfection
through chlorination, Household treatment options boiling, solar disinfection, filtration using
chlorine tablets, Distribution
Piped networks deliver water directly but pipes should be protected from contamination.
Transporting water in covered containers maintains quality.
Storage
Stored water should be in clean, covered containers to prevent recontamination from
hands/utensils.
Personal Hygiene, Clean hands, utensils, vessels when handling or drinking water reduces
transmission of diseases.
Monitoring
Regular testing of water sources and distribution points helps ensure it remains safe to use.
Promotion & Awareness
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Educating people on handling water safely, treatment methods, importance of clean water,
Ensuring access to safely managed drinking water requires a holistic approach along this
whole supply chain
1.4 Role and responsibility of WASH Committees
The key is to manage the water system efficiently and responsively to fulfill the water
security needs of the local population.
Oversee the management and operations of the local water system. This includes
pumping stations, storage tanks, treatment works, distribution pipes etc.
Ensure availability of adequate and regular water supply to the community through proper
maintenance and repairs of infrastructure.
Collect water tariffs/fees from users and maintain accounting records of income and
expenditure. Manage the water fund.
Plan and execute small projects for system expansion, upgrades or rehabilitation as
needed.
Regulate water usage, prevent wastage and resolve disputes related to water distribution
or supply issues.
Liaise with local authorities for support, project funding or permissions as required.
Create awareness in the community about judicious water usage, conservation measures,
health aspects etc.
Monitor water quality at source and distribution points regularly to ensure it meets
standards.
Maintain documentation like maps, design plans, equipment details, user records etc.
1.5 Leadership skills
The key leadership skills that members of a Water Users Committee should develop
competencies that make the committee more effective problem solvers and representatives of
the community.
Communication skills - Ability to effectively convey information to community
members, local government, and other stakeholders.
Problem solving - Analyze water issues, understand root causes, evaluate alternative
solutions and take pragmatic decisions.
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Team building - Foster cooperation within the committee and a spirit of collaboration
with the community.
Conflict resolution - Handle disputes fairly and bring opposing parties to an agreed
resolution.
3.1 Conflict management
Managing conflicts constructively will help the committee maintain peace, fairness and social
cohesion within the community. An effective conflict management by the water users
committee:
Establish clear rules and dispute resolution processes - Rules of engagement, hearing
complaints, mediation methods etc.
Promote open communication - Be approachable, listen to all sides without judgment
to understand issues fully.
Remain impartial - Adopt a neutral stance and ensure procedures are fair for everyone
involved in a conflict.
Separate people from the problem - Focus on issues, not individuals. Don't take
conflicts personally.
3.2 Equal representation
Equal representation helps make critical decisions legitimate and to participate in all the
community whom are being Representing: Representation from all areas served by the water
system, including remote/marginalized communities.
Gender balance: At least 40-50% of the committee members should be women to ensure their
needs and perspectives are considered.
Stakeholder consultation: Consult with user groups before finalizing the committee to obtain
consensus on representatives.
Transparent selection process: Develop clear criteria and conduct nominations/elections in a
participatory manner. Consider rotation of positions.
Capacity building: Provide induction and ongoing training to committee members, especially
women/youth, to build confidence.
Addressing barriers: Identify cultural/knowledge barriers to participation and take measures
like arranging childcare support.
3.3 Effective Communication
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Regular two-way communication keeps users well-informed and helps committee stay
accountable to community needs
Use local language and simple terms that all community members can understand
easily.
Actively listen to understand concerns and perspectives of all users, especially
marginalized groups.
Disseminate information through various channels - notices, messaging apps, wall
paintings, community radio etc.
Maintain transparency by sharing bills, budgets, repair updates, water quality reports,
committee decisions.
Build rapport and trust with users through friendly, honest interactions beyond formal
meetings.
Seek feedback to evaluate user satisfaction and make continuous improvements in
services.
3.4 The concept of sustainability
The key points regarding the concept of sustainability in the context of water hygiene:
Meeting present needs without compromising future needs: Ensuring adequate
provision of safe drinking water for current as well as future generations.
Environmental protection: Adopting practices like rainwater harvesting, groundwater
recharge, waste water recycling that replenish water sources.
Social equity: Ensuring water facilities are accessible to all including poor, women,
elderly for their basic hygiene and health needs.
Public health: Promoting hygienic practices like hand washing at critical times to
reduce disease burden in communities long term
3.5 Water Uses Governance-Constitution
It was discussed by the most important thing that should be included in the constitution of a
water users committee's governance structure:
Name and objective of the committee - Clear statement of purpose and scope of
activities.
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Membership criteria - Eligibility rules for committee members and general body
members.
Election process - Transparent procedures for selection of office bearers and their
terms.
Organizational structure - Roles and responsibilities of office bearers like President,
Secretary etc.
General body and meetings - Guidelines for community participation in decision
making.
Financial management - Budgeting, accounting, auditing rules and water fees/tariff
policy.
Decision making - Quorum and voting requirements, resolution of ties.
Dispute resolution - Grievance redressal mechanisms, dispute settlement processes.
Record keeping - Documentation protocols for minutes, assets, accounts, water
quality reports.
3.6 Financial Management
The key aspects of financial management that a Water Users Committee
should focus on:
Water Tariff Policy Decide user fees/rates based on consumption keeping
in mind affordability and cost recovery which Billing & Collection and to
Maintain updated records of connections and consumption of the water
and Collect fees regularly through bills or receipts.
During the training it has been discussed with Proper Bookkeeping or
accounting of income, expenditure on operations, maintenance and other
budget heads in books of accounts it is a helpful for the Annual Budgeting
Preparation a yearly budget estimate distinguishing capital and recurring
expenses.
Fund Utilization: Ensure money is spent judiciously on pre-approved
activities as per budget allocation.
Auditing: Get accounts audited periodically by a third party to check
compliance and prevent misuse.
Reserve Funds: Setting aside portion of revenue each year to meet
emergency repairs/replacements.
3.7 Operation and Maintenance of shallow well/pump
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3.8 Cholera/ORS preparation, Community water sources
3.9 Conclusion
In conclusion, the two day’s training was discussed the core competencies
of the newly formed WUC to IDPs in Daynile district and responsibilities
essential for effective management of the community water supply system.
Through participatory training, they have demonstrated exercises and
discussions, members which they gained a holistic understanding of their
critical role in ensuring water usage for households. The training was also
included Practical sessions enhanced their technical abilities in
maintenance, quality monitoring, financial planning and record keeping.
Role plays helped internalize best practices of conducting public meetings,
conflict resolution and partnership development. Post-training evaluation
affirmed that the customized successfully increased participants' confidence
across key domains of operations and governance. With continued
refresher sessions, mentoring and community support, the trained WUC is
now equipped to deliver reliable services, uphold principles of equity and
accountability, and spearhead progress through locally owned solutions.
This sets the stage for realizing sustainable drinking water facilities for all
community members into the future.
This wraps up my summary suggestions for key elements to address in a
concluding paragraph for a comprehensive report on water users
committee training outcomes and the imparting of relevant knowledge and
skills.
3.10 Recommendations
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The IDP populations in Daynile require capacity build y on operating and maintaining the local
water system - pumps, filters, disinfection, repairs etc.
Empower members in financial management - tariff collection, accounting, budgeting, auditing
and long term planning.
Develop leadership and governance abilities through sessions on facilitation, communication,
conflict resolution, decision making.
Raise awareness on legal compliance, community mobilization strategies and stakeholder
coordination.
Use interactive techniques like group work, presentations, role plays to enhance participation
and learning.
3.11 List of Training Attendance
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REFERENCES
GBD 2016 Diarrheal Disease Collaborators (2018). Estimates of the global, regional, and
national morbidity, mortality, and aetiologies of diarrhoea in 195 countries: a
systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016. The Lancet: Infectious
Diseases, 18(11), 1211–1228.
Boot, M., and Cairncross, S. (1993) Actions Speak: the study of hygiene behaviour in water
and sanitation projects,
IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre / London School of Hygiene and Tropical
Medicine
Mukherjee, N.; Wijk, C. van. (2003) Sustainability planning and monitoring in community
water supply and sanitation: a guide on the Methodology for Participatory
Assessment (MPA) for community-driven development progams.
World Bank, Washington [Link]
[Link]
Charles P. Gerba, in Environmental Microbiology (Second Edition), 2009
“Water streams: models of flow and quality surface water”, Moscow, Nauka, 1991;
“Water pollution and its consequences in the former USSR”. Pollution knows no frontiers, A
PWPA Book, N.-Y., 1992;
Last Reviewed: October 18, 2022
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and
Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of Foodborne, Waterborne,
and Environmental Diseases at CDC
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