National dialogue on the Urban NEXUS

Transcription

1 Implemented by National dialogue on the Urban NEXUS Challenges and Opportunities for the integrated water and wastewater solutions Ulaanbaatar, April 6 th, 2015 Fifth Regional Workshop on Integrated Resource Management in Asian Cities: the Urban Nexus Chiang Mai, June, 2015 Page 1

2 National dialogue National Dialog Page 2

3 Participants (Over 60 representatives from 6 national government agencies, 12 local government units and other organizations) Local Government Units (LGUs) and their water and waste water utilities National Government and Agencies Ulaanbaatar city Darkhan city Erdenet city Baganuur city Murun city (Khuvsgul aimagorprovince) Khovd city (Khovd aimag) Sainshand city (Dornogovi aimag) Zamiin-Uud city (Dornogovi aimag) Uliastai city (Zavkhan aimag) Dalanzadgad city (Umnugovi aimag) Tsetserlag city (Arkhangai aimag) Choibalsan city (Dornod aimag) Ministry ofconstruction and Urban Development (MCUD) Ministry ofenvironment and Green Development (MEGD) Water regulatory commission Construction Development Center (under MCUD) National Center forstandardization and Metrology Private organization, NGO s Academia, international organization, and others ICON Consulting LLC Energy resource LLC EHL LLC Naran Rashaan LLC Erchim tusul LLC MCS Group EBT LLC Mongolian Association of Urban Centers (NGO) Mongolian Green Building Council (NGO) Mongolian University of Science and Technology, Construction and Architecture School German IWRM-Mo-Mo project XAC Bank, Ecobanking department ACF-Mongolia (NGO) ADB Urban development sector project - Mon 2301 Page 3

4 Participants National dialogue Page 4

5 Background Decentralized waste water solutions is one of the areas of cooperation between the Nexus Project and Ulaanbaatar city Rapid population growth and economic development is straining the city s ability to provide infrastructure especially with regard to waste water treatment capacities (Central WWTP s capacity is limited) Most of the Ger- areas are not connected to the central water supply system; many of them use pit latrines which cause soil and water contamination The existing sewage pipes are partially dilapidated, industrial waste water is not treated properly polluting the Tuul River. There is no remarkable waste water recycling. The need for integrated solutions is apparent (different stakeholders, institutional mandates, financial constraints). Page 5

6 National Dialog (Panelist discussion) Page 6

7 Topics discussed during the sessions With regard the urgency the waste water solutions are more pressing issues in comparison to power and heat energy supply A clear policy and with regard to the decentralized waste water solutions in peri-urban areas is still missing (Many laws and policies have been passed, but they are not specific enough or not address the waste water problem in peri-urban areas of UB city. Many provisions in the law have a proclamation character, the financial resources are not defined in detail and revenues to cover the expenses of WSS services are missing). UB facing a dilemma: redevelopment of Ger districts (moving into apartments with centralized network) or improve the sanitation condition (e.g better pit latrines or decentralized sewage facilities) Technologies for decentralized waste water solutions should be adapted to local conditions to operate properly The lack of an integrated approach in the planning and implementation is leading to an inefficient use of public finance Page 7

8 Topics discussed during the sessions Mistrust within the residents with regards to decentralized infrastructure solutions exist (unreliable) Vacuum sewerage system as alternative solutions to be tested Small treatment plants facing many problems mainly due to lack of trained operation staff and proper maintenance and supervision Financial products for climate change adaptation and mitigation measures being offered by commercial banks could explored. Page 8

9 Panelist discussion summary Importance of coordinated efforts for the improving of sanitation services in peri-urban areas between the national and local authorities, tariff adjustments and standards How to use or where to discharge the treated waste water Testing and introduction of the vacuum sewerage systems in Mongolia The compliance to the existing laws and regulations The lack of trained workers to run small treatment plants, capacity development needed The need for change in the tariff system to improve the financial situation of utilities and create incentive mechanisms to economize on the use of water The need for an independent body to inspect and monitor the operation of small treatment plants The financial resources for eco projects with low interest are available on international market. Page 9

10 Some recommendations To improve the coordination between the concerned national and local governments institutions by clear definition of responsibilities (So far, the policy gap, duplication of responsibilities and unclear accountability by the improving sanitation and decentralized solutions in periurban areas and the implementation of standards, rule and regulations are reasons for slow progress in improving of WSS services. The Law on Utilization of Urban Settlements Water Supply and Sewage assigned the responsibility of supplying urban users with safe drinking water and the treatment of waste-water back to the central government, while the governor of Ulaanbaatar has to organize the implementation of the legislation) The improvement of sanitation conditions in peri-urban areas through short and mid-term solution must become a priority (otherwise financial resources will always allocate to other sectors) Successful decentralized waste water solutions in Ger-districts are needed to convince the residents and decision makers Page 10

11 Some recommendations Tariff adjustment and introduction of special fees to water pollutants are needed (Regulation Council of Urban Water Supply and Sewage is in charge) Capacities have to be established to run small treatment plants and reuse of waste water Vacuum sewerage system to be tested and introduced Need for improvement of tendering procedures allowing the introduction of innovative technologies Further dialogs and discussion are needed to solve the debt of utilities like USUG (Water supply and sewerage Authority) The private sector involvement is crucial, but government should be the main player. Page 11

12 Further steps To improve the sanitation facilities in peri-urban areas through the implementation of special midterm programs for replacing of conventional pit latrines and introduction of modern technologies To stop the increasing contamination of the soil and groundwater resources by the introduction of special fees to water pollutants The replacement of peri-urban areas with apartment houses requires a lot of time and in the meantime other solution like decentralized WWTP s should be supported It is necessary to subsidies the residents in peri-urban areas by the improvement of their sanitation conditions To involve private sector by the introduction of special incentive mechanisms and cost covering tariffs (independent Council) The defined responsibilities (Governors, USUG) with regard the waste water and sanitation in peri-urban areas should be accompanies with the allocation of financial resources and certain financial autonomy (e.g. Local development Funds). Page 12

13 Thank you for your attention! Page 13