MINUTES OF THE 17th DPG-WATER MEETING

06.07.2006 KfW / GTZ Conference Room

Participants: Evans Ntagwabira (AfDB), Mark Mujwahuzi (UN-Habitat), Mussa Uwesu (UNICEF), Rommert Schram (FAO), Anthea Manasseh (AFD), Philippe Brown (EIB), Robert van Lanschot (RNE), Ato Brown (WB), Theresa Smout (UN/RCO), Susanne Hesselbarth (Consultant for preparation of JWSR), Joerg Hartmann (KfW), David Steinhilper (KfW), Nangula Heita-Mwampamba (KFW).

  1. Future arrangements for Chairing / Secretariat

The task force assigned to review succession arrangements for chair and secretariat presented three options for discussion, i.e. equal co-chair model; model with current chair supported by an outgoing chair; and the troika model. All three recommendations are based on existing models in other sectors in the country or in neighbouring countries.

There was a majority preference amongst participants for an equal co-chairing arrangement, with the following agreements and arrangements:

-two-year commitment for both chairs and supporting secretariats

-division of workload to be arranged between the chairs

-no extra funding necessary; chairing agencies will provide secretariat functions

For the election process, nominations (self nomination allowed) are to be sent in by e-mail to the present secretariat. One vote per agency. The DPG-W ToR will be revised to reflect the new arrangements; dates and detailed procedures will be indicated by e-mail shortly.

Representation of UN agencies on the DPG-W was discussed in some detail: Theresa Smout of the UN Resident Coordinator's Officeinformed that the UN is currently reviewing the structure of its local presence and specific agencies will be identified for more active participation in the water working group, with the mandate to represent other UN agencies in policy discussions and sector dialogue. More clarification is sought of the UN agencies on actual funds for the sector and activities on the ground.

  1. Progress on the sector investment programme

A second draft of the sector investment programme has been prepared, now named the Water Sector Development Program (WSDP), which covers sector development requirements for the period 2005 to 2025. It is understood that MoW will distribute the document to stakeholders, including development partners, for comments and discussions early next week. Furthermore, all stakeholders will be invited to a program workshop planned for July 26th - the DPG-W needs to ensure sufficient representation.

In parallel, WB and KfW have started work on possible arrangements for pooled funding of the WSDP, outlining the structure of a funding modality that a large number of agencies can jointly agree to. A draft “Memorandum of Understanding”, prepared on the basis of a recently signed Agriculture Sector MoU and which uses the LGCDG System, has been circulated amongst DPs with the request for detailed comments, additions and amendments as applies.

Participation in the pooled funding (the “Water Basket”) is encouraged of all. This will be a permanent structure that DPs can join as funds become available and withdraw from as they see fit. The Basket will also act as a tool for harmonization of flow of funds and other procedures and better coordination of investments.

The MoU will be revised to incorporate suggestions made by DPs (eg. to include definitions, additional safeguarding annexes, etc.). Processes need to be though out in detail and agency participation won. A WB legal advisor will work on the document and meet with interested agencies to discuss the contents and assist with legal questions. Details will be communicated at a later date.

Other questions needing clarification include:

-can agencies sign the document despite not currently having funds to contribute towards the basket (“declaration of intent”)?

-how can agencies whose charters traditionally do not allow for basket funding participate in the WSDP?

-how can agencies which want to contribute to specific sub-sectors participate?

Interested agencies are encouraged to participate in a joint appraisal of the WSDP scheduled around the Sector Review in September. It is anticipated that the appraisal will be used to work out the details of the MoU’s structure and administrative arrangements as well as individual agency specific and legal requirements. The following aspects will further be worked out:

-preparation mechanisms of individual projects eligible for basket funds;

-fiduciary assessment of implementing entities’ (LGA’s, utilities etc.) capacity to manage and coordinate funds;

-systems of reporting, auditing, disbursement and procurement;

-division of labor between agencies participating in the appraisal and during later implementation of basket.

Please note the following time frames

-WSDP draft to be sent out for review ca. July 10th

-Agencies are invited to provide a first round of comments on the draft MoU until July 14th

-July 26th for participation in stakeholder workshop on WSDP

-September 11th to 14th for JWSR

-joint appraisal around (preferably before) JWSR

Next DPG-W meeting will be held on August 3rd jointly with the Ministry of Water from 14.00 to 16.00 hrs. at Maji Ubungo.

NAME / AGENCY / CONTACT
Evans Ntagwabira / AfDB /
Anthea Manasseh / AFD /
Ato Brown / World Bank /
Philippe Brown / EIB /
Joerg Hartmann / KfW /
Mark R. Mujwahuzi / UN-Habitat /
Rommert Schram / FAO /
Robert van Landschot / RNE /
Susanne Hesselbarth / Consultant SHDC /
Nangula Heita-Mwampamba / KfW /
David Steinhilper / KfW (intern) /
Theresa Smout / UN/RCO /

1