The concept underlying this transition was already introduced during Phase 1, the final implementation was in Phase 2, with as formal finalisation the Presidential Decree of 5 September 1995 for the establishment of Economic General Authorities in seven Governorates, including Fayoum.
Although this gave the formal recognition of a need for autonomy, the water utility in Fayoum still had a long way to go before the main constraints limiting autonomy were relieved. Egypt was (and is still) a very centralised country and the officials, notably in NOPWASD, couldn't imagine that autonomy would be feasible. However, there were two developments that suported the drive for autonomy:
(1) With the help of the project, the staff of FEGAWS managed to bring the treatment capacity of the old El Azab water works back on the original design capacity. That gave the opportunity to improved the water supply services to the population substantially. This was achieved through systematic improvement of the O&M of the plant. Initially with much 'pushing' by the project, but as the results became visible increasingly without furter support.
(2) In a joint effort by the Project, FEGAWS, the Fayoum Governorate (esp. the General Secretary Mr. Salah Helmy), the Netherlands Embassy in Cairo and the water utility of Alexandria, a new water treatment plant for Fayoum Governorate was developed and constructed, at roughly 50 % of the costs of comparable treatment plants by NOPWASD.
These successes gave FEGAWS the momentum to claim real autonomy.
Linked to these major highlights, the Project and FEGAWS worked on improving the billing and collection system. Bringing billing efficiency to 96 %, which resulted in improved cost recovery without increasing the tariffs.
The excellent relationship between the project and FEGAWS also resulted in joint activities to improve the management of public standposts, involving the communities in the Governorate.
Downloads: