Working Areas
Non-Revenue Water (NRW 1): Commercial Losses Management
Operation & Maintenance
Organizations Involved
Overliggend Waterschap MCP — Lead Mentee
World Waternet — Lead Mentor
SDGs
6.4Increased water-use efficiency and sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater
Project description
The main goal of this partnership is to exchange knowledge and experience among the Surinamese and Dutch partners
Project main objectives
The main goal of this partnership is to exchange knowledge and experience among the Surinamese and Dutch partners in the areas of management of water boards and water systems
Most significant results
The water operators’ partnership between the Surinamese and Dutch water boards teaches some
valuable lessons. First, this water operators’ partnership learns that exchange of experiences between
water boards that function under different geographical and physical circumstances is possible. It is
manifest that water boards everywhere strive to maximize the use of available water resources
through efficient water management systems. There are plenty of innovative practices to teach others.
Second, notwithstanding the fact that the MCP Water Board has been established only recently in a
third world country, while the Dutch water boards have a long tradition in a highly developed
country, the water operator’s partnership has been characterized by mutual respect for each other’s
socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Mutual respect for each other is fundamental in
international water partnerships.
And finally, the three partners worked hand in hand over a prolonged period of time. Such a long
term relationship led to trust among the partners, and provided frank insight in each other’s
strengths and weaknesses. It is evident that it requires long term commitment to build sustainable
and effective water operators’ partnerships.
valuable lessons. First, this water operators’ partnership learns that exchange of experiences between
water boards that function under different geographical and physical circumstances is possible. It is
manifest that water boards everywhere strive to maximize the use of available water resources
through efficient water management systems. There are plenty of innovative practices to teach others.
Second, notwithstanding the fact that the MCP Water Board has been established only recently in a
third world country, while the Dutch water boards have a long tradition in a highly developed
country, the water operator’s partnership has been characterized by mutual respect for each other’s
socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Mutual respect for each other is fundamental in
international water partnerships.
And finally, the three partners worked hand in hand over a prolonged period of time. Such a long
term relationship led to trust among the partners, and provided frank insight in each other’s
strengths and weaknesses. It is evident that it requires long term commitment to build sustainable
and effective water operators’ partnerships.
Challenges
Lack of financing for WOPs