The rationale behind the WOPs mechanism is that most of the capacity for improving water and sanitation services lies with the operators themselves.
Thus, the WOPs are to be based on mechanisms to enable operators to systematically communicate amongst themselves and to share their experiences and learn from each other’s practices for the benefit of all.
Water Operators’ Partnerships (WOPs) are peer-support partnerships between water and sanitation service providers. WOPs work by harnessing the skills, knowledge and goodwill within a strong utility to build the capacity and improve the performance of another utility that needs assistance or guidance.
Where are WOPs Happening?
WOPs make use of the fact that while many local water and sanitation service providers are struggling, others have great performance and are willing to support others in their improvement process on a not-for-profit basis.
Through mentorship, WOPs progressively strengthen and empower beneficiary utilities on management, financial and technical levels to implement operational and organizational changes that lead to better and more sustainable services.
Utilities may take up WOPs to support a range of objectives: increasing efficiency, introducing new functions such as pro-poor units or sanitation services, bettering environmental performance, facilitating access to finance, extending access to services, or rebuilding human resource capacity following a remunicipalization.
WOPs are used in a range of settings: from urban to small towns, and from middle income countries to low income and fragile states, and should always be fit to the local needs and context.
“Learning different ways of doing the same thing. On both sides of the Atlantic we have the same task: provide water to the community. It’s a two-way relationship in which both parties learn.” WOP between Aguas de Xelaju (Guatemala) and the Municipal Operator of Zaragoza, Spain.
“I realized that the product that I am giving out adds to the quality of life for thousands of people (…) We are implementing the things [learnt with Contra Costa] on a daily basis.” Eric Rhaburn, System supervisor at BWS.
Incentives
Operators have varied and complementary motivations for participating in WOPs, however, one of the main incentives for the supported operators, or ‘mentee’, is to acquire high-calibre skills and capacity. The partnership provides them with exposure to these skills at a low cost and can help improve their performance and gain comparative experience for their staff. Operators that have received support through WOPs have said the process supported positive change within their utility, developed individual staff capacity and increased their efficiency.
The key incentives for the supporting or ‘mentor’ operator are to build the experience of their staff while making their jobs more interesting, gaining exposure and enjoying global visibility. Experienced mentors say that WOPs have a motivational effect on their team and allow employees to develop professionally.
Donors and development banks support WOPs through GWOPA, regional WOPs platforms, or directly. In some cases, they support the approach as part of wider efforts to increase access to quality water and sanitation services, in others, the goal is to prepare for or accompany large-scale investment.