Training Report for water users committee in Daynile

Held at JAVA Hotel in Mogadishu, October, 2023

October, 2023

Training of 5 Water Users Committee In Daynile

30-31- Ocbtober 2023
Mogadishu-Somalia
By:
Dr Ibrahim Abdi Hassan
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abbreviations …………………………………………………………………… iii

Acknowledgements………………………………………………………………. iv
Executive Summary……………………………………………………………... v
Preface …………………………………………………………………………… vi
1.1 Background of water treatment…………………………………………… 1
1.2 Water sources and Safe drinking water…………………………………… 1
1.3 Role and responsibility of WUC Committees…………………………….. 2
1.4 Leadership skills………………………………………………………….. 4
1.5 Conflict management…………………………………………………….. 4
2.1 Equal representation……………………………………………………… 4
2.2 Effective Communication……………………………………………… 5
2.3 The concept of sustainability…………………………………………….. 5
2.4 Water Uses Governance-Constitution…………………………………….. 5
2.5 Financial Management…………………………………………………… 6
3.1 Operation and Maintenance of shallow well/pump………………………. 6
3.2 Cholera/ORS preparation, Community water sources…………………… 7
3.3 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………. 8
3.4 Recommendations…………………………………………………………… 8
3.5 List of Training Attendance ………………………………………………… 9
Pictorial captures…………………………………………………………………... 11
REERENCES……………………………………………………………………….. 12

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Abbreviations
ORS
WASH
WUCs

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First of all, I would like to thank to almighty Allah who give me ability to do this training
report. After that, my thankful going to Zamzam administration, and also Mr. Ibrahim
Abdurrahman who helped me to held this training on time planned in Mogadishu from 30
of October to 31, 2023 .I would like to appreciate again Mr Ibrahim who assisted me for the
implementation of this training which implemented by Zamzam foundation. My grateful goes
to training facilitators who gave me more efforts on conduction this training and also to all
participants who took part in all training days and benefited it perfectly.

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Executive Summary
The training was conducted in JAVA Hotel conducted by Zamzam foundation. The areas
which covered during the training were:
 Background of water treatment,
 Water sources and Safe drinking water
 Role and responsibility of WASH Committees
 Leadership skills
 Conflict management
 Equal representation
 Effective Communication
 The concept of sustainability
 Water Uses Governance-Constitution
 Financial Management
 Operation and Maintenance of shallow well/pump
 Cholera/ORS preparation
 Community water sources

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Preface
A training workshop for water User Committee members was held at java hall in Mogadishu
from 30th to 31 October, 2023, organized by zamzam foundation with the aim of clarifying
their roles & responsibilities on the Daynile IDPS Camps, then identifying capacity building
activities required to support and sustain Water infrastructure investments under the Adopt
the village project as an urgent necessity to ensure that the required capacity is in place to
effectively manage and operate the expanded water and sanitation systems in Daynile IDPS
Camps.

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1.1 Background of water treatment
Unsafe water is water that contains germs, parasites, or toxic chemicals. Harmful germs,

parasites, and chemicals can get in water from many sources, including human or animal faces

(poop), pesticides, and other chemicals. Contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to

the The training has been designed to empower the newly water users committee of zamzam

foundation in Daynile district. Training of the WUCs in water resources management and

repairs of broken hand pumps is one way of ensuring the sustainable use of these water

sources. One of the water committees' primary responsibilities is to protect those sources from

damage resulting from misuse by children and excessive use by others. Continued monitoring

to those committees will keep them active monitors to elongate the resource's operational life

without stoppage. Female roles in management and monitoring were enhanced through

inclusion in all WUCs and training as water source managers and pumps repair technicians.

They represent about 50% of the total number of trainees sharing responsibilities with their

male counterparts.

Water sources and Safe drinking water

The participants have discussed about the water Sources normally is use such as Surface water
is any body of water found on the Earth's surface, including both the saltwater in the ocean and
the freshwater in rivers, streams, and lakes. A body of surface water can persist all year long or
for only part of the yea.
Rivers water is Natural water flows moving under the force of gravity along their channels and
fed by surface and underground runoff is called rivers. Rivers can be divided into mountain,
which have rapid flows and narrow valleys, or lowland rivers, which have slower flows and
wider, often terraced, valleys
Ask participants to brainstorm what they hope to get out of the training. 2. Briefly review the list
of expectations. Ask participants to decide together whether all are within the scope of the
training program and display those expectations on flip chart. After participants have given their
expectations, add your own, as the trainer/facilitator

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1.2 Water Treatment
The participants have discussed the Methods to remove biological & chemical impurities
sedimentation, filtration, disinfection through chlorination, Household treatment options boiling,
solar disinfection, filtration using chlorine tablets, Distribution
Piped networks deliver water directly but pipes should be protected from contamination.
Transporting water in covered containers maintains quality.
The group work exercise has focused on the Water Treatment and the ways to prevent the water
contaminations and if there is shortage water it should be in clean, covered containers to prevent
recontamination from hands/utensils.

Personal Hygiene, Clean hands, utensils, vessels when handling or drinking water reduces
transmission of diseases and to Monitor regular testing of water sources and distribution points
helps ensure it remains safe to use.
Promotion & Awareness
Educating people on handling water safely, treatment methods, importance of clean water, and
Ensuring access to safely managed drinking water requires a holistic approach along this whole
supply chain
1.3 Role and responsibility of WUC Committees

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The key is to manage the water system efficiently and responsively to fulfill the water security
needs of the local population.
 Oversee the management and operations of the local water system. This includes pumping
stations, storage tanks, treatment works, distribution pipes etc.
 Ensure availability of adequate and regular water supply to the community through proper
maintenance and repairs of infrastructure.
 Collect water tariffs/fees from users and maintain accounting records of income and
expenditure. Manage the water fund.
 Plan and execute small projects for system expansion, upgrades or rehabilitation as needed.
 Regulate water usage, prevent wastage and resolve disputes related to water distribution or
supply issues.
 Liaise with local authorities for support, project funding or permissions as required.
 Create awareness in the community about judicious water usage, conservation measures,
health aspects etc.
 Monitor water quality at source and distribution points regularly to ensure it meets standards.
 Maintain documentation like maps, design plans, equipment details, user records etc.

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1.4 Leadership skills
The key leadership skills that members of a Water Users Committee should develop competencies
that make the committee more effective problem solvers and representatives of the community
 Communication skills - Ability to effectively convey information to community members,
local government, and other stakeholders.
 Problem solving - Analyze water issues, understand root causes, evaluate alternative solutions
and take pragmatic decisions.
 Team building - Foster cooperation within the committee and a spirit of collaboration with the
community.
 Conflict resolution - Handle disputes fairly and bring opposing parties to an agreed resolution.
1.5 Conflict management
Managing conflicts constructively will help the committee maintain peace, fairness and social
cohesion within the community. An effective conflict management by the water users committee:
 Establish clear rules and dispute resolution processes - Rules of engagement, hearing
complaints, mediation methods etc.
 Promote open communication - Be approachable, listen to all sides without judgment to
understand issues fully.
 Remain impartial - Adopt a neutral stance and ensure procedures are fair for everyone
involved in a conflict.
 Separate people from the problem - Focus on issues, not individuals. Don't take conflicts
personally.
1.6 Equal representation
Equal representation helps make critical decisions legitimate and to participate in all the
community who are being representing, Representation from all areas served by the water system,
including remote/marginalized communities.
Gender balance: At least 40-50% of the committee members should be women to ensure their
needs and perspectives are considered.
Stakeholder consultation: Consult with user groups before finalizing the committee to obtain
consensus on representatives.
Transparent selection process: Develop clear criteria and conduct nominations/elections in a
participatory manner. Consider rotation of positions.

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Capacity building: Provide induction and ongoing training to committee members, especially
women/youth, to build confidence.
Addressing barriers: Identify cultural/knowledge barriers to participation and take measures like
arranging childcare support.
1.7 Effective Communication between the committee members
The facilitator has emphasized the regular two-way communication keeps users well-informed
and helps committee stay accountable to community needs Use local language and simple terms
that all community members can understand easily.
Actively listen to understand concerns and perspectives of all users, especially if there are
marginalized groups.
The facilitator detailed widely in a deferent ways to disseminate information through various
channels - notices, messaging apps, wall paintings, community radio etc.
Maintain transparency by sharing bills, budgets, repair updates, water quality reports, and
committee decisions.
Build rapport and trust with users through friendly, honest interactions beyond formal meetings.
Seek feedback to evaluate user satisfaction and make continuous improvements in services.
1.8 The concept of sustainability for the water to be clean
The participants noted that the sustainability for the water to be clean is one of the key points
regarding the concept of sustainability in the context of water hygiene:
 Environmental protection: Adopting practices like rainwater harvesting, groundwater
recharge, waste water recycling that replenish water sources.
 Social equity: Ensuring water facilities are accessible to all including poor, women, elderly for
their basic hygiene and health needs.
 Public health: Promoting hygienic practices like hand washing at critical times to reduce
disease burden in communities long term
1.9 Water Uses Governance-Constitution
Participants were also got understood the most important thing that should be included in the
constitution of a water users committee's governance structure:
 Name and objective of the committee - Clear statement of purpose and scope of activities.
 Membership criteria - Eligibility rules for committee members and general body members.
 Election process - Transparent procedures for selection of committee members.
 Financial management - Budgeting, accounting, auditing rules and water fees/tariff policy.
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  Decision making - Quorum and voting requirements, resolution of ties.
 Dispute resolution - Grievance redressal mechanisms, dispute settlement processes.
 Record keeping - Documentation protocols for minutes, assets, accounts, water quality
reports.
1.10 Financial Management
The participants have discussed the key aspects of financial management that water Users
Committee should focus on:
Water user fees/rates based on consumption keeping in mind affordability and cost recovery
which Billing & Collection and to maintain updated records of connections and consumption of
the water and Collect fees regularly through bills or receipts.
During the training it has been discussed with Proper Bookkeeping or accounting of income,
expenditure on operations, maintenance and other budget heads in books of accounts it is a
helpful for the Annual Budgeting Preparation a yearly budget estimate distinguishing capital and
recurring expenses.
 Fund Utilization: Ensure money is spent judiciously on pre-approved activities as per
budget allocation.
 Auditing: Get accounts audited periodically by a third party to check compliance and
prevent misuse.
 Reserve Funds: Setting aside portion of revenue each year to meet emergency
repairs/replacements.
2.1 Operation and Maintenance of shallow well/pump
After brainstorming all participates tried to answer the raised questions of how to get safe
drinking water, after that they commented to the safety water wells require regular maintenance
to ensure adequate water flow and continued drinking water safety.
To ensure water quality, well water should be tested annually for total coliform bacteria and
E.coli bacteria by a state accredited testing laboratory.
Every three years, additional testing is recommended for pH and total dissolved solids as well as
tests related to land uses occurring or expected to occur within sight of the well.
Additionally, if there are obvious stains, tastes, or odors in water; seek testing that will help
identify the source of these symptoms.
Water wells should also be inspected annually for obvious signs of damage or contamination.

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Make sure the area within 100 feet of the well is free of debris or objects that could contaminate
the water source.
Have your well inspected by a professional every 10 years, Maintain all records related to the
well, including: Well completion report or log (if you have one) which must include information
such as well depth, drilling date, construction (including shell, grout and screen specifications)
and water .
The facilitator raised issues of Maintenance, then health & safety on the water points. The
participant discussed the safety aspects around the conditions currently and noted that they should
all maintain their roles of regularly help in keep the water surface free on any obstacles from the
community.
2.2 Cholera/ORS preparation, Community water sources
Participants were also presented the ways of Cholera preventions and how ORS (oral rehydration
salts) is a special combination of dry salts that is mixed with safe water in terms of patients with
severe dehydrations. Which can help replace the fluids lost due to diarrhea when a child has three
or more loose stools in a day, begin to give ORS. In addition, for 10–14 days, give children over 6
months of age 20 milligrams of zinc per day (tablet or syrup); give children under 6 months of
age 10 milligrams per day (tablet or syrup).
 Community water sources are Surface water and groundwater are both important sources for
community water supply needs. Groundwater is a common source for single homes and small
towns, and rivers and lakes are the usual sources for large cities Faecal contamination of drinking
water at the sources (unprotected wells, boreholes, standpipes), during transport or supply, or
during storage (for example, by contact with hands soiled by faeces)

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2.3 Conclusion
In conclusion, the two day’s training was discussed the core competencies of the newly formed
WUC to IDPs in Daynile district and responsibilities essential for effective management of the
community water supply system. Through participatory training, they have demonstrated
exercises and discussions, members which they gained a holistic understanding of their critical
role in ensuring water usage for households. The training was also included audio visual sessions
which could enhanced their technical abilities in maintenance, quality monitoring, financial
planning and record keeping. Role plays helped internalize best practices of conducting public
meetings, conflict resolution and partnership development. Post-training evaluation affirmed that
the customized successfully increased participants' confidence across key domains of operations
and governance. With continued refresher sessions, mentoring and community support, the
trained WUC is now equipped to deliver reliable services, uphold principles of equity and
accountability, and spearhead progress through locally owned solutions. This sets the stage for
realizing sustainable drinking water facilities for all community members into the future.
This wraps up my summary suggestions for key elements to address in a concluding paragraph for
a comprehensive report on water users committee training outcomes and the imparting of relevant
knowledge and skills.
2.4 Recommendations
 The IDP populations in Daynile require capacity build y on operating and maintaining the
local water system - pumps, filters, disinfection, repairs etc.
 Empower members in financial management - tariff collection, accounting, budgeting,
auditing and long term planning.
 Develop leadership and governance abilities through sessions on facilitation, communication,
conflict resolution, decision making.
 Raise awareness on legal compliance, community mobilization strategies and stakeholder
coordination.
 Use interactive techniques like group work, presentations, role plays to enhance participation
and learning.

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2.5 List of Training Attendance

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2.6 Pictorials of the trainees

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REFERENCES
GBD 2016 Diarrheal Disease Collaborators (2018). Estimates of the global, regional, and national
morbidity, mortality, and aetiologies of diarrhoea in 195 countries: a

systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016. The Lancet: Infectious
Diseases, 18(11), 1211–1228.

Boot, M., and Cairncross, S. (1993) Actions Speak: the study of hygiene behaviour in water and
sanitation projects,

IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre / London School of Hygiene and Tropical
Medicine

Mukherjee, N.; Wijk, C. van. (2003) Sustainability planning and monitoring in community water
supply and sanitation: a guide on the Methodology for Participatory Assessment
(MPA) for community-driven development progams.

World Bank, Washington http://www.gtz.de/ecosan/download/WSP-sustainability-planning-

monitoring.pdf

Charles P. Gerba, in Environmental Microbiology (Second Edition), 2009

“Water streams: models of flow and quality surface water”, Moscow, Nauka, 1991;

“Water pollution and its consequences in the former USSR”. Pollution knows no frontiers, A
PWPA Book, N.-Y., 1992;

Last Reviewed: October 18, 2022

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic
Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and
Environmental Diseases at CDC

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