Improved Water and Wastewater Services Program - Phase II

The wastewater disposal in Egypt has by far not kept pace with the expansion of the water supply system. In some areas where the IWSP is implemented, the portion of the population connected to central wastewater disposal systems is less than 5%. The deterioration of the environment is a also serious limitation for economic growth. The harm to the economy due to poor water quality alone was estimated to be at 1.8% of GDP in Egypt. Greater investment is therefore needed in order to counteract further worsening of the quality of the surface water and groundwater.

The impact of the program is to protect and to ensure efficient use of the water resources of the Nile, as well as to reduce the threat to the health of the population in the Governorates of Qena, Sohag, Assiut and Minya. The population and economy in general in Egypt shall benefit from the investments in the water sector, for instance through improved food production, commerce and trade, as well as a better environment for the health conditions.

The program outcome is to ensure appropriate, thoroughly hygienic, efficient and financially sustainable water supply and wastewater disposal in four Governorates. A set of indicators shall allow to follow the program achievements and completion of this objective: e.g. 24 hour operation of the water supply system, water losses below 30%, 80% of operation costs covered out of tariff revenues, tariff collection efficiency at least 90%, improvement of wastewater treatment.

Principaux résultats attendus:  

Existing water supply and wastewater treatment plants are rehabilitated.

Water supply and wastewater canalisation networks are rehabilitated.

Organisation and personnel of the ACs can reduce the water losses.

Financial basis of the water companies at the Governorate level is improved.

New wastewater disposal systems are built and extended.

Principaux résultats antérieurs:  

The first phase of IWSP was initiated in four Governorates (Sharkeya, Gharbeya, Damietta, Beheira) of the Delta region in 2009 and shall last until 2015. A monitoring mission conducted by KfW in May 2012 concluded that after a slow start the implementation of IWSP I was well under way with 18 projects signed for a total amount of about EUR 24 m (full program amount EUR 300 m).

Capacity building activities will be more developed under IWSP II due to the higher needs in Upper Egypt. Technical designs may also vary in IWSP II from the Delta region due for instance to the lower population density in Upper Egypt but the approach is otherwise exactly the same as for IWSP I.

Phase 1 01.07.2013 - 31.12.2023   (Completed)