Methodology - Step 6 Operation and Maintenance (O&M)

Once the rehabilitation activities are concluded, part of the long term Operation and Maintenance responsibilities are, in line with the agreement, (see Step 4) transferred to the WMO. At the same time, the Sustainable Environmental Management Plan is implemented by the WMO with support from the BWDB Division Office.

Training courses are coordinated and organised by the planning teams to enable the WMOs to plan and implement regular maintenance, operation and monitoring. The training also focuses on strengthen the WMO’s internal management capacity (leadership, conflict management, accountability, savings and income generation, etc.), increase the membership to the organisation (avoiding “free riders” in the community) and enhance external organisational linkages (contacts and linkages with other government and non government organisations).

 

Once all infrastructure improvements have been carried out, participatory operation starts. During the first year the system is jointly operated and reviewed; shortcomings in the system are discussed and corrected. At village level selected members of the WMG are responsible for the operation of water infrastructures that affects the water levels of the land belonging to the village. At hydrological system level (blocks) a sub-committee of the WMA is formed under the WMA to manage the operations in this unit. The WMA maintains overall responsibility for the water management in the polder. The selected members who form committees are trained in gate and sluice operation and management, so that they are in a position to realise their operation targets through the day to day operation of the structures.