Water supply solutions for long-term refugees and their host communities
Published on: 28/10/2024
Over 117 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced due to conflict, persecution, and violence last year—a figure that has steadily risen over the past 12 years (UNHCR, 2024). Around half moved within their country boundaries as internally displaced persons (IDPs) while others are forced to seek options outside of their countries of origin as refugees and asylum seekers.
The sudden influx of people places a huge strain on the provision of basic services of host communities, often in low-and middle-income neighboring states (UNHCR, 2024).
Recovery takes time, with more than 60 per cent of refugees being displaced for decades. It is in such contexts, that it becomes vital that water services are improved and costs reduced. Refugees are often served by under-resourced humanitarian systems that are designed for short-term life-saving responses – in the case of water supply often through water trucking, or temporary very basic water supplies. These are very expensive arrangements to sustain.
By taking a systems perspective, it is possible to identify measures that build on the existing arrangements for service provision in the host communities, and where possible strengthen them. Investments that build on existing service arrangements of host communities, typically through utilities, has potential to reduce costs, improve services and strengthen sustainability(UNICEF, IRC, 2024). This is a long-term project however and the challenges should not be underestimated (Day et al., 2020; Schweitzer et al., 2022).
For this WASH Debate, we will take a closer look at the development and management of water services in refugee and host communities. Speakers will reveal insights into the complexities of ensuring effective and sustainable water supply in refugee-hosting areas. Join us as we discuss:
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Date: Monday, 16 December 2024
Time: 16.00-17.30
Location: Nutshuis, The Hague | Online
15:30 - Doors open
INTRODUCTION
16:00 - Welcome
John Butterworth, Global Programme Director, IRC
16:05 - Background
Dechan Dalrymple, Communications and Influencing, IRC
PRESENTATIONS
16:10 - Utilities, local authorities and sanitation for refugees in Jordan
Njord Oskam, Project Director, Jordan, World Waternet
16:20 - Building Resilient Water Supply Systems: Sustainable Solutions for Long-term Refugee and Host Community Needs in Itang Town
Nhial Pal Bie, General Manager, Itang Town Water Utility
16:30 - Refugee Inclusion into National Systems: Process and Early Results in WASH
Simon Peter Odong, Associate WASH Officer, UNHCR
PANEL DISCUSSION
16:40 - Reflections from discussants
Eva Schreuder, Head of the Water Team, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DGIS
Lavuun Verstraete, R-WASH Programme Manager, UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office
16:46 - Questions from the audience to the presenters
CLOSURE
17:20 - Closing remarks
Joseph Pearce, IRC
John Butterworth, IRC
17:30 - Networking and drinks
19:00 - Doors close
Nhial Pal Bie is a prominent figure in the field of water management, particularly known for his significant contributions to the Itang Town Water Utility in Ethiopia. He has been serving as the General Manager of the Itang Town Water Utility for three years, where he has played a crucial role in enhancing water supply systems financed by UNICEF and other organisations. He has overseen the implementation and optimisation of water supply services that cater to both refugees and host communities in the Gambella region. Under his leadership, the ITWU has successfully transitioned from a reliance on surface water sources to a more sustainable groundwater-based system. His past experience also includes being a WASH technician, WASH Specialist and WATSAN Supervisor.
Njord Oskam operates at the intersection of engineering and technology. He has experience leading tender, project, and specialist teams. He thrives on collaboration and connecting individuals to achieve results. He is currently responsible for leading the water technology team at Waternet (Amsterdam). Alongside this, Njord served as a project manager, overseeing the roll out of the Water Operator Partnership between Yarmouk Water Company and World Waternet.
Simon Odong has over 20 years' experience in development and humanitarian work, specialising in WASH programming and leadership. Simon has responded to major emergencies, including Darfur and South Sudan crises. He is skilled in technical WASH strategies, training materials development, and innovative approaches.
Eva Schreuder is a diplomat and foreign policy professional with over 20 years of experience at The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since summer 2023 she is head of the Water Team at the Department of Inclusive Green Growth. Before she was deputy head of the Climate Team and Deputy Head of the Netherlands Delegation to the UN Climate Change Negotiations. During her career, she focused on multilateral affairs at the Ministry's UN Department and the Netherlands Disarmament Delegation in Geneva. Eva has a keen interest in human resources, including as deputy head of the Recruitment Department of the Ministry, and building and managing teams.
Lavuun Verstraete is WASH Manager for the UNICEF based in Nairobi. He had a background in Bio-Engineering with over 22 years of experience in water resources management, water supply and sanitation, and climate resilient programming. He is the Programme Manager for the regional R-WASH programme, which is now investing over 70 million USD in resilient WASH systems in Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia and jointly implemented by UNICEF and UNHCR.