1999 - 2003

Kyiv Vodokanal Water Metering Programme, Phase I

The water and waste water facilities and systems in Kyiv are in a very bad shape, so bad that they influence on the per capita consumption and cause excessive leakage. By equipping multifamily houses and institutions with water meters, the aim is to get an increased understanding of the water balance and at the same time to get a more reasonable consumption of the water.

A large part of the water and waste water facilities and systems in Kyiv are in an advanced state of physical deterioration. Operational deficiencies are apparent, including high per capita consumption and excessive leakage. Following the resolutions by the Municipality of Kyiv to equip existing multi-family houses (housing blocks) and some institutions with water meters, the Danish Environmental Protection Agency-financed feasibility study identified the Water Metering Programme as a critical component of Demand Side Management.

What do we want to do:

Phase I of the Water Metering Programme provides valuable experience with regard to methodologies for selection and installation of water meters as well as an understanding of demand patterns as a prelude to Demand Side Management. During the project a total of 700 new block water meters were installed.

How do we do it:

A review of data on existing and planned installations, demographic data and the current institutional and legal framework was carried out.

Methodologies and standard designs together with an action plan for installations were then established in close co-operation with Kyiv Vodokanal.

Following the preparation of Tender Documents, tendering for the supply of water meters was carried out in Denmark. Equipment inspection was also carried out prior to the shipment and supervision of installation works.

What is the result:

Installation of some 700 water meters. One of the most important outcomes of installing meters will be an increased understanding of the water balance and demand profiles for customers, thus enhancing the planning capabilities of Kyiv Vodokanal.

Budget:

DANCEE financing comprised EUR 468,326 (DKK 3,512,440), whereof a major part covered the cost of equipment (water meters, Phase I) EUR 371,733 (DKK 2,788,000). All installation cost were covered by KVK.

Partners:

RAMBOLL

Project period:

2000 – 2001

Demo-Project for Sewerage Rehabilitation by Polyethylene Pipes in Kyiv Vodokanal

The leakage from old and outworn pipes and the following repair causes major problems for the traffic and the daily life in Kyiv but some of the problems seem to be solved with the so-called No-Dig method.

Because of age and the many years of utilization, the pipes in Kyiv need frequent repair; some of them even need to be changed. The repair causes problems for the citizens and the traffic in Kyiv. The expectations to the No-Dig methods are therefore very high.

What do we want to do:

To solve the problem, the project foresees introducing 3 new cost efficient No-Dig methods: Slip lining, pipe bursting and sewage lining.

How do we do it:

The equipment and materials were transferred to Kyiv Vodokanal where the comprehensive training in the fields of rehabilitation planning, identifying the optimal technical solution and its implementation on the sewer network was provided. The project thereby contributes to enhancing Kyiv Vodokanal's skills in planning and performing rehabilitation projects using cost efficient No-Dig methods.

What is the result:

For the rehabilitated pipes, the project will resolve the problem of leakage thereby eliminating the need for frequent repairs that causes major problems for the traffic and the daily life in the city. The effect of the project is enhanced by the fact that the equipment transferred and skills required by Kyiv Vodoka-nal may also be used for the rehabilitation of the water supply network.

Budget:

The project received a 100% financial aid from the Danish Environmental Ministry in the amount of: EUR 990,340 (DKK 7,427,552).

Partners:

Contractor: Per Aarsleff A/S, Denmark Client: Vodokanal, Kyiv

Project period:

2000 – 2001

Water Supply and Waste Water Treatment Rehabilitation in Crimea and Sevastopol

Bacteriological pollution of the water, raw water scarcity, waste water discharge directly into the Black Sea and serious health risks for the citizens. This is the reality for the people living in the Southern part of Ukraine. In an attempt to stop this threat to the environment and to public health and to raise funds to avoid further damages, studies, project preparation and documentation to visualise the problems and thereby attract possible funding have been made.

Almost all vodokanals in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the Municipality of Sevastopol are unable to sustain 24-hour water supply. Bacteriological pollution of the water has been reported, causing a health hazard concern. Some areas also face raw water scarcity. In addition to that, untreated waste water has been discharged directly into the Black Sea.

Because of these environmental problems, the areas were identified as sites to be included in a proposed World Bank-financed Southern Ukraine Environmental Project, and DANCEE agreed to fund the project preparation.

What do we want to do:

The project preparation comprised five diagnostic studies: Study A: Regulatory Arrangements and Institutional Needs Study B: Financial Management and Tariff Policies, including Beneficiary Assessments Study C: Overview of Water and waste water Systems in Crimea and Sevastopol Study D: Preparation of Investments in Yalta and Sevastopol for the Proposed WB Project Study E: Water Resources and Water Quality Management in Crimea.

What is the result:

DANCEE financed the project with EUR 1.43 million (DKK 10.7 million).

Water works in Yalta, Crimea.

Partners:

Project Holder: COWI Consulting Engineers and Planners

1997 – 1999

Supply of Equipment and Training for The Maintenance and Repair of Water Mains and Sewers to Sevastopol and Yalta

In Crimea, outbreaks of water-borne diseases, such as hepatitis and cholera occur frequently. With the new equipment, it will be possible to reduce the risk of contracting these diseases caused by contaminated water from sewage running in the streets and from leakages in the sewers to drinking water pipes. At the same time, reduction in the pollution of the sea and beaches due to leaking outfalls will also be possible.

To avoid water-borne diseases to spread through leaks from sewers to drinking water pipes, a supply of new civil engineering machinery and equipment was acquired for the maintenance and repair of water mains and sewers by the water/sewerage utilities (Vodokanals) in the cities of Yalta and Sevastopol in the Crimea in Ukraine. This new equipment would also reduce the pollution of the surrounding sea and beaches.

What do we want to do:

The aim is to reduce the risk of water-borne diseases and to reduce pollution of the sea and the beaches. In connection with pipe ruptures, loss of drinking water and pollution of nearby environment should be prevented. It is also expected that better maintenance of pumping stations should bring about some energy saving.

How do we do it:

The project provided equipment for repair and maintenance of the water and waste water pipes, and further aims to train the technical administrators in establishing a preventive maintenance programme for the water supply and sewerage systems. It also delivered equipment for TV-monitoring and various pumping equipment to be used while repair is taking place.

The supply of new civil engineering machinery and equipment included:

What is the result:

All equipment was delivered to the Vodokanals in Yalta and Sevastopol and put into operation. The project also included supply of spare parts sufficient for a 2-year operational period for maintenance and repair of the supplied equipment. A manufacturers’ guarantee for the replacement of any defective tools, machinery or equipment were also part of the contract.

Budget:

The project was exclusively financed through Danish grant in the amount of EUR 1,405,505 (DKK 10,537,542)

Partners:

Per Aarsleff A/S – Pipe Technologies.

Project period:

1997 – 1998

Sevastopol Water and Waste Water Service Improvement Pro-Gramme – Preparation for Private Sector Involvement

By improving the quality and the efficiency of the water and waste water services in Sevastopol, the intention is to solve the technical, financial and institutional problems in the Vodokanal. This is supposed to be achieved through private sector involvement in the form of a management contract with an international utility operator.

The water supply and waste water system in Sevastopol suffers from a number of technical, financial and institutional problems, e.g. scheduled water supply, poor condition of water supply and sewerage networks, critical financial situation of the Vodokanal and limited delegation of management responsibilities to the Vodokanal.

When the World Bank stopped their activities on their envisaged Southern Ukrainian Environmental Project, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development expressed interest in providing financial support for a project aiming at improving the water and waste water services in Sevastopol. Reflecting the disappointment with the efficiency of traditional technical assistance or twinning arrangements to promote the required improvements in the operation and performance of water utilities in CEE/NIS, the present project investigated the options for and feasibility of involving the private sector in the provision of water services.

What do we want to do:

The project resulted in the detailed elaboration of a bankable project endorsed by the city authorities and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. In the proposed concept – a Management Contract – an experienced international operator will be hired to manage the Vodokanal for a period of four years. The total cost of the proposed pro-gramme is EUR 24.37 million (DKK 182.75 million).

The international operator will be responsible for identifying and implementing selected improvements in the infrastructure within overall defined general expenditure categories. This should ease procurement procedures and promote a better use of funds. The operator will be obliged contractually to achieve certain performance standards and, to further enhance the incentives, the payment for the operator's services will comprise a fixed fee plus a performance-based fee.

Moreover, the present project has greatly increased the knowledge and acceptability of private sector involvement in the water sector among project participants not the least the State Committee of Ukraine for Construction, Architecture and Housing Policy.

Budget:

The total costs of the project amounted to about EUR 293,333 (DKK 2.2 million).

Partners:

The project was carried out by COWI A/S. The local counterparts were Sevastopol City Administration and Sevastopol Vodokanal. The project results have been shared with the State Committee for Construction, Architecture and Housing Policy and the Ministry of Economy.

Project period:

1999 – 2000

Hydraulic Models, Sevastopol Vodokanal

Capacity problems and high network leakage made it necessary to schedule water supply in different places almost all over Sevastopol. Consequently, another major problem for the city arose. Capacity problems made it impossible to provide a continuous water supply to all citizens. The overall aim of the project is therefore, to use a hydraulic water model to identify deficiencies and in that way enabling to increase the number of people supplied with water 24 hours a day.

Following gradual deterioration, water services in Sevastopol have developed a number of serious deficiencies. The main problems facing the city's water sector are capacity problems and high network leakage, making it necessary to schedule water supply in many parts of the city. Following a Danish Environmental Protection Agency-financed feasibility study, the preparation of a hydraulic model was identified as a critical activity towards the improvement of the level of service provided by the Sevastopol Vodokanal.

What do we want to do:

One of the first activities in the project was to prepare computerised hydraulic models of the water supply and sewage systems and to provide training in the use of these models. The water supply model was used to identify deficiencies and to prepare an improvement plan with a view to increasing the number of people supplied with water 24 hours a day.

How do we do it:

Following the procurement and installation of all necessary hardware and software, hydraulic models of the water supply and sewage systems was set up in close co-operation with the staff at Sevastopol Vodokanal who was provided with the necessary training. The models was set-up on the basis of existing 1:2000 network schemes and other physical, operational and water demand data supplied by the Vod-okanal. The water model was calibrated using both existing and new measurement equipment and was used as a tool for the preparation of a water supply improvement plan. Specifically, the water supply model was used to identify bottlenecks within the system, district metering areas and any areas with excessive leakage level. Also, alternative divisions of the network into pressure zones were assessed.

What is the result:

All necessary hardware and software have been installed and training of Sevastopol Vod-okanal staff has taken place, enabling the company to perform network digitalisation. The computerised models represent a significant enhancement of Sevastopol Vodokanal’s use of modern technology for operational and planning purposes.

Budget:

The project was 100 % DANCEE-financed with EUR 289,836 (DKK 2,173,771).

Partners:

RAMBOLL is the lead consultant.

The Czech subsidiary of the Danish Hydraulic Institute, DHI Hydroinform, was engaged for training activities.

Project period:

2000 – 2001

Lviv Water Supply, Design and Tendering

For many years the Lviv water supply situation has not been satisfactory. Water is supplied to the population on a scheduled basis, 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the evening. The poor service level leaves no incentive for the population to pay for the services provided. With a low collection rate for the water tariff the Water Company has difficulties paying their electricity bills and funding improvements to the systems. This vicious circle would eventually lead to a complete breakdown of the water service in Lviv, if no interventions were made.

With a multimillion World Bank loan and support from DANCEE for the development of design and tender documents for a much-needed rehabilitation of key pumping stations and key parts of the water pipe network, this circle will be broken.

When the project has been tendered and implemented the Water Company in Lviv will be able to control the distribution of water in the city as well as significantly reducing energy costs.

What do we want to do:

DANCEE in 1996 supported the preparation of feasibility studies in Lviv. In 1998-1999 USAid supported the preparation of the detailed design for the water supply component. However, the designs were never completed.

A World Bank loan for funding the implementation of improvements in Lviv has been negotiated over the past two years and was recently signed, why it was urgently important to update and complete the designs, so the construction works could start as soon as the funding was in place.

How do we do it:

The investment programme includes an immediate action programme including:

The total investment cost for the water supply component has been estimated as USD 10.3 million.

The main elements of the project are to:

1. Prepare complete and technically appropriate designs and bidding documents, using internationally recognised standards such and ISO or similar;
2. Assure that the prepared documents fulfil the procurement guidelines of the World Bank, and the relevant standards and regulations of Ukraine;
3. Assist the Lviv Water Company with the approval process; and
4. Provide the necessary and requested support and guidance to the LVK during the pre-contract stage.

What is the result:

Budget:

The project is exclusively funded by DANCEE. The amount allocated to the project is EUR 424,851 (DKK 3,186,383).

Partners:

The project is carried out by COWI A/S, Denmark in association with Lviv State Design Institute. The beneficiary is Lviv Water Company (Lvivvo-dakanal).

Project period:

2001 – 2003

Feasibility Study for Water and Waste Water Project in Lviv

In Lviv, there are serious problems with the water and waste water infrastructure. A major part of the technical facilities is worn out. This means that a considerable number of the 800,000 inhabitants of Lviv, some hours every day, are prevented from getting water. It is also a fact that untreated waste water is discharged to the rivers.

Lviv is located on the catchment boundary between the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea. The city is facing numerous problems, and deficiencies in the water and waste water infrastructure are some of these.

A research project demonstrated that the major part of the technical facilities is worn out, that water is supplied to the majority of the population only 6 hours a day or less, and that large amounts of untreated waste water are discharged to the rivers. Financially, Lviv Vod-okanal accumulates an annual deficit which has primarily been financed through delayed payment for electric energy. The main reason for the deficit is a low collection rate for the bills from the population and the institutions.

What do we want to do:

The research showed that there were three major problems that needed a solution. To solve them, the World Bank was approached with the aim to obtain a loan to finance the needed improvements. DANCEE financed studies for the preparation of the World Bank Project. First of all, it was decided to transform Lviv Vodokanal into an autonomous water and waste water utility which is efficiently operated and eventually, to make it financially self sufficient. Secondly, the management and operation in Lviv Vodokanal should be improved. Lastly, the quality and efficiency of water and waste water services to Lviv´s population should be improved.

How do we do it:

The project provided recommendations for the transformation of Lviv Vodokanal into an autonomous water and waste water utility with improved efficiently in its operation as well as improvements toweards financial self sufficientcy. The project also helped to improve the management and operation in Lviv Vodokanal. Furthermore, a considerable improvement of the the quality and efficiency of water and waste water services to Lviv’s population was achieved.

Budget:

The total Danish contribution was EUR 619,548 (DKK 4,646,613) of which EUR 610,697 (DKK 4,580,227) was granted by DEPA and EUR 8,851 (DKK 66,386) was financed by the project holder. Lviv Vodokanal supplied office space, transport and counterpart staff during the project period.

Partners:

The project was carried out by COWI Consulting Engineers and Planners A/S, with Accent Marketing & Reseach, Brøgger Drilling Contractors and the International Institute Association of Regional Ecological Problems (IIAREP), Lviv, as sub-consultants.

The study was carried out in co-operation with the World Bank, Lviv Vodokanal and Lviv City Council, and coordinated with other international related studies carried out in Lviv by CH2MHill, PADCO, RTI and Booz. Allen & Hamilton for USAID and the British Know-How Foundation.

Project period:

1995 – 1997

Waste water overflowing the emergency weir, bypassing the inlet to the waste water treatment plant

Aid for The Ukrainian City of Kharkiv, Urgent Supply of Waste Water Pumps

A heavy rainstorm and a following flood in 1995 caused major damages in the city of Kharkiv as well as in the surrounding environment. Due to the pressure from the flood, the waste water pumping station was flooded. The result was untreated waste water being discharged directly into the central city and the river. In an attempt to stop this national disaster, new pumps were installed.

In the summer of 1995, after the heaviest rainstorm in 50 years, the City of Kharkov was flooded, creating an emergency situation when the pumps of the city’s main waste water pumping station were flooded. As a result, untreated waste water was discharged directly into receiving water, polluting the water intake of the city. Recognising this as a national disaster, the Ukrainian government issued calls for international help.

What do we want to do:

How to do it:

First of all, DEPA funded a site assessment conducted by a joint team of Danish and Ukrainian engineers and later on supplied a number of mobile emergency pumps with a capacity of 5000 m³/day including hoses and a mobile power supply installed in a container. The pumps are now part of a national contingency to be used in other emergency situations.

What is the result:

The pumps were initially used by the City of Kharkiv to relieve the main pumps in the pumping station while these were being repaired, making it possible to raise the pumping capacity during the emergency period and to bring back the water supply of the city to normal.

The pump equipment was after the immediate use stored in Kharkiv as part of a national contingency for other emergency situations. Such situations are expected to be frequent due to a general lack of maintenance of the water supply and sewerage systems in Ukraine and accordingly, the pump equipment has been frequently used since.

Budget:

The Danish Environmental Protection Agency has financed the project with an amount of EUR 480,000 (DKK 3.6 million).

Partners:

Krüger International Consult (Project Manager) Ukrainian counterparts: Ukrainian Ministry of Environmental Protection and Nuclear Safety, City of Kharkiv

Project period:

1995 – 1996

Equipment for Transcarpathian Vodokanals

As a consequence of the flood calamity’s aftermath, there was a need in the Transcarpathian region for new civil engineering machinery, pumps and other equipment.

After the flood calamity in 1998 in the Tran-scarpathian region of the Ukraine, new civil engineering machinery and equipment were urgently required for the liquidation of the aftermath. The equipment was delivered to Uzhgorod Vodokanal, and other Vodokanals in the area for the repair and maintenance of pump stations, water mains and sewers.

What do we want to do:

The aim of the project was to replace and repair the defective tools and equipment. The supply of new civil engineering machinery and equipment included: Submersible pumps, emergency sewerage pumps, mobile centrifugal pumps, leak detectors, mobile hydraulic excavators, cutting and welding equipment, a sewer jetting vehicle and safety gas analysers.

How do we do it:

The equipment was delivered to the Vodoka-nals in Uzhgorod and other Transcarpathian towns. It also included a supply of a recommended range of spare parts for maintenance and repair of the supplied equipment. The spare parts should be sufficient for a 2-year operational period.

What is the result:

The following was effectuated: Provision of manufacturers’ warranty that guarantees replacement or repair of any defective tools, machinery or equipment which were supplied under the contract. Provision of an on-site training in Transcarpathia in the operation of the equipment supplied.

Budget:

The project was financed by DANCEE amounting to EUR 957,027 (DKK 7,177,702).

Partners:

Per Aarsleff A/S – Pipe Technologies.

Project period:

1999 – 2000

Zaporizhzhia Water Utility Development and Investment Project. Project Implementation Unit Support Team

An important precondition for a successful completion of a large investment programme is to have a professional team to implement the project. It was a priority to the Zaporizhzhia Water Support Project to have a Project Implementation Unit to assist in the setting up of the investment programme and to provide managerial project implementation support.

A detailed feasibility study for the modernisa-tion of the water supply and waste water discharge in Zaporizhzhia has been carried out comprising technical, economic and institutional component studies, in order to ascertain the requirements necessary for eliminating the health risks and reduce the contribution to the pollution of the Dnipro River and the Black Sea. Subsequently, a loan agreement has been signed with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for implementation of the programme. A Corporate Development Partner assists Zaporizhzhia in its corporate development.

What do we want to do:

The primary objective of the project is to assist the State Municipal Water and waste water Enterprise of Zaporizhzhia (SMWEZ) in setting-up the Project (Investment Programme) Implementation Unit (PIU) and to provide managerial project implementation support to the Unit. The PIU shall act efficiently together with the Corporate Development Partner. Technical assistance has been given to the PIU by international consultants with Danish support.

Radio Communication Survey in Zaporizhzhia for the SCADA system

Most of the Consultant’s input has been provided on-site in Zaporizhzhia. Capacity building in the SMWEZ has been incorporated in both a formal and an informal manner. Early in the project, a training needs assessment was carried out for each of the SMWEZ employees involved in the project and a programme comprising a combination of courses, workshops, language training and on-the-job training was prepared and implemented.

What is the result:

Trained Ukrainian employees working in a PIU organisation on the basis of well defined job descriptions for each position. Organisational structure, work load analysis, job specifications, proposals for possible additional training requirements. Assistance in procurement according to EBRD rules and regulations.

Budget:

The total budget for the PIU Management Support Unit is EUR 333,333 (DKK 2.5 million).

Partners:

The project was carried out by: Krüger International Consult (Project Manager) in association with RAMBØLL and COWI Consulting Engineers and Planners.

The beneficiary is the State Municipal Water and waste water Enterprise of Zaporizhzhia (SMWEZ).

Project period:

1998 - 2002

Feasibility Studies for The Water Services in Kherson and Mariupol

In order to address serious deficiencies in the water sector, a feasibility study was carried out for the water and waste water services in the cities on Mariupol and Kherson. These studies have produced strategies and investment programs for achieving sustainable water services in these cities and the necessary foundations for the participation of private operators in the Ukrainian water sector.

Kherson and Mariupol are typical cities of Ukraine, in that they possess extensive water infrastructure that has deteriorated rapidly during the last ten years. Poor designs and inferior materials have resulted in low levels of service and high operation and maintenance costs. Insufficient political and institutional reforms have meant that decreases in public budgets have undermined the financial viability of the water sector.

In order to address these issues the studies were carried for the two cities on behalf of the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, spear-heading the so-called Municipal Utilities Development Program that covers a number of large cities throughout the entire Ukraine.

What do we want to do:

The objective of the studies was to propose improvement strategies for the water services in Kherson and Mariupol and to propose investment programs for international financing institutions, primarily the EBRD and EU (TACIS).

How do we do it:

The first phase of the feasibility studies was to assess the present technical and financial state of the water companies. This entailed surveys of all the existing assets and available water resources together with a review of the financial and institutional situation of the water companies. In order to get a precise picture of the efficiency of existing installations and to gain a better estimation of true water consumption and water losses, field measurements were carried out at pumping stations and at consumers. In addition, the socio-economic conditions prevailing in the two cities were explored using statistical data in combination with a house-to-house survey in each town, specifically aimed at gauging consumer behaviour and willingness to pay for improved services.

On the basis of the overall technical and economic picture that emerged and the deficiencies that were identified during the investigations, a series of staged investments were proposed and described that would ensure the development of improved and financially sustainable water services. In coordination with the water companies, the EBRD, EU (TACIS) and local authorities were then able to determine the viability of the proposed projects and the amount of funds that would be made available. Final investment programs were then detailed for subsequent political ratification and implementation, including tariff reforms.

What is the result:

The primary investments that have been identified include the replacement of pumps and pipes, improvements to the water and waste water treatment facilities, the installation of water meters, the provision of leakage detection equipment and the set-up of hydraulic models of the water distribution systems. The implementation of the investment programs will be managed by a private operator and the water companies in co-operation.

Budget:

The project was 100 % DANCEE-financed amounting to EUR 403,660 (DKK 2,998,591).

Partners:

RAMBOLL was the lead consultant. The Dutch firm NET provided input on environmental economic aspects of the project. The Sociological Laboratory of the Crimea was engaged for the execution of customer surveys in both towns.

Project period:

2001

Energy Saving in Sewage Pumping Stations and Establishment of Revolving Fund. A Demonstration Project with Donet-Skoblvodokanal, Ukraine

Donetskoblvodokanal (DOVK), the largest water utility in Donetsk Region is serving more than 1 million people in the region. The yearly costs for energy for DOVK are considerable and they are expected to grow due to the energy tariff increase. To address the priority issue of energy efficiency DEPA has supported the project as a combined Technical Assistance and Investment project. Under this pilot project the efforts will be made to describe the financial model, develop efficient training activities, introduce energy efficient equipment at the waste water pump stations, and train the DOVK staff in design of pump stations etc, with the possibility to be replicated in other Ukrainian Vodokanals.

Budget:

The budget is estimated at EUR 614,000 (DKK 4.6 million), of which DANCEE finances EUR 332,000 (DKK 2,486,815 million). The remaining is locally financed by DOVK.

Partners:

Project Holder WTC - Water Training & Consulting ApS

Contractor to be selected through the tender in the later stage of the Project.

Ukrainian Counterpart: Donetsk Regional Vodokanal (DOVK).

Project Period:

2002 – 2003

Water Information Centre – Kyiv

From several DANCEE projects carried out in the past 10 years it has become evident that in the Ukrainian population the general appreciation of water as a valuable resource is less developed than in many other European countries. One of the ways to alleviate this is to provide better information and to create more awareness of the topic.

The idea of creating a Water Information Centre in Kyiv has been discussed and developed by representatives from Kyiv Vodokanal, DANCEE and other stakeholders for more than three years and eventually in autumn 2002 it was decided that Kyiv City State Administration, Kyiv Vodokanal and DANCEE should join forces in establishing a centre ready for inauguration on the occasion of the 5th Pan-European Conference of Ministers of Environment in Kyiv, May 2003.

The Water Information Centre should be seen as the meeting place for the public, individuals, families, school classes, NGOs, enterprises and authorities with a stake in prudent use and management of water resources. The centre shall contain an exhibition based on the intended wise use of water resources, and thus hopefully promote a change of behaviour among consumers.

What do we want to do:

The development objective of the project is: In the long term the project and the centre should create higher awareness and alter both attitude and behaviour among Ukrainian citizens in terms of water resource management and following this to improve the environment in and around Kyiv.

The exhibition will be established in the restored water tower and in a part of the former underground water reservoirs next to the water tower.

The design of the exhibition including themes, elements and decorations will be developed in close co-operation with Kyiv Vodokanal and other local stakeholders and professional partners. An important issue is to ensure that actual Ukrainian topics are presented in the exhibition, e.g. water savings related to the present Ukrainian situation, presentation of equipment such as water taps available on the Ukrainian market etc. Headlines on feelings about water, poetry in water etc. will also be included. A close co-operation with local partners, such as designers and artists, will make it possible to ensure influence of typical Ukrainian style and expressions on the exhibition.

The centre manager and a local exhibition group assisted by Danish consultants will produce initial proposals, an element program and detailed element descriptions based on 3D presentations. Ideas are planned to be developed in joint workshops at the beginning of the project, based on inputs from stakeholders and decision makers.

What is the result:

When finished the Water Information Centre will provide information and experience about water to the visitors in a way unknown to most of the Ukrainians. The centre will not be a museum nor an exhibition of water taps and sanitary appliances. The centre will not be a copy of the Experimentarium known from Copenhagen or an aquarium nor a water playground. The Centre will be an Exploratorium where each visitor will get their own individual perception and appreciation of water which can be the basis for discussions with others and inspiration for the next visit.

Budget:

DANCEE is funding the cost of providing the exhibition with a grant totaling EUR 671,000 (DKK 5,000,000). All costs of establishing the physical frames for the exhibition have been provided by Kyiv City State Administration and Kyiv Vodokanal.

Partners:

Project holder: Carl Bro A/S, Denmark.

Project beneficiary: Kyiv City State Administration.

Project period:

2002 – 2003

National Environmental Financing Strategy for the Urban Water Service Sector

Environmental strategies and action plans identify and analyse complex set of environmental problems as well as define long-term policy objectives and related activities. Commonly, however, such action plans fail to properly assess costs of the suggested actions, and, thereby, are also failing to develop realistic scenarios for mobilising and efficiently allocating the needed financial resources. Furthermore, traditional action plans often do not directly address the issue of what financing could actually be expected to be made available for investments in the environmental sector and, thereby, do not identify action priorities if such financing is limited. Environmental financing strategies are developed to address these shortcomings of action plans.

The project is a component of the project framework "Assistance to the Almaty Conference" which aimed at supporting the OECD EAP Task Force and DANCEE in their preparation for the Almaty conference with environment and finance ministers in October 2000. Parallel components under this framework included preparation of national environmental financing strategies for Moldova, Kazakhstan and Georgia as well as regional environmental financing strategies for two regions in Russia (Pskov and Novgorod).

This project has addressed urban water and waste water sector in Ukraine.

What did we do:

The overall objective of the project was to prepare a strategy for financing of water supply and waste water investments needed to achieve priority selected environmental policy and service level objectives in Ukraine. Hence, the strategy aimed at strengthening the capability of Ukraine to mobilise and effectively allocate financial resources for prioritised water and sanitation investments. The long-term objective was to achieve sustainable water service levels provided by financially viable water utilities with the corresponding positive effects on human health and welfare.

How did we do it:

The project approach was based on a methodology developed as a general framework for the various environmental financing strategies that were produced within the "Assistance to the Almaty conference" project. The conceptual focus of the methodology was on the long-term strategic balancing of environmental service targets with current and future available financing for the sector. The demand and supply analyses resulted in identification of the so-called financing gap, i.e. the difference between the level of financing needed to achieve a certain service target and the level of financing actually available. The analyses, thereby, established sufficient background for evaluating various alternatives on how to close the gap. The methodology evolved around a computerised decision support tool, the FEASIBLE model, in which all the necessary technical, financial and macroeconomic data could be statistically processed.

What is the result:

The project was completed in March 2003 and resulted in a comprehensive quantification of the current critical state of the water sector in Ukraine. The analysis of the policy targets and their feasibility, combined with the identification of demand and supply profiles for alternative development scenarios, was used as basis for an assessment of the effect of the diverse policy changes on service levels and general financial position of the sector. As such, the Strategy can be used by all the interested parties and stakeholders for discussions and negotiations concerning further sector restructuring.

Although implemented as a separate project, the financing strategy for the Ukraine has formed an integral part of the "Ukraine National Water Sector Strategy and Action Plan". Hence, the case of Ukraine is the first example in which the concept of the environmental financing strategies has been applied to directly support the development of a comprehensive sector strategy. The project has, in this respect, provided substantial analytical and statistical input and support to the development of the National Water Sector Strategy and Action Plan.

Budget:

The project was funded through a DANCEE grant. The initial amount, allocated to the project within the framework of the "Assistance to Almaty Conference", covered only waste water sector related strategy development. It has been further extended to include water supply services. Total project budget amounted to approximately EUR 186,666 (DKK 1.4 million).

Partners:

The project has been carried out by COWI, Denmark in association with COWI, Moscow and a core group of Ukrainian experts. The direct beneficiary of the project is the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resource of Ukraine. Other involved central Ukrainian authorities comprise among others, the State Committee for Construction, Architecture and Housing Policy (Derzhzhytlokumungosp), the Ministry of Finance, and the State Committee for Statistics. The OECD EAP Task Force supported the project through active involvement at project steering committee level.

Project period:

2000 – 2003

Groundwater Protection and Re-Mediation in Donbass Region

The citizens in the Donbass Region are hit hard by the developing society. First of all, many of the coal mines which were once their economic foundations are closing. Secondly, the mining has had a negative influence on the environment. The groundwater is polluted and the surface water quality could be better. This poses a serious health risk for the local population. This project is therefore aimed at assessing the impact of existing sources of contamination.

The Donbass Region, which is situated in the South-Eastern part of Ukraine, is undergoing dramatic changes because of the closure of many coal mines in the region. The changes create serious economic problems and adversely affect the environment. The overall objective of the project is therefore to asses the impact of existing sources of the contamination of groundwater and surface water quality, including evaluation of the health risk to the local population and recommendations for environmental protective measures.

What do we want to do:

The main priority of the project is to take care of and improve the conditions for the environment and the public health. It is also a priority to identify and make a systematic registration of the contaminant sources and to make a validation of geochemical archives data on soil and water quality according to the current European standards. An assessment of the migration and attenuation of contaminants through the subsoil and the risk of exposure must as well be carried out. The investigated area is about 1000 km² .

How do we do it:

Four task reports – out of seven – have been prepared so far:

What is the result:

The recommendations submitted by the project were examined at special conference with the participation of the mayors of the cities and leading specialists from the Donbass region and approved by the authorities. Further stages of work will address: Preparation of regional three-dimensional hydro-geological model and improvement of predictions of future ecological, hydro geological and engineering problems associated with mine closure. An assessment of groundwater vulnerability will played an important role.

Budget:

The total budget was EUR 413,333 (DKK 3.1 million) of which DANCEE provided EUR 360,000 (DKK 2.7 million) while the remaining EUR 53,333 (DKK 0.4 million) came from Ukrainian sources.

Partners:

There are three main partners in the project.

From Denmark: Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS)

From Ukraine: GEOINFORM and the Institute of Geological Science of Ukraine.

Furthermore, two Ukrainian private firms: Institute of Geo-Ecological Problems of Donbass and ECOTE Ltd. participated in the project. GEUS was responsible for the project management.

Project period:

1999 – 2001

Flood Management in Slovakia and Ukraine

The damages caused by the flood in 1998 and 1999 put focus on the need for better tools and improved emergency plan in case of natural catastrophes. As a consequence, areas of flood risk will be identified and mapped. Establishment of an early warning system to the citizens in these areas will also be part of the project.

In 1998, a devastating flood hit the Trans-Carpathian area in Ukraine, causing massive destruction. Flooding also occurred in the downstream countries of Hungary and eastern Slovakia. This area was hit again in March 1999 by another flood, this time due to fast melting snow. In the beginning of 2001 Ukraine, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia were hit by flooding that showed that the problems in this area is a truly international problem and that solutions call for international co-operation. These events have highlighted a need for improved emergency plan and for tools necessary in the management of floods. A central element of the proposed project will therefore be the development of models for a cross-border flood forecasting system which allows sending of early warning to the population and the authorities and enables efficient utili-sation of storage possibilities in reservoirs and polder areas. Furthermore, areas of high and medium flood risk will be identified and mapped and the efficiency of potential flood mitigation measures analysed.

What do we want to do: