National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy

Republic of Nauru National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy A Policy using an Integrated Water Resource Management framework to provide reliable, safe, affordable, secure and sustainable water supplies to meet socio economic development needs and appropriate sanitation systems for healthy communities and environments Ebōk eiy itsimor, Ebōk eiy gaganado, Rañga kō wam ebōk bwain tsimorum ñage me iyamwan Water is life, Water is precious, Care for water for your life for today and for the future Updated September 2012 Policy endorsed by Cabinet 7 February 2012 2 Acronyms and Abbreviations CBO Community-based organisation CPSC CIE Project Steering Committee CIE Department of Commerce, Industry and Environment DoE Department of Education DoFSD Department of Finance and Sustainable Development DoH Department of Health DoHA Department of Home Affairs DoJ Department of Justice ENSO El Niño Southern Oscillation EC The European Community EU The European Union GoN Government of the Republic of Nauru IWRM Integrated Water Resources Management MDG Millennium Development Goals NDC National Development Committee NDRM National Disaster Risk Management Unit NISIP National Infrastructure Strategy and Investment Plan NSDS Nauru National Sustainable Development Strategy 2005-2025 (revised 2009) NWSHIP National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Implementation Plan NWSHP National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy NRC Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation NUC Nauru Utilities Corporation PACC Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change PAD Planning and Aid Division (Department of Finance) PIC Pacific Island Country PRAPSWM Pacific Regional Action Plan for Sustainable Water Management RO Reverse osmosis (desalination) RoN Republic of Nauru RoNADPT Republic of Nauru Framework for Climate Change Adaptation RONPHOS RONPHOS Corporation (Nauru’s phosphate company) SOE State-owned enterprise SOI Southern Oscillation Index SOPAC Applied Geoscience Division of the SPC SPC Secretariat of the Pacific Community SPREP Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme ToR Terms of Reference WTC Water Technical Committee WU Water Unit (within the Environment Division, CIE) 3 Table of Contents 1. Title of Policy ..................................................................................................................... 4 2. Purposes of Policy ............................................................................................................. 4 3. Vision for this Policy .......................................................................................................... 4 4. Policy Theme ..................................................................................................................... 4 5. Justification for this Policy ................................................................................................. 5 6. Opportunities for Successful Implementation of this Policy ............................................... 6 7. Support for this Policy ........................................................................................................ 7 8. Consistency of this Policy with Previous Government Initiatives ....................................... 8 9. Policy and Plan Development ............................................................................................ 8 10. Consistency with IWRM Principles .................................................................................... 9 11. Key Policy Areas Addressed ........................................................................................... 10 12. Specific Issues to be Addressed...................................................................................... 11 13. Submitting Agency ........................................................................................................... 12 14. Implementation Agencies ................................................................................................ 12 15. Statement of Policy .......................................................................................................... 13 15.1 Policy Vision............................................................................................................. 13 15.2 Policy Goals ............................................................................................................. 13 15.3 Policy Objectives...................................................................................................... 15 16. Benefits to Nauru ............................................................................................................. 17 17. Date of Effect of this Policy .............................................................................................. 17 18. Organisational Implications of this Policy ........................................................................ 18 19. Resource and Financial Implications of this Policy .......................................................... 18 20. Legislative and Regulatory Implications of this Policy ..................................................... 18 21. Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation .......................................................... 18 22. Responsibility for Implementing this Policy ...................................................................... 19 23. Review of Policy and Implementation Plan...................................................................... 19 24. Recommendation ............................................................................................................ 20 25. Responsible Minister ....................................................................................................... 20 26. Submission Date ............................................................................................................. 20 Annex I Terms of Reference CIE Water Unit Annex II Terms of Reference Water Technical Committee Annex III Terms of Reference CIE Project Steering Committee Republic of Nauru National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy Preamble 1. Title of Policy The title of this policy is the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy (NWSHP). 2. Purposes of this National Policy Freshwater is essential for life and for the social, cultural and economic well-being of all peoples. In Nauru, freshwater is a vital and scarce resource supporting the island’s communities and their economic growth. There are widespread community concerns about the availability and quality of freshwater, especially during Nauru’s frequent ENSO-related droughts and due to discharge from household sanitation systems to shallow groundwater. Predicted impacts of climate change add to these concerns. Because of these, the Nauru National Sustainable Development Strategy 2005-2025 identified the development of a national water resources policy as a priority goal. “The purposes of this policy are to declare the Government’s commitment to provide reliable, safe, affordable, secure and sustainable water supply and to facilitate appropriate sanitation systems to meet health and socio-economic development needs of all Nauruans and to provide direction to Government Departments, agencies and corporations.” This policy provides a framework for Government leadership and coordinated and integrated action in the supply of safe, adequate as well as technically and environmentally sustainable water services and the promotion of appropriate sanitation services and hygiene practices to the people of the Republic of Nauru. It also provides direction for the protection, conservation, sustainable use and efficient management of Nauru’s water resources. It is directed at improving the welfare, health and livelihood of Nauruans and is the vision of the Government of Nauru (GoN) for the water and sanitation sector. 3. Vision for this Policy The 2005-2025 Nauru National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS revised in 2009) provides three goals for the water and sanitation, waste and sewerage and environment sectors. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Environment’s (CIE) whole-of-government community Project Steering Committee (CPSC) combined these NSDS goals to produce vision for this policy: “Reliable, safe, affordable, secure and sustainable water supplies to meet socio economic development needs and appropriate sanitation systems for healthy communities and environments.” 4. Policy Theme Water is everyone’s business. That is the focus of integrated water resource management (IWRM). A short, easy-to-remember Policy Theme helps attract the community’s attention and particularly that of children. The CPSC developed the theme for this policy: Ebōk eiy itsimor Ebōk eiy gaganado Rañga kō wam ebōk bwain tsimorum ñage me iyamwan Water is life Water is precious Care for water for your life for today and for the future 5 5. Justification for this Policy Limited water resources Nauru has no potable surface water resources, very limited fresh groundwater resources and no household piped freshwater. Rainwater is a key water source but rainwater harvesting and collection systems on both household and public buildings are sub-optimal and water storage capacity is restricted. Rainwater supply is highly vulnerable to frequent, severe ENSO-related droughts when most rainwater tanks fail within a month of no rain. The island is then forced to rely heavily on expensive desalinated water which uses 20 to 30% of the total annual power consumption of Nauru. Unaccounted for water from the desalination plant is as high as 90% and the supply of desalinated water is a major expense to GoN. Compounding these, the demand for water in households, institutions, commerce and industry is unknown. Increases in sea surface temperature increases due to climate change could also impose further challenges. Widespread public concern Schools are forced to close frequently because they have no water for drinking and toilet flushing. Theft of water from schools is a major issue. At the hospital, water supply, water storages and distribution pipes are inadequate and deteriorating. Sewerage-polluted storm water floods the hospital site and buildings during heavy rains. There is widespread general public concern over the availability and quality of water supply. Health impacts The island’s many cesspits and septic tank sanitation systems seriously degrade the quality of groundwater in the coastal plain which is used by many households. In some areas groundwater is unfit for any use. During heavy rains, polluted groundwater sometimes rises to the surface. Hospitalised diarrhoea and rates of other water-related illnesses in Nauru are amongst the highest in the region. Lack of strategic direction Nauru has no overarching institutional, legislative, regulatory or policy frameworks for integrated management of water and sanitation, no contingency plans for water and sanitation emergencies and no master plan for long-term water and sanitation infrastructure development. As a consequence, the Republic has few specific objectives or targets for managing its water resources, blurred lines of responsibility for water resources planning and decisions and there is little coordination and no centralised data base. Public water sources have no legal protection and conservation is a low priority. Limited community participation Despite our shared concerns about water, Nauruans are not effectively engaged in the protection or conservation of our water resources. There is no clear mechanism for engaging communities in planning, conservation, protection and management. Future changes in supply and increases in demand The past situation in Nauru has been described as a water supply crisis. Despite improvements since then, the increase in future demand for potable water, which will follow from: increasing development; rising living standards; rehabilitation of mined-out areas; growth in agriculture; and the predicted impacts of climate change. The re-opening of the refugee processing centre on Nauru could increase the challenges. Scarcity of good quality water during frequent droughts will continue to be a major barrier to economic development. The National Sustainable Development Strategy (2005-2025) and its review In recognition of the seriousness of these issues, the first strategy in the Water and Sanitation component of the comprehensive Nauru National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS) 2005-2025 (revised October 2009) is: Develop a national water resource management policy to guide the sustainable use and management of water resources in Nauru 6 The review of the NSDS 2005-2025 in October 2009 commented that: “Whilst there has been considerable progress in achieving more stable electricity and water services, the current way in which electricity and water services are delivered in not sustainable for Nauru. Urgent measures need to be taken to upgrade infrastructure, raise efficiency, secure the benefits of renewable energy, and develop and implement sustainable water management policies.” and “Lack of Coordination – Blurred and overlapping responsibilities have resulted in tasks falling between the cracks and not being coordinated across sectors” Nauru National Infrastructure Strategy and Investment Plan The Nauru National Infrastructure Strategy and Investment Plan 2011 (NISIP) has been developed by Government through the infrastructure steering committee, comprising heads of relevant departments and key technical specialists. NISIP identified the Government’s needs, strategies, policies, and immediate priorities in the infrastructure sector and assessed the required financial resources. NISIP concluded that: “current supplies of potable water do not meet existing needs due to inadequate maintenance of existing storage and distribution of rain fed systems and deterioration of groundwater supplies. Poor water quality creates hidden health costs through water borne diseases that debilitate and result in general malaise so that the general population lacks energy and drive.” NISIP concluded: “with no defined and agreed water policy, a dis-jointed institutional structure and lack of revenue, there has been no ability to develop a sector master plan or coordinated approach to sector investments.” Nauru’s international and regional obligations The Republic of Nauru has international obligations under the UN General Assembly’s Declaration in 2000 of the Millennium Development Goals particularly concerning water “to halve by the year 2015 the proportion of the world’s population who are unable to reach or afford safe drinking water,” and “to stop the unsustainable exploitation of water resources”, and the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002 target of “halving the proportion of people who do not have access to basic sanitation by 2015”. It also fulfils regional commitments made under the 2005 Pacific Plan, the Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Change 2006-2015 and the Pacific Regional Action Plan for Sustainable Water Management, 2003 which was endorsed by all Pacific Island Nations Heads of State during the Pacific Island Leaders meeting in Auckland in 2003, and presented at the 3rd World Water Forum in Kyoto, Japan. Finally, Nauru has offered to re-open the refugee processing centre for Australia. This National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy is a direct response to: the NSDS 2005 2025; its 2009 review; the 2011 NISIP; and to Nauru’s international and regional obligations. 6. Opportunities for Successful Implementation of this Policy Strengths of Nauruans Nauruans are strong-willed, resilient and fiercely independent and have proven abilities to rise to and overcome challenges. For the past 3,000 years we have recognised the vital and central importance of water. There is widespread community concern about availability and quality of water and widespread recognition about our vulnerability to climate change and our need to adapt to it. Our population is well educated and we all live on one island where there is strong district community identity. Support and expertise The media in Nauru are very supportive of water reform. There are already established donor funded projects on IWRM, Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change (PACC) and Pacific Hydrological Cycle Monitoring System (HYCOS). These have initiated practical projects at the Ministry, National, community and household level and are supported by the regional organisations Applied Geoscience Division (SOPAC) of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). 7 The unofficial Water Unit made up of the IWRM and PACC coordinators within CIE together with other lead water agencies and Ministries involved in the Water Technical Committee (WTC) has built up expertise in running water and sanitation projects using IWRM approaches and in mainstreaming adaptation. Donor support Nauru has a good record in attracting aid donor and loan projects. This policy has the potential to attract additional, targeted external funds. Whole-of-government and community approach CIE has recently established a whole-of-government-agency-community stakeholder steering committee, the CIE Project Steering Committee, CPSC, to oversee water and sanitation and environment projects and provide an integrated approach to national water management. This is assisted by the whole-of-government Water Technical Committee (WTC). The CPSC has submitted this policy through CIE. NSDS and NISIP The NSDS 2005-2025 (NSDS) and the 2011 National Infrastructure Strategy and Investment Plan (NISIP) lay a solid foundation for improvement in the water, sanitation and hygiene sectors and form the basis for this policy. The NSDS sector goals were combined into the vision for this policy. Nauru’s international and regional commitments Finally, Nauru’s strong commitments to the Millennium Development Goals, the 2005 Pacific Plan, the 2003 Pacific Regional Action Plan for Sustainable Water Management, the 2005 Pacific Framework for Action on Drinking Water Quality and Health and the Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Change 2006-2015. In addition, Nauru in 2012, agreed to re open the refugee processing centre. This policy will progress those commitments. Together, these indicate a strong potential for the successful implementation of this policy. 7. Support for this Policy This draft policy was developed using an IWRM whole-of-government-community consultation process through the whole-of-government-community CPSC with assistance from the CIE Water Technical Committee, WTC. The Committee is made up of representatives from the following Departments, agencies and organisations: Department of Commerce, Industry and Environment Environment Division Agriculture Division Tourism Division Department of Health Public Health Division Nauru Utilities Corporation Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation Department of Education Department of Finance and Sustainable Development Planning and Aid Division Bureau of Statistics Department of Home Affairs Business and Community-Based Organisations The CPSC endorsed this draft policy at its meeting on 8 November 2011 for transmission to the National Development Committee (NDC) comprising the Permanent Secretaries of al Departments and the Chief Executive Officers of government enterprises and corporations. The NDC considered the policy at its meeting on 11 November 2011 and approved it for transmission to Cabinet for its consideration. Cabinet approved the Policy on 7 February 2012. Developments since then, including reopening of the refugee processing centre, and the need to specify terms of reference for the Water Unit, Water Technical Committee and the CIE 8 Project Steering Committee have led to this updated version of policy which was workshopped with the WTC and CPSC on 4-5 September 2012 for submission to NDC. 8. Consistency of this Policy with Previous Government Initiatives Previous Government initiatives In developing this IWRM policy a wide range of studies, reports, previous Government initiatives, policy statements, legislation and regional and international agreements which Nauru has endorsed have been examined. These include the draft Public Health Bill, the draft Education Bill 2011, the draft Environment Management Act 2006, the draft Nauru Utilities Policy, the draft Nauru Utilities Bill, the NSDS 2005-2025 (revised October 2009), the 2009 Review of the NSDS, the 2011 NISIP, the 2011 RoN Framework for Climate Change Adaptation, the Pacific Regional Action Plan for Sustainable Water Management, endorsed in Auckland in 2003, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto protocol, the Copenhagen Accord, the Stockholm Convention for Persistent Organic Pollutants, the UN General Assembly’s Declaration in 2000 of the Millennium Development Goals, and the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002. Goals for water, sanitation, wastes and the environment in NSDS and NISIP The NSDS 2005-2025 (revised 2009) sets down some clear goals for the water and sanitation, waste and sewerage sectors and for the environment which are of direct relevance to this policy. 1. Provide a reliable, safe, affordable, secure and sustainable water supply to meet socio-economic development needs. 2. Effective management of waste and pollution that minimizes negative impacts on public health and environment. 3. Sustainable use and management of the environment and natural resources for present and future generations The 2011 NISIP used these goals in deciding on infrastructure investment priorities in the water and sanitation sectors. Both strategies have been used for developing the policy vision and as guidance for identifying policy goals in this policy. 9. Policy and Plan Development Policy development process The IWRM policy development process has involved individual consultations with key stakeholders as well as workshops with the CPSC and the WTC. Workshops were used to identify the issues to be addressed, the policy goals, objectives and priorities and the plan to implement the policy goals. The process was facilitated by Professor Ian White of the Australian National University, supported by Louis Bouchet, consultant for SOPAC and PACC. Colleagues from CIE, WTC and the CPSC played a central role in developing the policy and its implementation plan. The process was supported by SOPAC, with funding support from the European Union (EU) through the IWRM project. It was also aided greatly by the Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change (PACC) under the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme. Both IWRM and PACC projects are hosted by Nauru. The first step in the development of this IWRM framework policy and its implementation plan was to review previous Government policies, statements, and draft documents and key reports dealing with water and sanitation. The water and sanitation, sewerage and wastes and environment sectors of the NSDS and the conclusions of NISIP were used as a basis for policy development. A five stage adaptive planning process was carried out through the workshops with CPSC and WTC. These identified the key issues, define the policy goals and objectives, refined the policy and developed its implementation plan. In this process, Policy is developed from the first two stages and an Implementation Plan is developed in the last three stages. 9 I. Formulation of the Issues – identify the problems and opportunities – prioritise and categorise these and incorporate into Policy to be used as the basis for policy goals and objectives. II. Ends Planning – identify policy goals, objectives and management ideals and the gaps between planned end of the policy process and current priority issues-incorporate into Policy. III. Means Planning – identify appropriate, realistic mechanisms and activities to close the gaps and address the issues – Incorporate into Implementation Plan. IV. Resource Planning – determine resources required to allow chosen mechanisms to be implemented – Incorporate into Implementation Plan. V. Implementation and Control - determine responsibilities for activities and schedules for policy implementation and for monitoring and evaluation of policy outcomes – Incorporate into Implementation Plan. The schematic of the iterative process used, involving community-based organisations, CBOs, Departments and State-owned enterprises (SOEs) and facillitation from the Intergated Water Resources Management and Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change projects is shown below. This policy has been endorsed by all key stakeholders in water, sanitation and hygiene sectors. It was submitted by CPSC through CIE to the National Development Committee who approved its transmission to Cabinet on 11 November 2011. Cabinet approved the policy on 7 February 2012. The Policy Implementation Plan together with the updated version of the Policy were developed by the CPSC assisted by the WTC and submitted to the NDC for approval for transmission to Cabinet. 10. Consistency with IWRM Principles The five basic principles of integrated water resource management are based on Dublin Principles presented at the World Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992: Principle 1: Fresh water is a finite and vulnerable resource, essential to sustain life, development and the environment. Principle 2: Water development and management should be based on a participatory approach, involving users, planners and policy-makers at all levels. Principle 3: Women play a central part in the provision, management and safeguarding of water. 10 Principle 4: Water is a public good and has a social and economic value in all its competing uses. Principle 5: Integrated water resources management is based on the equitable and efficient management and sustainable use of water. This policy has been developed using these principles as a guiding framework. The policy was developed in a participatory process with all relevant government agency stakeholders and representative community-based organisations, and included key government agency and community women leaders. Throughout the process, the extreme vulnerability and scarcity of Nauru’s water resources were emphasised by all participants, and the absolute dependence of island social, cultural and economic life on freshwater as well as the social and economic value of water underpinned the discussions. Equity is a key consideration in island life and efficiency is the driving force in the NSDS 2005-25 (revised 2009). 11. Key Policy Areas Addressed Nauruans use water from a variety of sources: rainwater; desalinated reverse osmosis (RO) water; groundwater; imported bottled water; and seawater for non-potable uses. The government has direct control over only RO, rainwater harvested and stored by government buildings and imported bottled water. Many past reports and studies have identified a range of water resource issues which require urgent government policy intervention. These issues have been reviewed and refined by the CPSC and WTC using an IWRM approach. They lie in the seven general policy areas of: I Climate variability and change and water resource vulnerability – The variability of Nauru’s rainfall, which is strongly coupled to sea surface temperature and ENSO events, is a major challenge for water management in Nauru with both quality and availability being affected. Nauru oscillates between having too much water during heavy rainfalls to having significant deficits during droughts. The impact of climate change is predicted to increase these challenges. There are no contingency plans for extreme events and adaptation plans are still being developed. II Water quality and supply – There are no water quality guidelines or standards in Nauru. The quality of Nauru’s scarce fresh groundwater is compromised by household sanitation systems, seawater intrusion, leaking petroleum products and wastes. In dry times, Nauru is heavily reliant on expensive, fossil-fuel intensive desalinated RO water whose production and distribution capacities in droughts are inadequate to meet reasonable demand. There is a lack of planning and maintenance of water supply, storage and distribution infrastructure. Most rainwater harvesting and storage systems are sub-optimal and poorly maintained. Useable storage capacity is insufficient to cope with Nauru’s frequent droughts. The high priority hospital, dialysis clinic and schools frequently run short of safe, potable water. The refugee processing centre represents a significant increase in total island water demand and should not be an impost on water supplies to Nauruans. III Sanitation and Environment - Many of the household sanitation systems have polluted local groundwater with sewage making it unsafe for use. In some areas petroleum products and wastes have added to contamination. Septic tank sludge and the salt water sewage system at the Location are discharged directly onto the reef. The RO systems also discharge saline wastewater directly into the sea. The sanitation systems for the refugee processing centre should not impact on land and groundwater resources. IV Demand – There is no current, analysed data on water demand or use by different sectors or use from different water sources in Nauru. There is an imperfect, ineffective system for controlling demand of expensive RO water. Unaccounted for water and losses of RO water are unacceptably high. There is no control of groundwater use so that individual overuse can salinise the groundwater of a whole neighbourhood. There is no system for ensuring equitable and fair use of water from public water storage tanks. V Governance – There is no water legislation or national policy for water, sanitation and hygiene sectors, no master plan for water and sanitation infrastructure development and, apart 11 from the NSDS and NISIP, limited strategic planning. There are no drought and heavy rain contingency plans and no clear statement of roles and responsibilities in the sector. Coordination between government departments and agencies is limited and there is no systematic reporting to government. Water sources have no legal protection and the RO water system is financially unsustainable. VI Capacity - The number of trained people to manage water resources and sanitation in Nauru is very limited. The human and financial resources available for sustainable water management are inadequate. There is no training program for increasing capacity of government staff, industry or at the household level. There is no national water resource data base and no coordinated system for monitoring and reporting on the Nation’s water resources across the Departments and agencies with responsibilities in the sector. VII Community awareness and participation – There is limited community awareness about water resource vulnerability, protection and conservation and limited community participation in the planning, protection and conservation of water resources and in the installation and maintenance of rainwater harvesting and improved sanitation systems. There are no incentives for encouraging improvement of household rainwater harvesting and sanitation systems and limited information on maintaining and repairing them. 12. Specific Issues to be Addressed The specific sector issues identified by the CPSC, assisted by the WTC, and detailed in Nauru Water Sanitation and Climate Outlook that require Government intervention are: I Climate variability and change and water resource vulnerability 1. Frequent ENSO-related major droughts leading to scarce freshwater availability 2. Climate change is predicted to add to the complexity of water management 3. Drought and over-use of groundwater cause seawater intrusion into groundwater 4. Local flooding and groundwater pollution increases in heavy rains II Water quality and supply 5. No water quality standards 6. High rate of diarrhoea and health impacts from poor quality water 7. Brackish and limited quantity of groundwater resources 8. Groundwater contaminated by sewage, oil, waste pits and other contaminants 9. Reliance on energy intensive desalinated water (up to 1/3 of Nauru power production) 10. Lack of storage, maintenance of infrastructure and delivery capacity for RO water 11. RO production capacity of desalinated water is insufficient in major droughts 12. Unaccounted for water and water loss up to 85% of RO production 13. Effective strategy needed for water delivery to priority users such as schools, the hospital and dialysis unit 14. Rainwater harvesting and storage is insufficient, poorly maintained and inefficient III Sanitation and Environment 15. Sanitation systems that pollute groundwater and are not maintained adequately. 16. Septic tank sludge and sewage outfall to the reef 17. Sanitation systems that use precious freshwater 18. Environmental impacts of the refugee processing centre’s sewage systems IV Demand 19. No data on water demand and use from different sources and by different sectors 20. Imperfect, very limited, inequitable system for managing water demand 21. No system for controlling equitable water use from community water storages 22. No control of groundwater use 23. Freshwater requirements for the refugee processing centre. V Governance 24. No water legislation or national policy for water, sanitation and hygiene sectors 12 25. Limited strategic planning and objectives for water and sanitation management 26. No drought and extreme rainfall events contingency plans or strategies 27. No clear roles and responsibilities for water management 28. Limited coordination between departments and agencies 29. No legal protection of water sources 30. Inadequate cost recovery for RO water and RO system is financially unsustainable VI Capacity 31. Very limited number of local, trained people for water management and production 32. Very limited resources for planning, maintenance and refurbishment of infrastructure 33. Very limited resources for monitoring, assessment and evaluation 34. No national water resource data base, limited assessment of groundwater 35. No coordinated water resource monitoring, analysis and reporting program VII Community awareness and engagement 36. Limited awareness about water resource vulnerability, protection and conservation 37. Limited community participation in the planning, protection and conservation of water resources and in promoting improved sanitation systems. 38. Poor maintenance of household water and sanitation infrastructure 39. No incentives for encouraging the improvement of household rainwater harvesting and sanitation systems 40. The need for improved school education programs at all levels on water, sanitation and hygiene. The policy goals and policy objectivities that follow are designed to address these issues. The specific activities required, responsibilities for them and an implementation schedule are detailed in the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Implementation Plan. 13. Submitting Agency This updated policy is submitted to Cabinet with the approval of the National Development Committee and endorsed by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Environment. The policy was developed through the whole-of-government and community CIE Project Steering Committee assisted by the whole-of-government and agency Water Technical Committee who endorsed the policy. 14. Implementation Agencies The Department of Commerce, Industry and Environment is the lead agency responsible for implementation of this policy. Other key agencies participating in implementation are the Department of Health, the Nauru Utilities Corporation, Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation, Department of Education, Department of Finance and Sustainable Development, Department of Home Affairs, and the Disaster Risk Management Office. Monitoring of implementation of this policy and review of the outcomes will be carried out by the CPSC, or its equivalent, who will report on progress to NDC 13 Republic of Nauru National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy Statement of Policy 15. Statement of Policy 15.1 Policy Vision “Reliable, safe, affordable, secure and sustainable water supplies to meet socio economic development needs and appropriate sanitation systems for healthy communities and environments.” 15.2 Policy Goals I Climate variability and change and water resource vulnerability 1. Adaptation to climate variability and change incorporated in all aspects of water and sanitation management Nauru is highly vulnerable to frequent ENSO-related droughts when most rainwater tanks fail within a month of no rain. During heavy rains, polluted groundwater sometimes rises to the surface. Climate change is predicted to impose additional challenges. This goal is to ensure that Nauru is adequately prepared for extreme rainfall events including long droughts and heavy rainfalls. II Water quality and supply 2. Reliable, safe, affordable, secure, efficient and sustainable water supply systems established. There are no water quality guidelines or standards in Nauru. The incidence of diarrhoea is unacceptably high. The quality of groundwater in the coastal plain, which is used by many households predominantly for non-potable use, is poor. Nauru relies heavily on expensive, fossil-fuel intensive desalinated RO water, especially during droughts when it uses 20 to 30% of the total annual national power consumption for water production. In droughts, the rate of production of RO water is less that a third of estimated demand and tanker deliveries rates are inadequate in dry periods, particularly to the hospital and schools. Existing RO units are aging and no longer operating at peak capacity and the storage capacity for RO water is limited. Charges for RO water do not meet costs. The rainwater harvesting and collection systems on both household and public buildings are sub-optimal and storage capacity is inadequate. There is a lack of maintenance and investment in infrastructure. All future public developments should meet guidelines for rainwater harvesting and storage. This goal is designed to address these and related issues. III Sanitation and Environment 3. Sanitation systems introduced to meet appropriate sanitation needs, minimise impacts on the environment and encourage improved hygiene Current household sanitation systems pollute local groundwater, an important non-potable water source in dry periods. A recent report concluded most of the groundwater in Nauru was so compromised that it should only be used for flushing toilets. In the Aiwo district, water is polluted with petroleum products and cannot be used. Sludge pumped from septic tanks and the outfall from the saltwater sewerage system is discharged over the reef as is reject saline water from the RO units. Disposal of effluent from the refugee processing centre must not 14 degrade island land and groundwater. This goal aims to minimise environmental impacts while meeting appropriate sanitation needs and encouraging improved hygiene. IV Demand 4. Equitable and fair systems created for controlling demand, conserving water and minimising waste and losses. Current demand for freshwater is unknown and there is a very limited system for controlling demand and recouping operations and maintenance costs. Unaccounted for water and water losses from the RO desalinated water are unacceptably high. There is no fair system for distributing water from communal tanks. The refugee processing centre must not increase pressures on limited island freshwater. This goal is directed at understanding and controlling demand and minimising wastes and losses. V Governance 5. Clear, consistent and transparent system of water and sanitation policy, plans and laws established that identify lead organisations, and their roles, responsibilities for managing, conserving and protecting water resources. Nauru has no overarching institutional, legislative, regulatory or policy frameworks for integrated management of water and sanitation, no water master plan and no contingency plans for water and sanitation emergencies. Responsibilities are unclear. Public water sources have no legal protection and conservation is a low priority. This goal is aimed at improving governance in the water and sanitation sector. VI Capacity 6. Appropriate resources, capacity, skills training, information and organisations available for managing water and sanitation systems sustainably. The number of trained people to manage water resources and sanitation is very limited. The resources available for water management are also limited and there is no national water resource data base and no coordinated system for monitoring and reporting on the Nation’s water resources. This goal addresses these issues. VII Community awareness and engagement 7. Community aware of the issues and actively engaged in planning, protection and conservation of water and improvements to and maintenance of household water and sanitation facilities. Community awareness about water resource vulnerability, protection and conservation needs to be improved. There is limited community participation in the planning, protection and conservation of water resources and in improved sanitation systems. There is a need for improved school curricula at all levels on water, sanitation and hygiene issues. There are no incentives for encouraging improvement of household rainwater harvesting and sanitation systems. This goal addresses these issues 15 15.3 Policy Objectives Associated with each policy goal is a set of policy objectives. These objectives have been matched to the key issues identified in the adaptive policy planning process. Policy Goal Policy Objectives 1. Climate variability and change incorporated in all aspects of water and sanitation management 1.1 Nauru rainfall data collected, stored, analysed systematically and reported monthly 1.2 Early warning system for extreme seasonal climate events relevant to water supply developed. 1.3 Drought management strategy developed, endorsed and operational. 1.4 Procedures reviewed for drought declarations and warnings and modified where necessary 1.5 Heavy rainfall and local flooding contingency plans developed and operational 1.6 Climate change adaptation action plans developed to include water supply, demand, sanitation and hygiene 2. Reliable, safe, affordable, secure, efficient and sustainable water supply established 2.1 Water Master Plan for the long-term development of Nauru’s water sources and associated storage and supply infrastructure produced 2.2 Water quality standards established for Nauru and incorporated into water safety plans or water quality management plans 2.3 Sources of groundwater pollution identified, and plans developed to deal with them. 2.4 Stored and delivered RO water and public rainwater systems treated to standards 2.5 Guidelines for rainwater harvesting, storage and maintenance in private systems introduced and building codes for systems in public buildings established 2.6 Rate of supply of fresh water increased 2.7 Unaccounted for water and water losses from RO system reduced to acceptable levels 2.8 Storage capacity for RO water and public rainwater systems increased. 2.9 Delivery capacity of RO water improved. 2.10 Delivery strategy for priority users such as the hospital, schools and community storages established 2.11 Infrastructure maintenance, investment and replacement program established. 2.12 Alternate, low energy-consumption sources of water developed 2.13 Full assessment of groundwater resources completed including sustainable yield, quality and fit-for-purposes uses 2.14 Public and private water sources protected from misuse, pollution and theft. 16 Policy Goal Policy Objectives 3. Sanitation systems introduced to meet appropriate sanitation needs, minimise impacts on the environment and encourage improved hygiene 3.1 Sewage sludge and outfall systems introduced which minimise environmental impacts 3.2 Sanitation systems and practices introduced to minimise land and groundwater pollution and health impacts, mandatory in new government and public buildings 3.3 Training programs for maintenance of household sanitation systems introduced 3.4 Non-potable water used for toilet-flushing 4. Equitable system for controlling demand, conserving water and minimising waste and losses created 4.1 System created to determine, update and report on water demand by different sectors from all sources in wet and dry conditions. 4.2 Fair system developed to control demand for RO water and recover costs of water supply. 4.3 Targets set for water use by sectors especially in droughts 4.4 Unaccounted for water and water losses from the RO system, public rainwater systems, storage tanks and distribution system minimised. 4.5 Equitable system in place to optimise groundwater extraction to no more than the sustainable yield 4.7 System established to manage fair water distribution from community water tanks 5. Clear, consistent and transparent system of water and sanitation policy, plans and laws established identifying organisations, roles, responsibilities for managing, conserving and protecting water resources 5.1 National water, sanitation and hygiene policy proclaimed by Cabinet 5.2 National 15 year IWRM water policy implementation plan adopted 5.3 Whole-of-Government – Community Nauru peak sector National Committee established under the National Development Committee 5.4 Whole-of-government Water Technical Committee (WTC) formally established 5.5 Water Unit (WU) created within the lead Ministry as the agency responsible for planning, managing, monitoring and reporting of Nauru’s fresh water resources in collaboration with the Water Technical Committee 5.6 Review of all legislation, regulations and policy relevant to water and sanitation conducted to determine the need for water and sanitation legislation or regulations to manage, conserve and protect fresh water 5.6 Implementation of policy included in Departmental Agency and Corporations’ Operations Plans 17 Policy Goal Policy Objectives 6. Appropriate resources, capacity, skills training, information and organisations available for managing water and sanitation systems sustainably 6.1 Water Unit operational and adequately resourced 6.2 Capabilities required for WU and WTC staff specified 6.3 Appropriate training programs identified 6.4 Coordinated water resources and sanitation monitoring and reporting system established 6.5 Centralised, accessible national water resources, sanitation and hygiene data bases established 6.6 System established for regularly informing the public on water resource issues 7. Community aware of the issues and actively engaged in planning, protection and conservation of water and improvements to household water and sanitation facilities. 7.1 Community based organisations, industry, commerce and woman represented on peak National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Committee 7.2 Water, sanitation and hygiene programs incorporated into school curricula at all levels 7.3 Local district water, hygiene and sanitation sub committees established 7.4 Incentive programs created for improving and maintaining rainwater harvesting and storage at the household and business level. 7.5 Incentive programs introduced for moving to sanitation systems that minimise groundwater pollution and use of potable water for flushing 7.6 Public education, communication and engagement strategy to increase capacity, raise awareness and encourage participation in conserving water, protecting water sources and minimising waste of water established. 7.7 Importance, protection and wise use of fresh water included in school curricula at all levels. 16. Benefits to Nauru The benefits of adopting and implementing this Policy are that it will:  Provide an integrated framework for government leadership in areas of vital and widespread public concern  Direct resources and assign responsibilities to government-identified priority areas  Ensure development in Nauru is not water-limited  Make sure that government agencies are better prepared to manage water supply and sanitation, especially during Nauru’s frequent droughts  Transition water supply to a sustainable basis  Clearly signal to the public the Government’s determination to address the issues  Clearly indicate Nauru’s priorities to international donors, and aid agencies with potential for improved funding opportunities  Establish Nauru as a regional leader in integrated water resource management 17. Date of Effect of this updated Policy This updated Policy will come into effect when approved by Cabinet and will be announced through a communication campaign. 18 18. Organisational Implications of this Policy In order to implement, manage and monitor this policy the following are required: Establishment of a Water Unit A Water Unit within the lead Department, CIE, is required to be established to focus national initiatives in water, sanitation and hygiene and to lead implementation of this policy. It will coordinate monitoring, planning and management of Nauru’s water resources and their use, centralise data storage, analysis and reporting, oversee the development of a long-term water master plan and develop incentive schemes for increased community participation in water conservation and protection, improved rainwater harvesting and sanitation systems. The Water Unit will work in close cooperation with the Water Technical Committee. Terms of reference (ToR) for this unit are appended to this policy in Annex I. Formalising the Water Technical Committee A whole-of–government Water Technical Committee (WTC) drawn from all Departments and Agencies with responsibilities for supplying, monitoring, analysing, planning, managing and reporting on the quality, safety, production, storage, losses and uses of the nation’s water resources and sanitation systems will be formally established. The WTC will report to the peak national environment, water, sanitation, energy and waste sub-committee of the National Development Committee (at present the CPSC under CIE fills this role). ToR for the WTC are appended to this policy in Annex II. The CIE Projects Steering Committee under NDC The CIE Projects Steering Committee (CPSC) is a peak whole-of-government and community national environment, water, sanitation, energy and waste committee, chaired by CIE, operates as a sub-committee under the NDC, using the powers prescribed for NDC. Committee members are drawn from the heads of government Departments or their delegates and from representatives of community based organisations. Its role is to steer and oversee the policy and plan development and implementation process and to report to Cabinet through the NDC on progress of implementation. ToR for this national committee are appended to this policy in Annex III. 19. Resource and Financial Implications of this Policy Resources in Nauru are restricted. Given the vital importance of water, sanitation and hygiene, however, resources must be specifically allocated to the sector. To implement, manage and monitor this policy, two water and sanitation specialists will be required to be located within the water unit set up within CIE. One position is needed to concentrate on water resource, including rainfall, monitoring, analysis, reporting, and sanitation, the other to focus on water supply services, climate variability and change and community engagement. Current cost estimates are non-current costs of A$5,000 and recurrent costs of A$15,000 per year. The NISID identified a program of infrastructure requirements worth approximately A$15M. Under this policy, the Nauru Master Plan will identify more strategic and longer term investments There is potential for donor funding of many of these projects. 20. Legislative and Regulatory Implications of this Policy There is a need to review all legislation and regulations pertaining to water and sanitation, to the protection of stored RO water, government and community rainwater storages and groundwater supply sources and to the statutory basis for agencies with responsibilities in the sector. Rationalisation, improvements and new water and sanitation legislation and building codes may be required. A review of existing regulations and incentives for compliance with this policy and their operation is also necessary. 21. Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation The accompanying National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Implementation Plan uses the policy goals and objectives of this policy to develop a 15 year implementation plan detailing activities, indicators and outputs and assigning responsibilities for implementation. Implementation will be overseen and coordinated by the Water Unit of the Department of 19 Commerce, Industry and Environment in close collaboration and partnership with other key agencies through the WTC. Activities, indicators and outputs will be incorporated into Departmental and agency operational plans. Monitoring, evaluation and reporting of performance against policy goals and objectives will be carried out by the whole-of-government-community peak National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Committee the CIE Project Steering Committee, CPSC, with advice from the Water Technical Committee, WTC. The CPSC will report to Cabinet through the NDC will report to Cabinet on the state of the nation’s water resources and sanitation systems and on progress in implementation of policy goals and objectives and activities in the Implementation Plan as shown schematically below. 22. Responsibility for Implementing this Policy The following GoN departments and agencies have responsibilities in implementing this policy which are detailed in the implementation plan: Department of Commerce, Industry and Environment (designated lead agency) Department of Health Nauru Utilities Corporation Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation Department of Education Department of Finance and Sustainable Development Department of Home Affairs Disaster Risk Management Office In addition to these, Business and Community-Based Organisations will be partnered in the implementation process to ensure the adoption of policy at the community level. The whole-of government and community CPSC, and the whole-of-government WTC will play vital roles in policy implementation through overseeing, monitoring, evaluating and reporting on policy implementation 23. Review of Policy and Implementation Plan Progress on the NWSHP and its accompanying Implementation Plan will be reported annually by the peak CPSC to Cabinet through the NDC. Both will be formally reviewed 5 years after being endorsed. Where necessary, the Policy will be revised to ensure relevance and maximise impact. 20 24. Recommendation That Cabinet approves this updated policy. 25. Responsible Minister Signed Hon Marcus Stephen MP Minister Commerce, Industry and Environment 26. Submission Date XX September 2012 Republic of Nauru National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy Annex I Terms of Reference CIE Water Unit A Unit to coordinate implementation of the goals and objectives of the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy and to carry out and supervise activities in the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy Implementation Plan. The Unit will coordinate monitoring, planning and management of Nauru’s water resources and their use, centralise data storage, analysis and reporting, oversee the development of a long-term water master plan and develop incentive schemes for increased community participation, improved rainwater harvesting and sanitation systems. The Water Unit will work in close cooperation with the Water Technical Committee and its members Ebōk eiy itsimor, Ebōk eiy gaganado, Rañga kō wam ebōk bwain tsimorum ñage me iyamwan Water is life, Water is precious, Care for water for your life for today and for the future November 2011 TERMS OF REFERENCE CIE WATER UNIT (WU) Integrated Water Resources Management The Nauru National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy (NWSHP) is based on an integrated water resources management (IWRM) approach to planning, managing, using and conserving the nation’s water resources. The water unit, Water Technical Committee and the peak environment, water, sanitation, energy and wastes sub-committee of the National Development Committee, the CIE Project Steering Committee, have all been established to use an IWRM approach to management and care of Nauru’s precious water resources and its sanitation systems. The five basic principles of integrated water resource management (IWRM) are based on the Dublin Principles presented at the World Summit on Sustainability in Rio de Janeiro in 1992: Principle 1: Fresh water is a finite and vulnerable resource, essential to sustain life, development and the environment. Principle 2: Water development and management should be based on a participatory approach, involving users, planners and policy-makers at all levels. Principle 3: Women play a central part in the provision, management and safeguarding of water. Principle 4: Water is a public good and has a social and economic value in all its competing uses. Principle 5: IWRM is based on the equitable and efficient management and sustainable use of water. This implementation plan for the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy has been developed using these principles and principles derived for Pacific Island Countries as a guiding framework. It builds on the National Sustainable Development Strategy 2005-25 (NSDS, Revised, 2009). Both implementation plan and policy were developed in a participatory process initiated by the lead water Ministry, the Department of Commerce, Industry and Environment (CIE) with all relevant government agency stakeholders and representative community-based organisations, and included women leaders from key government agency and community. The Urgent Need for a CIE Water Unit Nauru faces serious challenges in the water and sanitation sectors. Many government Departments, agencies and state-owned enterprises have responsibilities in the water, sanitation and hygiene sectors. In an IWRM approach it is fundamentally important that all agencies work cooperatively and collegially together for common goals. It is important that the lead Ministry, CIE drive the collaborative process. CIE does not at present have that capacity. The establishment of a two person Water Unit to work in close co-operation with the whole-of-government Water Technical Committee and the CIE Project Steering Committee will ensure an integrative and efficient approach to implementing the Government’s National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy. 1 The Water Unit (WU) within the Department of Commerce, Industry and Environment (CIE) Management The initially two-person CIE Water Unit will be a unit within the Environment Division of CIE and will report to the Secretary of CIE through the Director Environment Division Purpose of the WU The purpose of the Water Unit is to coordinate implementation of the goals and objectives of the Nauru National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy (NWHSP), a planned outcome of the National Sustainable Development Strategy 2005-25, and to carry out and supervise activities in the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Implementation Plan (NWSHIP). The WU will coordinate monitoring, planning and management of Nauru’s water resources and their use, centralise data storage, analysis and reporting, oversee the development of a long-term water master plan and develop incentive schemes for increased community participation in water conservation and protection, improved rainwater harvesting and sanitation systems. The Water Unit will work in close cooperation with the Water Technical Committee and its members (Annex II). Secretariat Duties CIE Water Unit will provide secretariat support for the Water Technical Committee (WTC) and the CIE Project Steering Committee (CPSC) a sub committee of the National Development Committee Staff Duties WU Officer 1 1. Implement policy goals 1, 4, 5 and 6, associated objectives and activities 2. Update and analyse water monitoring and use database monthly 3. Monthly examination of drought risk and informing relevant authorities of significant risks 4. Ensure climate change adaptation incorporated into planning 5. Identify policy and plan improvements and training needs 6. Liaise with members WTC and report monitoring results to WTC 7. Provide secretarial support for WTC 8. Provide support to PACC project Officer 2 1. Implementing policy goals 2, 3 and 7 and related objectives and activities 2. Work collaboratively with WTC 3. Determine demand for freshwater (with BoS, NUC) 4. Develop equitable system for controlling demand, conserving water and minimising waste and losses (NUC, PAD, NRC) 5. Assist in development of Nauru Water Master Plan (with WTC) 6. Develop options for improved sanitation systems 7. Develop schemes to increase public participation in planning, management, conservation and protection of water resources. 8. Provide secretarial support for CPSC including reports. 9. Provide support to IWRM project Functions of WU The Water Unit is responsible for: 1. Implementing the policy goals and objectives of NWSHP; 2. Overseeing implementation of activities in the NWSHIP; 3. Working in close cooperation with the Water Technical Committee and its members to implement the NWSHP and NWSHIP 4. Conserving, protecting and managing Nauru’s fresh water resources; 5. Assessing Nauru’s fresh water resources, in collaboration with Public Health, the Nauru Utilities Corporation and the Nauru rehabilitation Corporation, in terms of the quality and quantity, safe yield and fitness for use; 6. Assessing national demand for fresh-water (with BoS); 7. Coordinating the monitoring, analysis and reporting of rainfall, production, use and losses of RO water (with NUC), rainwater harvesting, and groundwater use (with NRC) 8. Assisting in the preparation of a Nauru Water Master Plan to prioritise the planning and investment in water supply, storage and distribution and sanitation system infrastructure, and public participation campaigns to meet demand and use over the next 15 years. 9. Developing and updating (with the Public Health) national water quality standards. 10. Developing appropriate sanitation systems which minimise potable water use, groundwater pollution and impacts on the near-shore environment (with Public Health and Fisheries) 11. Developing schemes to engage the communities in the planning, conservation, protection and efficient use of water resources (with WTC); 12. Developing early warning systems, plans and response strategies for Nauru’s frequent droughts and adapting to Climate Change 13. Developing plans for flood risk reduction and response strategies; 14. Providing secretarial support for the WTC and CPSC 15. Reviewing new project proposals on water, sanitation and hygiene 16. Collating and preparing annual reports from WTC to CPSC and NDC Meetings The WU convenes meetings of WTC and through it the CPSC and provides secretarial support to WTC and CPSC Reporting The WU will issue an annual report on implementation of activities in the NWSHIP and other matters through WTC to CIE. Republic of Nauru National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy Annex II Terms of Reference Water Technical Committee A whole-of–government Integrated Water Resources Management Water Technical Committee drawn from all Government Departments, Agencies and Sate-Owned Enterprises with responsibility for supplying, monitoring, analysing, planning, managing, and reporting on the quality, safety, production, storage, losses, protection and uses of the nation’s water resources and sanitation systems Ebōk eiy itsimor, Ebōk eiy gaganado, Rañga kō wam ebōk bwain tsimorum ñage me iyamwan Water is life, Water is precious, Care for water for your life for today and for the future November 2011 1 TERMS OF REFERENCE WATER TECHNICAL COMMITTEE (WTC) The Need for a formally endorsed Whole-of-Government Water Technical Committee Nauru faces serious challenges in the water and sanitation sectors. Many government Departments, agencies and state-owned enterprises have responsibilities and technical capacities in the water, sanitation and hygiene sectors. In an IWRM approach it is fundamentally important that all agencies work cooperatively and collegially together for common goals, particularly in Nauru where the problems are large and the number of technical experts small. The formal endorsement by Cabinet of a Water Technical Committee means that Departments will be directed to continue their close co-operation within the whole-of-government Water Technical Committee which reports to the CIE Project Steering Committee and through them to the National Development Committee (NDC) to ensure an integrative and efficient approach to implementing the Government’s National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy. The Composition and Management Structure of the WTC Composition of the Water Technical Committee Chaired by Department of Commerce, Industry and Environment, Environment Division (CIE Environment) 1. The Water Unit CIE (WU) 2. The Nauru Utilities Corporation (NUC) 3. Public Health Division, Department of Health (PH) 4. The Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation (NRC) 5. The Bureau of Statistics, Department of Finance and Sustainable Development (BoS) 6. The Planning and Aid Division, Department of Finance and Sustainable Development (PAD) 7. Lands and Survey Division, Department of Home Affairs (LS) 8. National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRM) 9. Coordinators of the Integrated Water Resources Management IIWRM) and Pacific Adaptation to climate change (PACC) projects in Nauru. 2 The Nauru Water Technical Committee (WTC) Chair The Director of CIE Environment Division or delegate Purpose of the WTC The whole-of–government Water Technical Committee (WTC) is drawn from all Government Departments, Agencies and State-Owned Enterprises with responsibilities for supplying, monitoring, analysing, planning, managing and reporting on the quality, safety, production, storage, losses and uses of the nation’s water resources and sanitation systems. The Committee work together cooperatively and collegially to implement the goals, objectives and activities of the Nauru Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Policy and its implementation Plan in an integrated, efficient and sustainable way. The WTC is a technical committee to support and report through CIE to the peak CIE Project Steering Committee (CPSC) a Sub Committee of NDC and to the Ministries making up the WTC. Secretariat CIE Water Unit will provide secretariat support – agenda, minutes & reports Membership Technical representatives from: 1. The Water Unit CIE (WU) 2. The Nauru Utilities Corporation (NUC) 3. Public Health Division, Department of Health (PH) 4. The Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation (NRC) 5. The Bureau of Statistic, Department of Finance and Sustainable Development (BoS) 6. The Planning and Aid Division, Department of Finance and Sustainable Development (PAD) 7. Lands and Survey Division, Department of Home Affairs (LS) 8. National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRM) 9. Coordinators of the IWRM and PACC projects in Nauru Functions The Water Unit Technical Committee (WTC) is responsible for: 1. Implementing the policy goals and objectives of the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy (NWSHP); 2. Overseeing implementation and execution of activities in the NWSHIP; 3. Agreeing on organisational responsibilities for carrying out activities specified in the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Implementation Plan (NWSHIP); 4. Making certain that activities specified in the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Implementation Plan (NWSHIP) are included in Annual Departmental and Organisational Work Plans; 5. Coordinating activities and sharing information, data and expertise between Departments, agencies and organisations on water, sanitation and hygiene; 6. Ensuring that water resource monitoring data is archived in a form that is readily available; 7. Monitoring and reviewing progress of implementation of NWSHIP against indicators; 8. Regular reporting through CIE to the peak CIE Project Steering Committee sub Committee under NDC on progress of the NWSHP and NWSHIP; 9. Making sure that the public is fully informed on initiation and progress of all water, sanitation and hygiene activities; 10. Providing technical guidance on new proposals for water, sanitation and hygiene projects and activities for Nauru to ensure that consistent with the goals and objectives of the NWSHP and the priorities of NWSHIP; 11. Providing technical guidance and assistance with the current PACC and IWRM water and sanitation projects 12. Cooperating and coordinating with external experts (regional organisations, national consultants, regional consultants or international consultants) and provide them with necessary input and assistance on water, sanitation and hygiene projects; 13. Reviewing and where necessary suggesting revisions to draft reports by consultants and experts on water, sanitation and hygiene projects; and 14. Taking into account decisions, recommendations and requests for technical information and advice by CPSC, the NDC, and the regional organisations SPC, SOPAC and SPREP. Meetings Every two months or additionally as required Reports 1. Minutes of meetings circulated to all members 2. Annual report through CIE to EWSEW sub-Committee under NDC on progress of the NWSHP and NWSHIP and state of Nauru’s water supply, water resources and sanitation systems; 3. Reports as required on new proposals, initiatives or special circumstances in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene areas. 3 Meeting Agendas 1. Apologies 2. Confirmation of minutes of previous meeting 3. Business arising from minutes 4. Items referred by CSPC 5. Report on monthly rain and SCOPIC rainfall predictions for next 3 months (WU) 6. Report on RO water production and delivery (NUC) 7. Report on groundwater Monitoring (NRC) 8. Report on water quality incidents (Public Health) 9. Report on sanitation systems (PH, WU) 10. Report on surveys of water use (BoS, WU) 11. Report on rainwater harvesting (WU) 12. Report on water and sanitation funding proposals (PAD) 13. Lands issues in relation to water (LS) 14. Drought and emergency declarations (NDM) 15. New water, sanitation and hygiene proposals and funding opportunities (PAD) 16. Progress on implementation NWSHIP, IWRM, PACC, public participation (WU) 17. Recommendations to CPSC 18. Date of next meeting Contents of Annual Reports WTC will send an annual report through CIE to the CIE Project Steering Committee sub-committee of NDC. The report should detail: Report summary 1. Progress on implementing NWSHP against activity indicators giving in the NWSHP Implementation Plan (WTC) 2. Annual rainfall, (WU) RO Water volume produced, delivered, and unaccounted for water, payments for water, cost of RO water production (NUC) 3. Drought and extreme event declarations (NDRM, WU) 4. Climate predictions (SCOPIC) for next 3 months (WU, NDRM) 5. Estimated demand for freshwater (BoS, NUC) 6. Groundwater quality and use against sustainable yield (WU, NRC). 7. Rainwater harvesting initiatives (WU) 8. Sanitation initiatives and improvements (PH, WU) 9. Land issues relating to water and sanitation (LS) 10. Public participation (WTC, BoS) 11. New project initiatives and funding opportunities in water sanitation and hygiene (PAD, CIE) 12. Issues requiring policy intervention or improvements (CIE) 13. Issues for Cabinet attention (CIE) Special Reports WTC will also report through CIE to CPSCS and NDC as required on specific activities detailed in the Implementation Plan and special events or initiatives or circumstances Republic of Nauru National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy Annex III Terms of Reference CIE Project Steering Committee as a Sub Committee of NDC A peak whole-of-government and community national environment, water, sanitation, energy, climate change and waste committee, chaired by CIE. A high-level sub-committee under the NDC, responsible for steering and overseeing Government policy and plan implementation processes in these vital sectors and reporting to Cabinet through the NDC on progress of implementation. Ebōk eiy itsimor, Ebōk eiy gaganado, Rañga kō wam ebōk bwain tsimorum ñage me iyamwan Water is life, Water is precious, Care for water for your life for today and for the future November 2011 TERMS OF REFERENCE CIE PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE (CPSC) AS A SUB-COMMITTEE OF NDC Justification for the Sub-Committee Item 7 of the functions of the National Development Committee (NDC, approved 12 July 2011) gives NDC the powers to convene specific Sub-committees to focus on specific issues as required including, for example, Infrastructure or Water Sector Sub-committees. These sub-committees may include a subset of NDC members and other technical Directors and senior officials. The Environment, Water, Sanitation, Energy and Waste Sectors are vital and strategic sectors in the National Sustainable Development Strategy 2005-25 (NSDS, revised 2009) and fundamentally important to life in the island nation of Nauru. In some of these sectors the NSDS has recognised the urgent need for Government leadership through the creation of national policies, implementation plans and infrastructure development and investment strategies. In addition, it needs mechanisms to monitor the implementation of its policies, plans and strategies. The limited number of government staff and the broad range of issues faced means that the formation of individual sectoral sub-committees would involve large imposts on individual’s time. The CIE Project Steering Committee as a Model The NSDS contains critical recognition that the community must be engaged in the development of policy and plans if they are to be sustainably implemented. The National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy (NWSHP) was developed by the Department of Commerce, Industry and Environment (CIE) through a facilitated process involving whole-of-government senior Departmental representatives and representatives from community-based organisations in the CIE Project Steering Committee (CPSC) which is assisted by the whole-of-government Water Technical Committee. The CPSC modified and endorsed of the draft policy for submission to the NDC for its approval. The CPSC provides a successful working model for a broadly based environment, water, sanitation, energy, wastes and climate change sub-committee under the NDC. Role of the CPSC in Monitoring Policy and Plan Implementation and Review and Revision The CIE Project Steering Committee, a Sub-Committee of NDC Chair The Secretary CIE or delegate who is responsible for convening meetings and providing CPSC reports to NDC Purpose of CPSC To provide a mechanism for improved coordination and consultation for monitoring and evaluating policy and program implementation related primarily to Policies, Plans and infrastructure investment strategies arising from national policies and plans, the National Sustainable Development Strategy 2005 2025 (NSDS, revised 2009), the 2011 National Infrastructure Strategy and Investment Plan (NISIP), Budget and Donor aid programs in the Environment, Water, Sanitation, Energy, Waste and Climate Change sectors. A second focus of CPSC is to act as a principal advisory body to the NDC on policy and program coordination, monitoring and evaluation in the Sectors. Secretariat CIE Water Unit will provide secretariat support – preparing and circulating agenda, minutes & reports Membership Departmental Secretaries, CEOs of SOEs or their delegates from: 1. Department of Commerce, Industry and Environment (CIE ) 2. The Nauru Utilities Corporation (NUC) 3., Department of Health (DH) 4. The Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation (NRC) 5. Department of Finance and Sustainable Development (DFSD) 6. Department of Home Affairs (DHA) 8. Department of Education (DE) 9. Department of Police, Prison and Emergency Services (DPPES) National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRM) 10. Representative of Nauru Chamber of Commerce 11. Representative of Nauru Private Business Sector Organisation 12. Representatives of Community –Based Organisations (CBO). Functions The functions of CPSC are to: 1. Review, monitor and report on the performance of sectoral government policy implementation and project development 2. Coordinate appropriate responses, corrective actions, or make appropriate recommendations to NDC, to address implementation deficiencies or issues identified in implementation performance in the sectors 3. Coordinate the development of, assess and advise NDC on; 4. sector strategies 5. new project proposals 6. policy and plan proposals 7. and ensure they are consistent with government policy, Budget, international and regional commitments or obligations, or government goals 8. Facilitate effective management and implementation of sectoral Donor aid programs and make recommendations to NDC on means to further strengthen Donor coordination 9. Review progress on implementation of national commitments and targets under various international & regional development conventions (e.g. MDG) and to advise NDC on and coordinate efforts toward achievement of such targets 10. Draft, prepare and/or coordinate the compilation of reports to be submitted to Cabinet including the annual state of Nauru’s water resources and sanitation services and progress on implementing the policy goals and objectives of the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy (NWSHP); 11. Receive and review reports from technical committees such as the Water Technical Committee 12. Ensure that activities identified in Policy Implementation Plans are inserted into Departmental, Agency and Corporation Annual Work Plans. Meetings Every six months or additionally as required Reports 1. Minutes of meetings circulated to all members 2. Annual report to NDC on progress of sectoral policy and plans and on variously the state of the Nation’s environment, water resources, sanitation systems, energy production and consumption, waste production, disposal and recycling and climate change initiatives. 3. Reports as required on new proposals, initiatives or special circumstances in sector areas.