JCC meeting on December 6, 2023– On December 6, 2023 the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) on the Project for Strengthening Capacity in Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Reduction in Palau convened for the last time to discuss and evaluate results of the Project. Stakeholders from the Koror State Government, Embassy of Japan, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Palau Office, JICA Headquarters and Palau Public Utilities Corporation attended the JCC meeting.
At the meeting, the Project Team were happy to report outcomes of the Project. One major achievement was the Pilot Project in Ngerbodel where 144 meters of waterlines and 19 water meters were replaced. At the beginning of the Pilot Project, the NRW ratio for this particular area was at 41.2% and dropped to 31.1% after completion. A success story that PPUC plans to replicate for the rest of the Koror-Airai service area.
Through the Project, several documents needed for implementation of NRW reduction activities were developed. Such documents include basic pipeline renewal plan for Koror-Airai Water Distribution System, pipeline renewal manual, leak detection manual, report of case studies/lessons learned, management and renewal plan for water meters and improvement plan of public water usage. All documents were presented at the JCC meeting and approved by CEO Frank Kyota.
CEO Kyota assured the JICA of PPUC’s commitment to utilize the tools and knowledge gained through the Project in its effort towards NRW reduction. He expressed PPUC’s appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their relentless support especially for this specific technical assistance to enhance PPUC’s capacity in reducing non-revenue water.
NRW reduction is not only an environmental imperative but also financially prudent. By minimizing water losses, PPUC aims to enhance its water distribution infrastructure resulting in better services, cost savings and improved financial sustainability. We encourage our stakeholders especially our valued consumers to join us in this vital mission to safeguard our precious water resources for generations to come.