Awar Water Executive Director, Dr. Faraj El Awar, provided his advisory services to DRI – International and executed a project focused on research and analysis of water governance in Lebanon. The main project objective was to analyze the governance structures of the Lebanese water sector with special focus on the potential role of local governments in the provision of water and sanitation services and water resources management at local level.
Project Scope of Work
- Conducting thorough research of the governance structures of the Lebanese water sector with detailed stakeholder identification and analysis of the whole sector (Donors, UN and non-UN development agencies, Central and local governments, private sector, civil society organizations, etc.);
- Mapping and analyzing the legal and institutional frameworks of the water sector with special focus on setups that are relevant to local governments’ role in the sector;
- Assessing capacities and needs of local governments in Lebanon to plan, operate, deliver, and maintain water and sanitation basic services;
- Considering structural factors, such as institutional setups of local governments, and sectoral implications in terms of water and sanitation service delivery; and
- Producing policy and intervention recommendations for adaptive governance in times of crisis.
Project Results
The literature review and research findings were summed up in a policy paper that was developed by Dr. Faraj El Awar as a policy tool for the Lebanese Government, international development community, and other stakeholders of the Lebanese water sector. The policy paper, entitled “Water Sector Governance in Lebanon: Potential Role of Local Governments,” consists of six sections, namely, Executive Summary, Introduction, State of Play of the Lebanese Water Sector, Case studies: Municipality of Aarsal and Union of Municipalities of Deir El Ahmar, The Way Forward, and Recommendations.
The Way Forward and Recommendations sections provide a road map and a set of recommendations for various stakeholders including the Lebanese central Government, regional water and sanitation utilities, as well as the development and donor community. The recommendations are focused on supporting the Lebanese water sector to empower local governments across the country and develop their capacities in order to enhance their role in water management and provision of water and sanitation services at the local level.
Project Client: Democracy Reporting International – DRI
Project Donor: European Commission