Improving utility management: case study from Lesotho

This paper documents the process of developing a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) and an Unaccounted for Water (UfW) Action Plan by the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA). This is part of a SIDA-funded Water Utilities Partnership (WUP) management capacity building project towards increased coverage of water and sewerage provision to low-income peri-urban communities. The facilitating project team was made up of members of the Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC) and Severn Trent International (STI). WASA’s Corporate Plan (PIP), developed as a collaborative venture across the organization, includes findings of financial and performance reviews, a situational analysis, key objectives and the strategic activities required to achieve these. A Pilot Area Action Plan for UfW was identified as A District Metering Area with bulk meters installed and an UfW Unit planned. Target levels for the proposed performance indicators are as yet incomplete but the impact of involvement with the project has been positive with many related issues being taken forward as a direct result of this project.