MCC Water Sector Sustainability Activity

Supports five interventions that address policy, legal, regulatory, and institutional issues and improve the long-term sustainability of the water sector in Ulaanbaatar. (A) The "Cost Recovery Sub-Activity" supports technical assistance to the WSRC for a detailed examination of the structuring of water and wastewater tariffs.

The sub-activity also supports assistance to USUG for the preparation of rate cases that reflect the goal of full coverage of costs for operations, maintenance and depreciation, as required by law. (B) The "Ger Area Cost Containment Sub-Activity" supports efforts to curtail the high costs that USUG bears for providing water through the system of water kiosks throughout the ger areas of Ulaanbaatar.

The sub activity also supports improvements in data sharing, planning, and coordination among USUG, municipal agencies, and district offices around expansion and the development of municipal infrastructure. (C) The "Utility Operations Sub-Activity" supports the strengthening of critical operational capacities within USUG, to be identified through the implementation of Aqua Rating.

The sub activity includes funding support for a comprehensive partnership between USUG and an experienced water utility from a developed country that operates in similar conditions or deals with similar concerns. (D) The "Industrial Pre-Treatment and Pollution Control SubActivity" supports efforts to reduce the incidence of industrial pollution in the municipal wastewater collection system before it is constructed and commissioned.

The sub-activity funds technical assistance to identify and model sources of industrial pollution, strengthen pollution standards, ordinances and penalties. (E) The "Public Awareness and Behavior Change SubActivity" supports improved communication and engagement with stakeholders and the general public in an effort to improve awareness and understanding of the scarcity of water resources available to Ulaanbaatar.