With all that's going on, we could easily lose track of long-term programs that keep chugging on in the background, doing the good work without noise or fireworks.

The two-year Utility Management Training is a case in point touring the region to deliver compact modules which add up to 360-degree insights into every aspect of managing a water utility.

Currently, the third edition of this training is well under way, having already delivered the module "Utility Economics, Finance and Regulation" in Brasov, Romania, and the "Commercial Management and Customer Service" module in Beroun, Czech Republic.

Last week trainers and participants gathered in Zagreb, Croatia, for the module on Asset Management and Investment Planning. This module has has been hosted by IAWD member ViO Zagreb and aims to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of asset management and its implications for investment planning. In addition, participants had the opportunity to take part in some key site visits at ViO.

Starting out from an introductory session on Asset Management (AM) Fundamentals, the module delves into the necessary information systems like asset registers and GIS. It next reviews the elements of networks and other assets, from pipes and nodes reservoirs and pumping stations, their configurations and connectivity. This section also includes topics such as Field Data Capture and Validation.

Next, the module treats asset condition assessment which links technical to operational condition, and finally maintenance management. Here, specific emphasis is placed on the concept of preventative maintenance and techniques such as maintenance requests and workflow management are introduced.  

Furthermore, financial and accounting aspects include asset valuation, accounting treatment of public assets and depreciation methods. Last but definitely not least, the module brings some insights into Investment Planning and the various investment drivers - asset renewal, compliance, service coverage and efficiency, operations, customer service, finance, IT.

UTVSI, the Association for Water Technology and Sanitary Engineering in Serbia supported the event as a module development partner and competence partner. Early in the program, they treated the participants to an excellent presentation on historic and present aspects of asset management. Presenters Goran Jovanovic and Maja Medenica of Belgrade Waterworks and UTVSI had put together an interesting presentation with lots of animations, built on their actual asset management software, including one illustrating the expansion of their network from 1900 until today. All sessions were quite interactive and participants from the group were all chipping in for the content, sharing their perspectives on common AM practices and potential for future improvements.

It was a motivating experience for all involved and actually marked the halfway point of the current UMT cycle. We are looking forward to handing the diplomas to the class of 25’ one year from now and will keep reporting.