The first workshop to prepare a guiding strategy for the water supply and sanitation sector was held on February 23-24 at the premises of the Public Establishment for Water Supply and Sanitation – Damascus. The workshop was opened by Dr. Mawafaq Khalouf the General Director of DAWSSA and attended by the focal points from the Water Establishments of the Syrian governorates and projects managers of the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) Modernization Programme for the Syrian water sector. GTZ is providing technical support to the GSWSS.

The purpose of GSWSS is to have a realistic knowledge of the current status of drinking water and sanitation and to assess the future scenarios of drinking water and sanitation in each WE. This shall enable WEs to prepare plans and prioritizing projects in accordance with specific parameters and criteria. The GSWSS also aims at developing the strategic planning capacities of the Ministry of Housing and Construction and WE to prepare the necessary guidelines, work methodology and training for WE. The measures shall assist WE to reach goals set out in the five year government plan.