2026.09.28
Votes on FORUM26: Sara Söhr, Syvab
”We need to look beyond our own organization and become better at using each other’s expertise and resources. That’s why FORUM26 is important.” Sara Söhr is CEO of Syvab, a municipal company owned by several municipalities in the Stockholm region. Syvab runs the Himmerfjärdsverket wastewater treatment plant and is dependent on the interaction with municipalities and other actors working even when society is under great strain. At Vattenindustrin FORUM26, Sara participates in the conversation about how we strengthen preparedness together.
Why are you participating in FORUM26?
We have worked a lot on our own preparedness, such as stocks, spare parts, emergency power and chemicals. But we also need to get better at collaborating outside our own organization. FORUM26 will be an opportunity to get inspiration, see how others work and understand what we ourselves need to develop.
What is required for collaboration to work in a crisis?
Responsibilities and dependencies need to be clear. Each municipality is responsible for its local pipeline networks and stations, while we are dependent on each other's work. We need to know how we can help each other with personnel, expertise, spare parts and chemicals. Not everyone needs to have everything, but we need to discuss how resources can be used together. Here FORUM26 has an important role to play.
Why does the entire water chain need to be included in emergency preparedness work?
Drinking water preparedness has come a long way in many places, but we must not forget the other half of the water chain. If wastewater management does not work, it can have serious consequences for both human health and society. That is why we, municipal wastewater actors, are also an obvious part of the preparedness work.
What do we need to improve in the water and sanitation industry to practice collaboration?
We need to practice together with the municipalities and other relevant actors. It's about how we act and who is responsible for what, but also about how information should reach the residents. Syvab does not have its own resident contact, so that collaboration must also work.
What are you most looking forward to about FORUM26?
To learn how others do it and become more aware of what we need to develop in our own organization. I also hope to get concrete ideas about what we can practice together with our municipalities and other stakeholders.
Do you work with water supply, emergency preparedness or socially important activities in a municipality? Then your experiences and perspectives are also needed at FORUM26. Register here: https://lnkd.in/dDb-dPKm
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