The IDARA project started on March 28, 20071 for a two-year base-period, followed by a two-year option
period, as well as an extension period to March 2012. During the first eighteen months, the project
witnessed a successful participatory planning period that resulted in the development of the first year
workplan. While initial implementation faced some challenges due to delayed staffing and difficulties in
developing activities, once fully staffed, IDARA gained momentum by supporting stakeholders to
develop the water demand management functions and a consensus model to institutionalize these
functions, and draft the urban WDM Policy. In early 2008, IDARA went through a significant transition
to enhance project management and technical support. This resulted in notable progress in activities,
which enabled IDARA to accelerate advances. In addition, IDARA designed and implemented two tasks
related to water use and reuse within high rise and high density buildings, which were not part of the
original work plan but requested by counterparts.