Collaborative Water Management Project in Osaka: A Game Changer for Local Communities

In a significant move for sustainable urban development, Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd, led by President Keita Kato, has entered into a strategic partnership with the joint enterprise "Southern Osaka Wide Area Sewerage Service," represented by Fujino Kogyo Co., Ltd. This collaboration marks a vital step forward in the Water Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative and aims to enhance sewerage management services in Osaka Sayama and Kawachinagano cities through a well-structured joint procurement process.

On February 19, 2026, an official contract signing ceremony was held at the Kawachinagano City Hall, attended by key officials, including Teruhito Furukawa, Mayor of Osaka Sayama, Shuhei Nishino, Mayor of Kawachinagano, and Masakatsu Fujino, President of Fujino Kogyo. This event symbolizes the commitment of both cities to revolutionize their sewerage systems and improve overall service quality for their residents.

Over the past decade, both Osaka Sayama and Kawachinagano have pioneered the comprehensive outsourcing model for sewer infrastructure management. By leveraging private sector expertise, they have succeeded in enhancing service levels and tackling aging infrastructure challenges. The current joint procurement project is groundbreaking as it combines the management of sewer facilities from both municipalities into a single operational contract lasting ten years, setting a precedent for joint procurement endeavors nationwide.

The project aims to achieve several key efficiencies:

- Streamlined maintenance management and facility upgrades
- Enhanced collaborative efforts between Osaka Sayama and Kawachinagano for improved operational efficiency
- Standardization of service level requirements through profit-sharing mechanisms within the contract period

Under this new agreement, Sekisui Chemical will deploy a chief engineer to the local office, overseeing daily maintenance operations and providing comprehensive management support. Collaborating closely with other joint venture partners, Sekisui is poised to leverage its extensive experience in sewer PPP initiatives to drive innovation and efficiency in the sewer management system.

Key features of the project include:

- Comprehensive management of all sewer facilities within Osaka Sayama's jurisdiction, including ongoing maintenance tasks and development planning.
- Similar responsibilities for Kawachinagano, with a focus on pipeline investigations, design work, and maintenance management to ensure optimal functioning.

The contract is set to commence on April 1, 2026, and will conclude on March 31, 2036. This significant 10-year engagement reflects a long-term commitment to enhancing the operational efficiency of sewer services, showcasing the potential of collaborative governance in public service.

The Water PPP initiative, categorized under levels 3.5 and 4, emphasizes a unified management strategy that will integrate maintenance with infrastructure renewal. The comprehensive nature of this project allows for an organized framework in which responsibilities and expectations can be clearly defined, ultimately benefiting residents of both Osaka Sayama and Kawachinagano.

Sekisui Chemical’s mission is to provide "safe, secure, and sustainable sewer services." With a focus on innovation, the company aims to tackle pressing challenges facing local governments in sewer management, utilizing cutting-edge rehabilitation methods and fostering strong partnerships with municipalities.

Summary:
The joint effort between Osaka Sayama and Kawachinagano cities represents a pioneering model for municipal water management, emphasizing efficiency, collaboration, and sustainability. With a ten-year operational contract ahead, this initiative can serve as a blueprint for future infrastructure projects across Japan. By harnessing private sector capabilities, both cities are set to enhance public service, leading to improved community wellness and environmental stewardship.