Amu Bukhara Irrigation System Rehabilitation (Feasibility Study)

Technical Assistance Consultant’s Report

This consultant’s report does not necessarily reflect the views of ADB or the Government concerned, and ADB and the Government cannot be held liable for its contents. (For project preparatory technical assistance: All the views expressed herein may not be incorporated into the proposed project’s design.

Project Number: TA 7917 March 2013

Republic of Uzbekistan: Amu Bukhara Irrigation System Rehabilitation (Feasibility Study)

Prepared by Lahmeyer International in association with Info Capital Group

For the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources

Amu Bukhara Irrigation System Rehabilitation Feasibility Study – Final Report

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Amu Bukhara Irrigation System Rehabilitation

VOLUME 1: MAIN REPORT

Feasibility Study

Prepared for the Asian Development Bank

and the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan

(TA: 7917-UZB)

March 31, 2013


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CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS

(as of 21 December 2012)

Currency Unit – Soum (UZS)

UZS1.00 = $0. $1.00 = UZS

ABBREVIATIONS

ABIS – Amu Bukhara Irrigation System

ABISOA – Amu Bukhara Irrigation System Operating Authority

ADB – Asian Development Bank

AES – agro-economic survey

BISA – Basin Irrigation System Administration

BVO – River Basin Water Management Organization

CC – climate change

CDM – Clean Development Mechanism

CRU-WG – Climate Research Unit – Weather Generator

DMI – domestic, municipal, and industrial

EA – executing agency

FAO – United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization

GDP – gross domestic product

GHG – greenhouse gas

ha – hectare

HGME – Hydrogeological Meliorative Expedition

I&D – irrigation and drainage

IE – irrigation efficiency

IEE – initial environmental examination

IPCC – Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

IR – Inception Report

ISA – Irrigation System Administration

km – kilometer

MAWR – Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources

MCA – Main Canal Administration

MOU – Memorandum of Understanding

MT million tonne

O&M – operation and maintenance

NGO – non-governmental organization

POW – productivity of water

PPTA – project preparatory technical assistance

PSE&C – Pump Station, Energy and Communications

RP – Resettlement Plan

RRP – Report and Recommendations of the President

SA – Social Assessment


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SCADA – supervisory control and data and acquisition

SPS – Safeguard Policy Statement

SRES – Special Report Emissions Scenarios

TOR – terms of reference

UNFCC – United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

UZBS – Uzbek Soum (national currency)

WUA – water users association

GLOSSARY

Bonitet Classification system for land productivity

potential

Dekhan Household plot used for households immediate

food requirements and sale of surplus. Given to

head of family for the livelong ownership.

Size of dekhan farms: irrigated land 0.35 ha and

0.50 on non-irrigated area

Glavgosecoexpertiza Main Directorate for State Ecological Expertise,

or SEE

Goskompriroda State Nature Protection Committee

Khokim Province or District Governor

Khokimiyat Local government authority

Makhalla Collection of villages to create a community

village

Oblast Province (Russian version)

Oblvodkhozy Province administration

O’zuvnazorat Water inspectorate

Rayon District (Russian version)

Rayvodkhozy District administration

Shirkat Cooperative farm, successor of former kolkhoz

Turman District, smaller administrative unit of the viloyat

Uzglavgidromet Chief Hydrometeorological Administration

Viloyat Province administrative unit of Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan has 12 viloyats and 1 autonomous

republic of Karakalpakstan


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CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 1

II. PHYSICAL FEATURES ............................................................................................................ 3

A. Geography and Climate ........................................................................................................ 3

B. Soils ...................................................................................................................................... 5

C. Hydrology, Sediment, River Morphology .............................................................................. 5

III. POPULATION ........................................................................................................................... 7

IV. INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUND ............................................................................................ 7

A. The Legal/Institutional Framework ....................................................................................... 7

B. Organizational Framework.................................................................................................... 9

V. IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE ................................................................................................... 9

A. Sector Assessment ............................................................................................................... 9

B. Climate Change in Aral Sea Basin and Uzbekistan ........................................................... 12

C. Climate Change Impacts to ABIS ....................................................................................... 12

D. Agricultural Productivity of Water ....................................................................................... 13

VI. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT ................................................................. 15

A. Present Situation ................................................................................................................ 15

B. Goal and Objective ............................................................................................................. 15

C. ABIS Overview .................................................................................................................... 16

D. Proposed Components ....................................................................................................... 18

E. Rehabilitation and Improvements ....................................................................................... 19

1. Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation .................................................................... 19

2. River Intake Channel and Dredgers ............................................................................... 21

3. Pumping Stations ............................................................................................................ 22

4. ABMK – Main Canal Hydraulic Structures and Reservoirs ............................................ 25

5. Inter-Farm Canal Rehabilitation and Pilot Farm (Demonstration Area) ......................... 28

6. Drainage ......................................................................................................................... 30

VII. IMPLEMENTATION ................................................................................................................ 31

A. Implementation Schedule ................................................................................................... 31

B. Procurement ....................................................................................................................... 37

VIII. FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS ............................................................................. 47

A. Development Options ......................................................................................................... 47

B. Development Costs ............................................................................................................ 49

C. EIRR ................................................................................................................................... 50

D. Financial Management ....................................................................................................... 51

IX. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ....................................................................................... 52


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X. RESETTLEMENT ................................................................................................................... 53

XI. SOCIAL AND POVERTY REDUCTION SAFEGUARDS ....................................................... 56

XII. GENDER ACTION PLAN ....................................................................................................... 61

List of Figures

Figure 1: Amu Bukhara Irrigation System Rehabilitation Project Location Map............................... 2

Figure 2: Amu Darya Catchment ...................................................................................................... 4

Figure 3: Khamza New Pump Station Location Map ...................................................................... 24

List of Tables

Table 1: Total Costs Summary at Constant 2012 Financial Prices in US$ Million ......................... 50

ANNEXES

1. Irrigated Agriculture

2. Engineering

3. ABIS Rehabilitation Subproject Implementation

4. Cost Estimates

5. Economic and Financial Analysis with Supporting Tables

6. Resettlement

7. Initial Environment Examination (IEE)

8. Public Consultation Meeting

9. Poverty and Social Assessment on the ABIS Rehabilitation Project


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I. INTRODUCTION

1. Since the 1990s the ADB has participated with the Government to achieve

significant productivity and reform outcomes. The Country Operations Business Plan

2011-2013 for Uzbekistan incorporates measures to improved agricultural POW with a

focus on water infrastructure included in the Amu Bukhara Irrigation System Project

(Figure 1).

2. The Amu Bukhara Irrigation System (ABIS) Rehabilitation Project continues the

support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the rehabilitation and upgrading of

irrigation and drainage infrastructure and capacity development for water management in

the Republic of Uzbekistan. The ABIS Rehabilitation Project is structured as a sector

loan project. It includes the irrigated areas in Bukhara and Navoi Provinces. The Project

will (i) construct a new pumping station near the existing Khamza 1 pump station and

rehabilitate and upgrade five pumping station of the six pump stations within the ABIS

(Khamza 2, Kuyu Mazar, Kizil Tepa, and Kizil Tepa Auxiliary Pump Stations); (ii)

rehabilitate and upgrade priority main system canals and structures, and within a pilot

demonstration area the inter-farm irrigation and on-farm canals and structures will be

rehabilitated; and (iii) improve inter-farm and on-farm water management through water

users’ associations (WUAs). The primary aim is sustained and increased agricultural water

productivity.

3. Agriculture remains a key sector of the economy and the main source of

livelihood for the rural population in Bukhara. Irrigation and drainage are key factors in

agriculture, and critical to productivity, competitiveness, and environmental management.

However, infrastructure facilities are deteriorated and agricultural productivity is declining.

Pump stations have exceed their service life and are losing capacity, main canal structures

are in need of repair, and inter-farm and on-farm canals have deteriorated, which are

contributing to water losses, water logging in some areas, salinity, and increasing energy

costs for pumping water. Rehabilitation of pump stations, upgrading of irrigation

infrastructure, including inter-farm canals are essential to avoid continued decline in

water productivity of the ABIS, with the resulting losses to agricultural production and

farm incomes.

4. The rehabilitation needs are substantial, but the level of funding available from

the Government and development partners is limited. This means prioritizing investments.

The Government has requested the focus of the Project to be on improvements and

rehabilitation of pump stations, along with development of irrigation works and improved

water management by the farmers and WUAs.

5. ABIS’s reliance on large pump stations for supplying a large portion of the

irrigated area poses recent challenges to sustainability and reliability. Pumping costs

have risen considerably due to the increasing cost of electricity, while many pump sets

are highly inefficient and in urgent need of rehabilitation. Substantial investment is

required to improve efficiency and transform the pumped-water-supplied schemes into

cost-effective and sustainable operations. New O&M cost recovery schemes and other

financial initiatives are required to prevent further infrastructure deterioration and to

sustain improvements.



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Figure 1: Amu Bukhara Irrigation System Rehabilitation Project Location Map

Source: ADB PPTA UZB 7917, 2013 -- Amu Bukhara Irrigation System Rehabilitation Project



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II. PHYSICAL FEATURES

6. The Amu Bukhara Irrigation System (ABIS) supplies water to irrigated lands,

cities, settlements, and industries in Bukhara and Navoi Provinces through a series of

large cascading pump stations and thousands of kilometers of irrigation canals and drains.

The oasis of Bukhara has been an important center of irrigated agriculture in Central Asia

for centuries.

7. The ABIS was built during two waves of construction in the 1960s and 1970s.

Maintenance and rehabilitation of the scheme is comprehensive, although original

structures are now nearing or have passed their original design life. At the time the main

pump stations were built, the technology, design and quality of construction mostly meet

international standards. However, modern design standards and pump technologies for

irrigation systems have advanced greatly in the decades since the original construction

of the scheme. So has the design of pump station features such as electronically-

controlled valves, suction inlet piping, flow meters, and SCADA systems. These elements

will be incorporated into a long-term program to modernize ABIS and improve water

productivity.

8. The existing pump stations in the ABIS now show severe signs of erosion,

mechanical damage, and operation of the various auxiliary systems is problematic. The

water intakes of the pump stations are seriously deteriorated, as are the electro-

mechanical components of the pump sets, and the inlet and discharge pressure pipelines

are eroded. Replacement units and spare parts are sourced from national and international

manufacturers at high expense, and some parts are no longer available on the market.

The age of the pump sets and infrastructure substantially increases running costs of the

plants. Instrumentation and control equipment is aged and insufficient. The pump capacity,

and especially pump efficiency is reduced.

9. As a result of the severe technical and management deficiencies in the main

pump stations and the poor condition of most other irrigation infrastructure, the safety and

operational reliability of ABIS continues to diminish. More water has to be pumped at an

increasing cost to support a declining agro-economic system that is vital for the country.

A. Geography and Climate

10. With regard to climatic conditions the territory of the ABIS has a typical, although

in a way mitigated by irrigation, climate of Central Asian deserts. It is characterized by

slight precipitation, high temperature in the vegetation period and relatively low in winter,

high air dryness and evaporation in summer.

11. Climatic conditions having an impact on agricultural production were assessed as

agro-climatic resources in the region. The climate has an impact on soil formation, the

water and salinity balance, crop selection, the chemical composition of water supplies,

among other features of the local agro-hydrological environment.

12. According to the general soil and climatic zoning scheme accepted for the Aral

Sea Basin, the ABIS is located in the desert area at the southern part of the Central

Turan Region, which is characterized by a continental type climate. An extremely arid



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climate is attributed to the desert area as characterized by: large daily and annual

temperature fluctuations; very hot summers with few cloudy days and low humidity; and

low levels of precipitation in winter.

Figure 2: Amu Darya Catchment

Source: UNEP, 2011

13. Air temperature in the summer is 27 to 29ºС, while absolute maximum reaches

43ºС. The average temperature in January is approximately 0ºС, while the absolute

recorded minimum is -18.9ºС, which was recorded at Bukhara City. Annual rainfall is

only about 120-200 mm on average.

14. Unfavourable weather conditions such as frost, hail and dry, strong winds (up to

15 m/s) may occur in entire area. Average wind speeds vary from 3-4 m/s to 6-10 m/s,

causing severe dust storms, which is typical for such desert areas. The number of days

with dust storms varies from 10 to 30 days per year.

15. The frost-free period is long (about 220 days). The high cumulative temperatures

in the area (4600 to 4700ºС) allow for the production many heat-tolerant crops. In

general the climate is characterized by hot summers. Even the spring and autumn

periods have mostly warm days, but the nights are relatively cool, which is seasonal

restrictive factor for heat-tolerant crops such as cotton.



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B. Soils

16. The soil mantle was formed under conditions of the desert type soil formation.

According to Uzbekistan’s soil and climatic zoning, the project area falls under the

southern sub-area of central desert area (C-II-А). Hydrogeological and geomorphological

features play a significant role in soil formation processes. Surface slopes range from

0.002-0.005 to 0.0005-0.001, creating complicated groundwater flow, and increase the

soil’s susceptibility to salinity.

17. Soils are of the desert type (desert-sandy, grey-brown, and takyr).

Commencement of irrigation raised groundwater levels up to 3-5m, 2-3 m and 1-2 m,

depending on the location within ABIS. Currently, the soil mantle is classified as meadow-

desert, meadow-takyr and meadow type (depending on groundwater level). Meadow-bog

soils are developed in areas with groundwater level of 0.5-1.0 m.

18. Prevailing soils have poor fertility, and low humus content (< 1%) and nutrients,

are affected by salt, and require treatment.

19. Soil absorbed base is less than 10 mg-eqv/100 g of soil, i.e., soil are not able to

retain much nutrients. Under a GEF grant (ADB LIP Project, 2011) soil surveys were

done on demonstration plots in Jondor, Bukhara, Romitan, and Kizil-Tepa Districts. The

results showed low and very low content of Ca, P and especially humus; however, micro-

elements (Cu, Zn, Mn, B, Mo) in all samplings complied or some exceeded the standards

(refer to Annex 1 Agriculture).

20. The mechanical composition of soils within the ABIS varies from sandy clay and

sand to heavy loamy and clay. Takyr soils are characterized by: heavy mechanical

composition; desert-sand soils consisting of sands and sandy clay; grey-brown soils with

light mechanical composition; and including pebble of different sizes. Due to an increase

of groundwater level and chemical properties of the soils were changed, but mechanical

composition was not changed, as it is a constant characteristic of the soil (provided that

there was no any intervention due land development, e.g. mulching with sand).

C. Hydrology, Sediment, River Morphology

21. Future flows in the Amu Darya are likely to decrease both because of

infrastructure developments within the river basin and owing to anticipated climate

change (see Appendix 2 River Morphology in Annex 2). By the 2050’s summer flows

could reduce by up to 35% owing to the scenario: (i) the Rogun Dam is operational (18%

decrease assuming the reservoir is used for winter electricity generation);123 (ii)

Afghanistan has rehabilitated and expanded their irrigation schemes (1% to 5% decrease);

and, (iii) the impact of climate anticipated change is being experienced (16% to 21%

1 Poyry, 2012, Inception Report: Executive Summary – Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for

Rogun Hydro Power Plant, for World Bank. 2 Jalilov. S.M. et al, 2011, Impact of Rogun Dam on Downstream Uzbekistan Agriculture, International

Journal of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering Vol. 3(8), pp. 161-166 3 World Bank, 2010, Multi-Country Consultations on Terms of Reference for Techno-Economic Assessment

Study and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for Rogun HEP in Tajikistan, Powerpoint

Presentation.



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decrease). Further potential developments on the Pyanj, within Afghanistan and within

Turkmenistan could further decrease summer flows; however, the likelihood of these

developments proceeding within the foreseeable future is unknown.45 The reduction in

summer flows will affect all water users along the Amu Darya. However, past experience

during the 2000-2001 drought indicates the impact will be more severe on downstream

users, such as ABIS, as upstream users will continue withdrawing their original allocated

amounts. New water sharing agreements will be needed to fairly distribute the impact. In

comparison net winter flows are likely to increase by up to 50% because the Rogun Dam

increasing the winter flows by up to 54% greatly exceeds the anticipated 5% reduction

owing to climate change.

22. A review of previous studies provides the following information of the Amu

Darya’s sediment loads: (i) the turbidity of the Amu Darya is second highest in the world,

after the Huanghe in China;6 (ii) annual sediment loads are in excess of 100 Million

Tonne (MT) of suspended sediment and about 5 MT/yr of bed load is delivered to the

Aral Sea7 (however the DI has provided assessments showing the bed load comprising

about 15% of the sediment load8); (ii) sediment loads pre-1980s are about 94.1 MT/yr;9 (iii)

turbidity ranges from 0.66 to 1.55 kg/m3 in the winter and 4.3 to 4.5 kg/m3 during

summer,10 with the long-term (1992 to 2011) average flow volume for the summer period

(May to August) is 26.8 Bm3 and for the remaining winter period (September to April) is

17.9 Bm3 the product of turbidity and flow provides a total annual suspended sediment

load of about 127 MT to 148 MT; (iv) with a total river basin area of 309,000 km2, the

annual sediment yield is about 445 T/km2 making it the sixth highest yielding river flowing

from the Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HKH) region and slightly below the average;11 and, (v) a

bed load content of 5% to 15% is much higher compared to other HKH rivers such as the

Yangtze (2.5%) and Yellow (0.14%).12

23. The existing sediment management facilities are not able to cope adequately due

to issues with the design and age of the equipment, and much of the sediment passes

through the main pump stations and canals, creating considerable maintenance

problems. Coarse material in the suspended sediment causes erosion to the pumping

systems.

4 Olsson, O. and Bauer, M., 2010, Interstate Water Resources Risk Management Towards a Sustainable

Future for the Aral Basin (JAYHUN), IWA Publishing 5 UNEP, 2011, Environment and Security in the Amu Darya Basin.

6 Olsson, O. and Bauer, M., 2010, Interstate Water Resource Risk Management: Towards a Sustainable

Future for the Aral Sea Basin (JAYHUN), prepared for the European Commission Community Research by

IWA Publishing. 7 Samajlov, I. V., Die Flussmundungen, 647 pp., Veb Hermann Haack, Germany, (translated from the

Russian original Ust'ia Rek), 1956. 8 Design Institute, 2004

9 Lu, X.X. et al, 2011, The changing sediment loads of the Hindu Kush-Himalayan rivers: an overview, IAHR

Publ. 349. 10

Lemna International Inc., 2004, Amu-Bukhara Irrigation System Rehabilitation Project Feasibility Study,

prepared for USTDA 11

Lu, X.X. et al, 2011 12

Chalov, R.S., 2004, Morphological expressions of river sediment transport and their role in channel

processes, IAHR Publ. 288.



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24. Brown colored water (indicating a significant sediments load) may be observed in

the whole ABIS canal system - pump station Khamza 1 and 2, Kuyu Mazar, Kizil Tepa

Pump Stations and the distribution work at PK 1520+00 - indicating a substantial amount

of fine suspended matter passing pumps, pipes and being transported to the very end of

the system, i.e. to the inter-farm canals and the reservoir Tudakul and Kuyu Mazar Pump

Station where final settling occurs. Obviously, the very fine sediment fraction smaller

than about 0.01 mm is barely deposited in channel and canal sections of the main

conveyance canal (ABMK), inter-regional BISA and inter-farm ISA canals because of

turbulent flow conditions. However, there might be some thin film deposition in the WUA

system furrows at the farms where the clay fraction has a chance to settle. In any case,

particles of a few μm will be filtered by the top soil as it was observed in some cotton

fields.

III. POPULATION

25. The Amu Darya River and Syr Darya River Basins have become the third largest

cotton producer in the world; it created employment and income for 10 million people

settled in the newly developed areas. The expansion of irrigated agriculture started in the

late 19th century and accelerated between 1950 and 1990. During this period, huge

reservoirs, river diversion structures, pumping stations and canals were constructed to

supply water from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya Rivers to 3.2 million ha of reclaimed

land for a total irrigated area in the Aral Basin of about 7.5 million ha, of which 4.8 million

ha are in the Amu Darya Basin.

26. The ABIS with a command area of 315,000 ha is located in the central part of

Uzbekistan, on the right bank of Amu Darya River, and serves the irrigated lands of the

Bukhara-Zarafshan and Karakul oases and the Karaulbazar massif.

27. The ABIS includes five (5) Irrigation System Administrations (ISAs)13 providing

water for irrigated agriculture in the Bukhara Province and part of the Navoi Province.

28. The population size within the ABIS command area is 1,788,000 people,

including 1,550,000 in Bukhara and 239,000 in two districts of Navoi. It is impossible to

overstate the importance of reliable water supplies for such a large and important region,

68% of which live in rural areas and fully rely on irrigated agriculture.

IV. INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUND

A. The Legal/Institutional Framework

1. As far as the ABIS is concerned the only water resources of interest are those

generated in the international Amu Darya basin. Hence the management of those

resources, particularly the allotment of an adequate share, is of critical importance to the

rehabilitation of this irrigation system.

13

The ISAs are the lowest level public entities that deal directly with the WUAs according to the instructions

from the Basin Irrigation System Administration (BISA). In the implementation of the distribution of the

irrigation water they maintain the secondary canals with funds obtained from the national budget.



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2. The proper allocation of water resources in a multi-state river basin, such as that

of the Amu Darya, needs to be based on a treaty or international agreement accepted by

all basin states that may establish an institution for the specific purpose of managing and

allocating the water resources of the basin. Such a treaty does not exist at this time.

3. Since independence Uzbekistan has been a party to bilateral and multilateral

agreements and it is a participant in regional initiatives in the area of joint water and

energy resources management. A number of intergovernmental agreements have

strengthened dialogue and cooperation amongst the countries that contribute water to

the Aral Sea. In 1992, the Central Asian Republics established the Interstate Commission

for Water Coordination (ICWC) to oversee water allocation within the Aral Sea region.

4. The ICWC executive bodies include:

(i) Secretariat in Tashkent

(ii) Basin water organization "Amudarya" (BWO "Amudarya") in Urgench

(iii) Basin water organization "Syrdarya" (BWO "Syrdarya") in Tashkent

(iv) Scientific Information Center for water related problems (SIC) and its

national branches

(v) Coordination Metrological Center (CMC) and national organizations

(vi) Training Center (TC) and its branches

5. The Deputy Minister of MAWR is the representative of Uzbekistan on the ICWC.

At its main office in Tashkent the ICWC employs about 50 professional staff, but the field

staff amounts to about 500.

6. The MAWR has departments dealing with Amelioration, Water Balances, Water

Resources, Operation of Irrigation Systems, Pumping Stations, Capital Construction and

Civil Works, Design, Technology Development and Investment, and Finance.

7. According to Ministerial Resolution 320 of 2003 the responsibility for implementing

water allocation decisions lies with the Basin Irrigation System Authorities. The resolution

states that "a decision of a Basin Irrigation System Authority, taken in the framework of

its competence, is obligatory for execution by Main Canal Authorities (MCA) and Irrigation

system authorities, municipalities, as well as officials and civilians". This wording clearly

puts the BISA, under guidance of the MAWR, in charge of implementing water resources

allocation decisions on the national level.

8. With reference to the Amu Bukhara Irrigation System it is important to note that

the BWO "Amudarya" operates intake structures, waterworks facilities, reservoirs and

other interstate structures that are transferred to the BWO's responsibilities for temporary

operation. It makes estimates of water use of the shared water resources and formulates

annual proposals for water-withdrawal limits, depending on water availability from the

resources for a planned period and ensures delivery of ICWC-set water limits to various

economic sectors, including the population the environment, the Aral Sea and sanitary

releases.



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B. Organizational Framework

29. After the transition from the centralized administrative setup to the basin water

management system in 200314, there was a reorganization of the water management

sector and the creation of new institutions under the MAWR including: Basin Irrigation

System Administrations (BISAs); Main Canal Administrations (MCAs); and Irrigation

System Administrations (ISAs).

30. The Amu Bukhara Irrigation System Operating Authority (ABISOA) is responsible

for water intake from Amu Darya River and its conveyance, as well as for reliable O&M of

the Amu Bukhara Machine Canal (ABMK).

31. Within the ABIS project area the responsibility for O&M of the conveyance canal

and the large pumping stations along the canal lies with the ABMK, which was renamed

by Resolution 320 as a Major Canal Authority (MCA) under supervision of the local BISA.

In actual practice this organization is invariably still referred to as the ABMK, the initials

of the original Russian name.

32. Irrigation and drainage infrastructure under the direct responsibility of the

ABISOA are commonly referred to as “inter-regional” works, such the ABIS Main Canal,

the main pump stations, and the primary drainage network. The ABISOA performs O&M

of the inter-regional canals and main pump stations.

33. O&M responsibilities of the remaining portion of the scheme are divided between

the Basin Irrigation System Administration (BISA) on one side who handle “inter-farm”

works, and Water Users Associations (WUAs) who on the other side handle “farm” works.

Farm works are by definition the on-farm irrigation and drainage infrastructure owned by

WUAs (previously the assets of the agricultural cooperatives or shirkats), and the WUAs

are responsible for all O&M. All the remaining works are owned by the Government, and

represented by MAWR and the Irrigation System Authorities (ISAs) under the Amu

Bukhara BISA.

V. IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE

A. Sector Assessment

34. Irrigated agriculture accounts for 90% of agricultural production and over 40% of

employment in Uzbekistan, and remains a key economic sector. Together with agriculture-

based rural small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),15 it is the main source of

livelihood for rural communities. To further improve rural living standards, the government

developed the Welfare Improvement Strategy (WIS) (2008-2010)16 and in 2011 launched

the Integrated Rural Development Strategy. The key elements of these strategies include:

(i) improved agricultural production, (ii) promotion of non-agricultural economic development

in rural areas, (ii) upgraded rural transport networks, (iv) enhanced water supply services,

14

Resolution No. 320 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan – “On Improving the Water Sector

Governance” 15

In 2011, the government launched a program to promote rural small and medium-sized enterprises. 16

Republic of Uzbekistan. 2007. Welfare Improvement Strategy of Uzbekistan. Tashkent. http://www.wis.uz.



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and (v) strengthened education and health services in regions. Enhancing the

productivity and sustainability of irrigated agriculture—which covers 4.3 million ha—is a

central theme of both strategies as over 60% of the population live in rural areas and

depend on irrigated agriculture for their livelihood. Irrigation and drainage (I&D) are also

critical to agriculture productivity, competitiveness, and environmental management.

35. While Uzbekistan’s I&D infrastructure was built to sound technical standards, it

has been in operation far beyond its economic life and it is rapidly deteriorating. The

outdated low energy-efficient equipment exacerbates the already high water application

rates that lead to land salinization and degradation. The environmental consequences of

land degradation and rising greenhouses gas (GHG) emissions are likely to increase unless

more is invested in I&D. Modernizing the deteriorating I&D infrastructure is therefore of

paramount importance for the government to ensure sustained agricultural production

and economic growth.

36. The current major challenges for the sector include (i) limited investment

(agriculture’s share in GDP has decreased from 3% in 1995 to 2% in 2002 and continues

to fall); (ii) reduced agricultural productivity caused by low water-use efficiency (about

40% on average); (iii) deteriorating main and on-farm infrastructure that has outlived its

economic life; (iv) reliance on pump irrigation that covers 65% of the irrigated area,

absorbs 70% of the annual operation and maintenance (O&M) budget, and consumes

20% of the country’s electricity; (v) low pump station energy efficiency caused by the

system’s poor state of repair and old designs; (vi) poor water management practices; and

(vii) high climate sensitivity as 500% water deficit is projected by 2050, resulting in

droughts and further desertification.17 Such drier environment is expected to be more

reliant on already scarce water resources. Thus, substantial investments in I&D and

water management will be required to maintain food security.

37. Since 2001, ADB has helped the government improve agriculture performance by

implementing a number of projects and is the largest external supporter of the agriculture

sector. Among others, ADB is supporting three projects in the irrigated agriculture sector.

The rehabilitation of Amu Zhang Irrigation System18—one of the largest pump irrigation

schemes in the country—will increase the reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of

irrigation water supply. The Land Improvement Project (LIP)19 is enhancing land quality

and productivity by rehabilitating I&D infrastructure and improving water management

practices. The Water Resources Management Sector Project20 will sustain and increase

agriculture productivity in the Zarafshan River Basin and Fergana Valley by upgrading

pumping stations, canals, and structures, and improving water management.

38. Uzbekistan’s territory covers about 45 million ha of which agriculture uses about

28.5 million ha (63% of total area) comprising of 23.4 million ha of low productive

pastures and 4.4 million ha of irrigated land. The main agricultural areas are located in

17

World Bank 2010: Climate Change and Agriculture—Uzbekistan Country Note. 18

ADB. 2004. Report and Recommendation of the President to the Board of Directors on a Proposed Loan

to Uzbekistan for Amu Zang Irrigation Rehabilitation Project. Manila. 19

ADB. 2006. Report and Recommendation of the President to the Board of Directors on Proposed Loans

and Technical Assistance Grant to the Republic of Uzbekistan for Land Improvement Project. Manila. 20

ADB. 2008. Report and Recommendation of the President to the Board of Directors on Proposed Loan to

the Republic of Uzbekistan for Water Resources Management Sector Project. Manila



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the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya River Basins, which supply about 70% of irrigation

water. Irrigation is vital and provided virtually for free by the Government.

39. In Uzbekistan, land resources belong to the government and are not subject to

sale, exchange, grant, mortgage, except for those specific cases stipulated by law. The

main land use form is long-term rent, on the basis of which the farmers use land for crop

production, livestock and other agricultural activity. The right for land rent is provided in

the Land Code of 1998 (Clauses 24, 53), and “Law on Private Farms" of 1998. The farms

in the ABIS specialize in cotton and winter wheat production according to the state order.

40. The other primary land use form is Dekhan farms. Dekhan farms sizes do not

exceed 0.35 ha. Land owners are free in crop pattern selection, and mainly involve

orchards, vegetables, melons and gourds and potatoes.

41. The WIS identified an investment requirement with the estimated amount of

$1.7 billion for agriculture and irrigation, and called for foreign investment in the amount

of $400 million. The total investment requirement for inter-farm, on-farm rehabilitation

and upgrading, and limited new investments has been estimated for the sector at

between $20 and $24 billion over a 20 year time by the World Bank (2000) and the GEF

(2002). The gap between the investment requirement and the actual investment is still

huge and the proposed Project will contribute to fill the financial gap.

42. The Government acknowledges agriculture as a central avenue for growth of the

economy. It acknowledges the significance of private and public investment in the sector,

including investment in the modernization of water management and irrigation systems.

Restructuring the agricultural sector requires capital investment in irrigation water supply,

as well as water efficient technologies, rehabilitation of the irrigation and drainage

systems, modernization of pumping facilities, and better water resources management.

43. Compared with other countries, Uzbekistan’s irrigated agricultural sector has

performed far below its potential. Uzbekistan was once a main producer of cotton and a

large supplier of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables to other parts of the former

Soviet Union. Since independence in 1991, the Government’s quest for wheat self-

sufficiency has had a significant effect on cropping systems and crop production. For

many years, the sector has relied on large government subsidies resulting mainly from

low fixed prices for cotton and wheat which have drained the sector of resources.

Despite Government resolutions on deepening reforms, the performance of the

agriculture sector has experienced only margin improvement because of persisting rigid

top-down management command and control systems. The Government sets mandatory

production targets and the farmers are subject to quotas to grow large areas with

subsidized credits and inputs.

44. In ABIS the majority of the irrigated area is allocated for cotton and wheat

(approximately 52% in 2011). Extensive crop diversification is only observed at the level

of the household dekhan plots. In the farms, crop rotation is missing: several years of

cotton is followed by cotton again, or wheat is followed by wheat, or wheat is planted

after cotton. Such exclusive crop rotations as only cotton-wheat exhaust the soil and

leads to gradual degradation.



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45. However, in recent years some trend has been observed towards more crop

diversification. In 2011 after harvesting almost half the area of wheat was planted by

double crops, including vegetables, melons and gourds, legumes, and maize. About 10%

of the area under double crops is covered by legumes (see Annex 1 Agriculture for

details). This is an important factor for improvement of soil fertility and nitrogen accumulation.

Soil covered by vegetation is protected from drying up and salt transferring to the root zone,

thus preventing from wind erosion and salinity of upper layers.

B. Climate Change in Aral Sea Basin and Uzbekistan

46. Simulations with global climate models suggest that the annual mean

temperatures are going to rise in the Aral Sea Basin by about three degrees during the

coming 40 years. Dry south-western parts of Central Asia will become even drier especially

during summer, and precipitation might increase in some places in the mountains.

47. The glaciers in the Tien Shan and Pamir are retreating, and have lost 12.6%

(0.33%/year) of their 1965 area in the 1965-2003. It is likely that: (i) glacier extent in the

Pamir and Tien Shan mountain ranges will decrease by 45 to 60% by the year 2050; (ii)

the runoff peak will shift from summer to spring and decrease in magnitude; (iii) total

annual runoff into the downstream areas will decrease by 22-28% for the Syr Darya and

26-35% for the Amu Darya by 2050; with inflow decreases up to 45% expected for the

late summer months.

48. Annual total water demands in the Syr Darya and Amu Darya basins is likely to

increase by 3.0 - 3.9% and by 3.8% - 5.0% in 2050, and annual unmet demand increases

from 8.8% currently to 31.6 - 39.7%, and from 24.8% currently to 45.8 – 54.5% in 2050,

respectively. The total extent of the Aral Sea will reduce from about 17,000 km2 currently

to 13,800 km2 in 2050.

49. In Uzbekistan, climate change projections from 2005 to 2050 indicate that (i)

water demand will increase from 59 km3 to 62–63 km3, (ii) supply will decrease from 57

km3 to 52–54 km3, and (iii) the present water deficit will increase by over 500% from

about 2 km3 to 11–13 km3.21

C. Climate Change Impacts to ABIS

50. The following climate change impacts to ABIS are identified; (i) the average crop

water demand of ABIS is likely to increase by about 9% by 2050; (ii) climate change

alone will result in a decrease in average river flow from the current 38 km³/year to an

estimated range of between 22 and 28 km³/year due to possible rising temperatures and

loss of glacial storage in the headwaters; (iii) the inter-annual variability of available Amu

Darya flow is expected to increase from a historic range of 31 to 34%, to a projected

(2050) range of 36 to 44%; (iv) more frequent water deficiencies in some years will have

the potential to pose serious irrigation problems by 2050, requiring emergency drought

management plans; and (v) in order to cope with these changes there is an imperative to

massively reduce the irrigation off-take before 2050. Such drier environment is expected to

21

World Bank. 2010. Climate Change and Agriculture Country Note.

www.worldbank.org/eca/climateandagriculture.



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be more reliant on already scarce water resources. Due to the potential for reduced

diversions from the Amu Darya River, the ever present risk of drought, and future challenges

related to global climate change, feasible adaptation measures are required, including better

agricultural practice aimed towards increasing water productivity and preserving land fertility.

D. Agricultural Productivity of Water

51. Productivity of water (POW) is calculated, on a unit area basis, as the crop yield

(T) divided by water consumption (m3) and has units of T/m3. Empirical analysis from the

Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) indicates that for

Uzbekistan 20% more wheat could be produced on 25% less land (yield increased by

60%) while maintaining present total water consumption.22 This indicates that

productivity is presently low because water is over allocated owing to over-extended

irrigation areas and that optimum crop water requirements (consumption) are not met.

Improvement and consolidation of existing areas should receive priority over new

development.23 Improving agricultural POW is important: (i) to meet rising food demands,

in light of increasing water scarcity; (ii) to respond to competing demands on water

between agriculture, drinking water, industry and environmental uses; and (iii) to contribute

to poverty reduction and economic growth including better nutrition for families, productive

employment, higher incomes, and greater equity. Targeting high water productivity can

reduce investment costs by reducing the amount of water that has to be diverted /

withdrawn.24

52. In 2010/11 Uzbekistan produced about 1.0 MT of cotton making it the sixth

largest producer of cotton in the world after China (7 MT), India (5.9 MT), USA (4 MT),

Pakistan (1.9 MT), and Brazil (1.8 MT). Most cotton produced is exported making it the

third largest exporter behind USA and India, and accounts for about 11% of Uzbekistan’s

total exports. Traditional customers are China, Bangladesh, Korea, and Russia. Other

major crops are wheat, barley, corn, and rice.25 Of Uzbekistan’s total population of

29.56 million (2012)26, about 64% live in rural areas.27 About 40% of the population is

employed in the agricultural sector.28

53. Cotton production in Uzbekistan has declined over the past two decades. In

1990/91 approximately 1.6 MT of cotton was produced. In 2010/11, only 1 MT was

produced. The decrease in area allocated to cotton sowing is attributed to issues concerning

food security, problems with irrigation, and generally the risks associated with mono-

culture and policy in favour of grain production. These issues, coupled with the problematic

shortages in the irrigation sector have decreased cotton production in Uzbekistan. Local

22

Figures 7.2 and 7.3, in CGIAR (2007) Water for Food, Water for Life – A Comprehensive Assessment of

Water Management in Agriculture: present winter wheat yield is 4.2 T/ha, potential consumption 500 mm,

potential winter wheat yield, with full consumption, is 9.2 T/ha, and crop water stress is assumed to account

for half the yield gap. 23

ADB. 2012, Developing Water Resources Sector Strategies in Central and West Asia (draft). 24

Comprehensive Assessment of Water Management in Agriculture. 2007. Water for Food, Water for Life: A

Comprehensive Assessment of Water Management in Agriculture. London: Earthscan, and Colombo: IWMI. 25

International Cotton Advisory Committee 26

The State Committee of Uzbekistan on Statistics 27

CIA Fact book 28

ADB. November 2011. Concept Paper, Uzbekistan: Amu Bukhara Irrigation System Rehabilitation. Project Number: 44458



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consumption of cotton, on the other hand, has been slowly growing since 2004/05

reaching 270,000 T in 2010/11 and accounting for about 25% of production. In 1990/91,

consumption was estimated at 205,000 T. Uzbekistan aims at creating an internationally

competitive textile sector.29

54. The 4-5 million individual dekhans perform well. Although they comprise of only

11% of cropped land, dekhans produce about 20% of the country’s grain and most of its

horticulture. Overall, they produce about 62% of Uzbekistan’s total agricultural output (40%

of crop value and almost 90% of livestock value) and also provide most of the farmer’s

cash income. Therefore they are vital for the survival of the rural population.

55. In 2007, cotton and wheat crops accounted for 60% of agricultural production, and

were grown on 41% and 42% of the irrigated area respectively. The average yields of cotton

and wheat are low by international standards. Cotton yields have been declining steadily

since 1991 and currently average about 2.54 T/ha.30 In contrast, wheat yields increased from

about 2.3 T/ha to about 4.76 T/ha,31 but this is still low for irrigated agriculture.

56. Concentration on cotton and wheat has meant that the area planted with other

crops (such as potatoes, vegetables and other horticultural crops) has also reduced

dramatically. In addition, the area planted with fodder crops declined by two thirds

between 1991 and 2004 and now only represents 9% of the cultivated area. Moreover,

the cotton/wheat crop rotation is not sustainable and has resulted in a serious loss of soil

fertility which has added to environmental degradation.

57. In 2011 cotton yields ranged from about 2 T/ha to 3.7 T/ha depending on the

administration district. About 87% of the irrigated area is impacted by saline soils comprising

of: (i) about 58% are slightly affected; (ii) 25% are mildly affected; and, (iii) 4% are

strongly affected. Salt is known to be accumulating in four out of the 11 districts.32

58. A lack of agricultural support/extension services has been identified as a major

sector constraint on productivity in the country.33 This situation is particularly acute

because of the limited capacities and minimal technical knowledge available within the

established Water User Associations (WUAs), and the reliance on inadequate quasi-state

institutions providing seeds, fertiliser and other support products and services.

59. Since 1990, cotton as a mono-crop has been gradually reduced due an increase

in the area programmed for winter wheat. Cotton fields have been reduced by up to 55-

60%, which is within the recommended range of cotton-wheat crop rotation. However,

wheat production was increased not only by reducing cotton fields, but also alfalfa, which

is the most important ameliorative and fodder crop, without which livestock development

and soil fertility would be impossible. In many farms alfalfa areas were reduced from 15-

20% to 3-5%, and in some farms this crop is not planted anymore. This aggravated the

problem with maintaining acceptable levels of soil fertility.

29

ibid 30

Average years 2005 – 2007 31

On irrigated land, average for years 2005 - 2007 32

HGME, 2012 33

ADB. 2008 Report and Recommendation of the President to the Board of Directors on Proposed Loan to

the Republic of Uzbekistan for Water Resources Management Sector Project (40086). Manila.



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VI. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT

A. Present Situation

60. Irrigation and drainage are key factors in agriculture, and critical to productivity,

competitiveness, and environmental management. However, infrastructure facilities of

the ABIS are deteriorated and agricultural productivity is declining. Pump stations have

exceed their service life and are losing capacity, main canal structures are in need of

repair, and inter-farm and on-farm canals have deteriorated, which are contributing to

water losses, water logging in some areas, salinity, and increasing energy costs for

pumping water. Rehabilitation of pump stations, upgrading of irrigation infrastructure,

including inter-farm canals are essential to avoid continued decline in water productivity

of the ABIS, with the resulting losses to agricultural production and farm incomes.

61. The rehabilitation needs are substantial, but the level of funding available from

the Government and development partners is limited. This means prioritizing investments.

The Government has requested the focus of the Project to be on improvements and

rehabilitation of pump stations, along with development of irrigation works and improved

water management by the farmers and WUAs.

B. Goal and Objective

62. The Project continues the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the

rehabilitation and upgrading of irrigation and drainage infrastructure and capacity

development for water management in Uzbekistan. The Amu Bukhara Irrigation System

(ABIS) Rehabilitation Project is structured as a sector loan project. It includes the irrigated

areas in Bukhara and Navoi Provinces. The Project will include: (i) construction of a new

pumping station near the existing Khamza 1 Pump Station and rehabilitation and

upgrading of five (5) pumping stations of the six main pump stations within the ABIS;

(ii) rehabilitation and upgrading of priority main system canals and structures, (iii) a pilot

demonstration area covering rehabilitation of inter-farm irrigation and on-farm canals and

structures supplying the pilot farm(s); and (iii) improvement of inter-farm and on-farm

water management through capacity building of MAWR’s operating agencies and water

users’ associations (WUAs). The primary aim is sustained and increased agricultural

water productivity.

63. The proposed Project will address irrigated agriculture and water resources

management issues in Amu Bukhara Irrigation System (ABIS) in Bukhara and Navoi

Provinces. The impact of the Project will be a sustainable economic and social welfare of

communities dependent upon ABIS. This will be achieved by a more sustainable and

reliable ABIS through implementation of four outputs: (i) obsolete and energy-inefficient

pump stations modernized and rehabilitated; (ii) conveyance efficiency in ABIS main

canal increased; (iii) climate change adaptation capacity increased; and (iv) efficient

project and irrigation system management. In addition, the increase of agricultural

productivity by addressing water logging and high soil salinity will be achieved through



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the government’s fund and ongoing ADB’s loans: Land Improvement Project34 to

compliment the outcome and the impact of the Project.35

64. The Project impact is improved rural incomes and welfare of communities

dependent upon water from ABIS. The project outcome will be reliable water supply to

rural and urban water users in Amu Bukhara. The key outputs will be the following:

(i) pump stations provide efficient and reliable water supplies; (ii) the main canal system

conveys water requirements on schedule; (iii) GHG emissions from pump stations and

climate change risks are reduced; and (iv) efficient project and irrigation system

management and monitoring systems are established and implemented.

65. The proposed Project will support the Government’s rural development program

launched in 2009, which places priority on improving water management, increasing the

productivity of water use, and rehabilitating irrigation systems considering the continued

facing problems arising from increasing water stress, which its resource-intensive

irrigation system and lesser glacial water flows as a result of global warming.

66. The Project is also fully consistent with prioritized sector highlighted in ADB's

Country Partnership Strategy (CPS). The CPS suggests ADB investments in water

resources management and irrigation which is one of the five sectors indicated in the

CPS for climate-resilient rehabilitation of a major irrigation system to make the system

more energy-efficient and reduce the cost of its operations, and for climate-adaptive on-

farm water management and the productivity of water resources.

C. ABIS Overview

67. The Bukhara Province is located in the central part of Uzbekistan, which borders

Turkmenistan. The population of the Province is 1.7 million in 201236 and has increased

by about 3% per year. With an annual growth rate of 3%, the provincial population will

double in about 30 years. This increase in population will have a potentially significant impact

on the availability and value of water.

68. The ABIS is located on the right bank of Amu Darya River, has a command area

of 315,000 ha, including 274,900 ha in Bukhara and 39,900 ha in Navoi, respectively, in

which around 6,500 farmers are dependent on agriculture activities with the support of

145 water consumers’ associations (WCAs) (as of 2011), and serves the irrigated lands

of the Bukhara-Zarafshan and Karakul oases and the Karaulbazar massif. The diversion

point from Amu Darya, the intake channel, and the main canal with the lengths of

approximately of 10 km from the intake channel of the ABIS are located in Turkmenistan,

and O&M of these sections are carried out by the MAWR based on the bilateral

34 ADB. 2006. Report and Recommendation of the President to the Board of Directors on a Proposed

Loans to Uzbekistan for Land Improvement Project. Manila. 35

ADB provided project preparatory technical assistance. ADB. 2011. Technical Assistance to the Republic

of Uzbekistan for Preparing Amu Bukhara Irrigation System Rehabilitation. Manila. 36

Data of the survey conducted in accordance with the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic

of Uzbekistan № 71 of 14 March 2011 “On measures for preparing and conducting sampling statistical

survey on population.”



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agreement between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.37 The population within the command

area is about 1.8 million, including entire Bukhara Province and two districts of Navoi

Province. ABIS also provides domestic water supply for water users estimated at about

725,650 persons in the ABIS areas.38 The importance of reliable water supplies for ABIS is

thus significant, as 68% of the population live in rural areas and fully rely on irrigated

agriculture.

69. During the last century, when cotton production reached its maximum scale in

Uzbekistan, large pump stations were constructed for irrigation which covered almost all

regions of the country including Bukhara and Navoi Provinces. After construction of the

Amu Karakul Canal (1962) and Amu Bukhara Canal (1964-1965, 1975), the Bukhara

Province and a portion of the Navoi Province came to be irrigated with water from the Amu

Darya River, which is the Amu Bukhara Irrigation System. Since 1990, cotton as a mono-

crop has been gradually reduced due an increase in the area for winter wheat, and its

fields have been reduced by up to 55-60%, which is within the recommended range of

cotton-wheat crop rotation. Further, in recent years some trend has been observed

towards more crop diversification. In 2011 after harvesting almost half the area of wheat was

planted by double crops, including vegetables, melons and gourds, legumes, maize etc.39

70. Since the ABIS was commissioned in 1965, the main pumps, electric motors, and

auxiliary systems have exceeded their design life span, and main, and inter- and on-farm

canal systems have been obsolete and in poor condition. Water supplies have become

more unreliable due to: (i) continued high expenditures (varying between 216 million

UZS in 2007 and 389 million UZS in 201140) for their maintenance of the aging pump

stations, which led to several major failures of pumping equipment; and (ii) deteriorated

regulatory structures and inefficient water supply operation and management of ABIS

leading inefficient water distribution (80% to 85% in inter- and on-farm canals) and low

conveyance efficiency (85% to 90% in main canal) resulting in overall irrigation efficiency

of about 40%, posing a significant risk to agricultural production in the region and to the

livelihood of local communities. In addition, these aging and energy-inefficient pump

stations are consuming high electricity (annually 1.32 million MWh41 to 1.63 million MWh42),

which is equivalent to about 60% of energy consumption in Bukhara Province and GHG

emission of 758,000 tCO2e43 to 935,000 tCO2e.

71. ABIS area is also suffering poor land quality and about 12% of lands in Bukhara

region are in poor condition mainly due to salinity and water-logging. According to HGME

37

Agreement on cooperation on water economics between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan signed in January

1996. 38

This figure was obtained from the Statistics Department of Bukhara Region, Kizil Tepa, and Karmana

Districts reported the “Passports” for the region and districts, 2011. 39

In 2010/11, only 1 MT of cotton was produced in the country while approximately 1.6 MT was produced in

1990/91. The decrease in cotton area is attributed to issues concerning food security, problems with irrigation, and

generally the risks associated with monoculture and policy in favour of grain production. 40

O&M Cost Report of ABISOA for 2007-2011 41

ADB. 2012. Technical Assistance to Uzbekistan for Amu Bukhara Irrigation System Rehabilitation (TA

7917) [Consultant's Energy Efficiency & Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Report]. Manila 42

O&M Cost Report of ABISOA for 2007-2011

ADB. 2012. Technical Assistance to Uzbekistan for Amu Bukhara Irrigation System Rehabilitation (TA 7917)

[Consultant's Energy Efficiency & Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Report]. Manila 43

tCO2e - tons of carbon dioxide equivalent



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data moderately saline lands in ABIS cover about 25-30% and severely saline about 3-

4% of the irrigated lands. This is attributed to the application of saline irrigation water and

the concentration of salts in the soil profile due to inappropriate leaching and poor drainage

condition.

D. Proposed Components

72. The following components for the Project were identified and decided for

consideration in during the preparation of the feasibility study:

(i) ABIS Management Modernization including Tudakul and Kuyu Mazar

reservoirs and pilot on-farm infrastructure and management improvement,

and demonstration plots to implement the project, manage a monitoring

and evaluation system, and provide improved and cost-effective water

delivery service to the farmers for crop yield/intensity increases

(ii) Replacement/Rehabilitation/Upgrade of four (4) prioritized Pump Stations

and their auxiliaries (Khamza-1 and its Auxiliary, Khamza-2, Kuyu Mazar,

and Kiziltepa and its Auxiliary) to provide reliable water for irrigation,

domestic, municipal, and industry, reduce operation and maintenance

(O&M) costs including power consumption, reduce green gas emissions

(iii) Amu Darya River Training and ABIS Intake Desilting Basin to secure

water availability, reduce sediment loading with the aim of reduce O&M

costs and improve water delivery service

(iv) ABIS Main Infrastructure Modernization to reduce conveyance and

management water losses, and provide improved water delivery service

(v) Structural Drainage Improvement to reduce saline and waterlogged areas,

increase crop yields, and to reduce non-beneficial and non-recoverable

water consumption

73. As available Project funding constraints became apparent during the preparation

of the Project the five components were re-assessed. It was decided to focus the Project

on Components (i), (ii), and (iv).

74. Component (iii) would not be undertaken with financing from the ADB. This

Component with its interventions would take place outside the territory of the Republic of

Uzbekistan could not be financed by the ADB. The Component would require funding

from the Government to improve the Intake structure on the Amu Darya. Without the

improvement of the Intake and de-silting facilities in Turkmenistan the risk to Project

sustainability increases. The Government’s funding of these improvements should be

included as a contribution to the Project. This funding for these improvements will amount

to approximately $50 million, which would include the procurement of dredgers equipment.

75. Component (v) is also a critical Component as drainage improvements are

required to sustain agricultural production within the Project. The Government is currently

funding this effort to the level of approximately $5 million to $6 million per year. In

addition, another approximate $5 million to $6 million has been allocated and being

spent for maintenance and improvement to existing drainage facilities. This level of



InfoCapital Group

spending should continue and be considered as part of the Government contribution to

the Project. Over the expected duration of the project this may amount to about $30

million solely for improvement of drainage works.

E. Rehabilitation and Improvements

76. The ADB and Government decided the Project’s focus would be on the

rehabilitation and / or reconstruction of main pump stations within the ABIS, upgrading

inter-farm canals and structures within a pilot demonstration area, and associated water

management technologies at the on-farm level. With Component (i) the Project would

propose to improve water-use efficiency and water productivity, by use of a pilot-area

approach to demonstrate improved water management measures at the inter-farm level

and on-farm level. The approach would demonstrate and promote improved water

management and operations of the canal commands; and at the on-farm level guide

farmers; and WUAs to manage the on-farm systems more effectively. Overall, the

approach would strengthen joint operations of inter- and on-farm systems. In addition to

overall system management improvement, within Component (i) social, resettlement, and

environmental safeguard activities would be funded and implemented. Component (ii)

which would relate to replacement / rehabilitation / upgrading of five pump stations (one

auxiliary pump station would be combined with its associated main pump stations) would

introduce more efficient pumps and modern technical support equipment and systems to

improve both water delivery and energy efficiency. Component (iv) would concentrate on

rehabilitating the main conveyance system which delivers water supplies to agricultural,

industrial, and urban users. Only essential hydraulic control structures along the main

system would be rehabilitated.

1. Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

77. As climate change impacts are now becoming more apparent and forecast, the

Project has been designed to incorporate adaptation measures for sustainable operations

of the ABIS. Towards the end of the long-term planning horizon, that is towards 2050,

strongly positive annual variation should approximately balance the river decline caused by

climate-change. At the other extreme, negative annual variation could double the climate-

change deficit. On top of this, there will be an approximate 9% increase in crop water

demand, and an unquantifiable decrease in river flow due to human interventions. Overall,

the worst-case scenario will consist of a water deficit which cannot be met by any

combination of interventions and adaptations. Nevertheless, if the goal of a 40% reduction

in water demand by 2050 is achieved then an adequate water supply should still be

available in most years. There are too many uncertainties to quantify the probability of

adequate yields within the ABIS, but given realization of the target reduction in water

demand, a subjective ‘guesstimate’, of about 90% annual water demand attainment,

seems reasonable. However, there are significant attendant risks, of which the three most

significant are:

GHG emissions could be worse than the modelled scenarios, thereby

accelerating global warming, and hence glacial/snow melt in the Amu

Darya’s headwaters.



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Human intervention, such as increased extraction for irrigation in

Tajikistan and Afghanistan, could artificially accelerate the downstream

recession.

The water conservation goal of the ABIS might not prove to be attainable

within the necessary time-frame.

78. If the long term goal of a 40% reduction in water usage is to be attained then a

robust long-term action-plan must be prepared, of which the first seven years will be the

‘demonstration phase’ of this project. In view of the short-term focus of farmers to make a

reasonable living, it is unlikely that long-term sustainability of the ABIS will constitute

sufficient incentive for farmers to transcend the profound cultural shift that a 40% saving

in water usage entails. Therefore, the objectives of this phase must be:

To set up two initial demonstration farms in selected demonstration areas,

followed by a further two demonstration farms within the third year, in

which to demonstrate the benefits of water conservation to the wider

farming community.

To introduce the full spectrum of water saving technologies to farmers in

the selected demonstration areas, with training, subsidy, and demonstrable

benefits to the farmers.

To foster an ethos and capability of effective technical assistance within

the BISA and MAWR, in which water conservation becomes the universal

default practice.

To demonstrate the economic viability of water conserving technologies,

coupled with improved yields and the establishment of ABIS sustainability.

To establish at least two micrometeorology sites within the ABIS, by which

evapotranspiration (and hence crop water requirements) trends and

variability can be monitored on a sustainable basis.

To establish a network of tensiometers and/or other instrumentation, with

maintenance and monitoring, to facilitate optimum irrigation and leachate

rates.

To create a wholesale and retail infrastructure in which all the materiel

necessary for water conservation becomes readily accessible and affordable

to farmers in the ABIS.

To establish all of the above both as this projects’ contribution, standing in its

own right, and as the initial impetus for the wider imperative of making water

conservation a universal long-term goal across the whole of the ABIS.



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79. Climate change mitigation measures will be directed towards reduction of green-

house gases (GHG) within ABIS and include:

(i) reducing emissions relating to electricity use for powering pumps and

operation of the buildings:

(a) measures will include electrical metering on motors to improve

monitoring and management, leading to reduced energy consumption

(b) new building facilities measures to include reduced energy use –

such as, double glazed windows, improved ventilation systems

(c) high efficiency pumps and electric motors

(ii) reducing indirect emissions from diesel and petrol for transportation and

the supply of goods/services for direct and indirect staff of the ABIS

2. River Intake Channel and Dredgers

80. The first hydraulic structure in the ABIS system is a gated control structure in

Turkmenistan (called the ‘intake gates’) that was built in the 1960s at the start of the

ABIS project’s construction. This structure was originally 2.8 km (or “Picket 28+00”)

downstream from the River but morphological conditions have changed significantly the

location of the point of diversion since then. See Annex 2 Engineering and details refer

to Appendix 1 of the same Annex 2.

81. The ABMK Intake Gates are the basic separating line between the intake channel

and the Main Canal. The intake gates are located 10.97 km from the first flow division

structure in the ABIS, which is situated in between the border crossings of Uzbekistan

and Turkmenistan. The canal depth was approximately 3 m in the conditions upstream

and downstream of the intake structure. At high flows during the irrigation season, the

upstream depth is another 3 to 3.5 m deeper. The channel/canal at this location is

approximately 70-80 m wide.

82. The intake gates are in a state of general disrepair and require rehabilitation to all

the electro-mechanical components, including some structural repairs to the gates.

Specific points mentioned by the operators are that the electrical controls built in 1975

are worn out and unreliable, and the overhead frame for the supplemental sluice gates is

under-sized and requires replacement. It is recommended that when the intake gate

structure is rehabilitated a trash rack with motorized removal system is incorporated into

the design. It may also be practical and cost-effective to install some floating booms at

the entrance to the intake channel(s) to keep some of the floating debris from entering

the system in the first place.

83. On behalf of ABMK, a separate company called Gidromechanizatsiya State

Specialized Control (GSU) operates and maintains a fleet of twenty (20) boat-mounted

suction pipeline dredgers in Turkmenistan (refer to Annex 2 and its Appendix 1 for

details). The dredgers range in age from 1965 to 1990; all of them are past their design

service life and require considerable maintenance to keep operating. GSU has a

renewable annual contract to carry out dredging works in the ABMK intake channel and

the Amu Darya River in Turkmenistan using electric- and diesel-powered units owned by

ABMK.



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84. The capacity for sediment removal of the current dredgers varies from 130 m3/hr

to 160 m3/hr. Dredgers are typically operated only 14-16 hrs/day, instead of continuously,

because they have to be shut down every day for extensive maintenance. There are 4 to

7 operators per dredger that work in shifts of three. Living quarters for the crew are made

available from enclosed boats that are tethered to each dredger unit.

85. In general, the dredgers have exceeded their service life and only repeated and

frequent maintenance activities ensure their continued operation. It is recommended that

ten (10) dredgers be replaced with new units as an urgent priority and then the remaining ten

(10) dredgers are replaced within 5-10 years (ie, total of (20) units replaced in two stages).

86. The sediment loading of the Amu Darya River is extremely high. Data provided by

ABMK for 2009 to 2011 show that on an annual basis the 3-year average suspended

sediment concentration was 2.30 kg/m3 at the intake channel and 0.89 kg/m3 in the

ABMK Main Canal at km 152. During spring and summer the monthly average

concentrations in the intake channel reach 4 kg/m3 (range: 2.62 to 4.02 kg/m3) and

reduce to 1.1 kg/m3 in the fall and winter months (range: 0.87 to 1.24 kg/m3). At km 152

in the ABMK Main Canal, the spring/summer and fall/winter average concentrations were

1.27 kg/m3 and 0.45 kg/m3, respectively.

87. A cost-effective solution is envisaged by using two structural components: (i)

bottom structure to reduce coarse sand coming to the intake; and (ii) large sedimentation

basin for deposition of fine sand and silt fraction. A sedimentation basin is a priority

option to provide fractional deposition and hence, to exclude the problematic coarser

grain size fraction. It has a rectangular top view located in a straight section of the existing

channel. The flow velocity has to be significantly reduced by increasing the existing

channel cross section. The length of the basin which is required to ensure the deposition of

the excludable fraction has to be determined by numerical model investigation.

88. By knowing soil and sediment properties the existing channel will be widened

and/or deepened to provide appropriate flow velocity at any water level of Amu Darya

and an appropriate storage or buffer volume. Specific soil mechanical investigation has

to ensure slope stability of the excavated banks. The appropriate location of the de-

silting basin is in a straight section of the existing channel. Details of the proposed de-

silting basin are provided in Annex 2 Engineering; Appendix 2 River Morphology /

Sediment; Attachment 2.

3. Pumping Stations

89. The rehabilitation/upgrading of the main pump stations has the following main

objectives:

(i) Reduce of pump outages and system failures

(ii) Increase of overall pump unit efficiency

(iii) Include measures on high wear of wetted pump parts

(iv) Lower maintenance and operation (O&M) costs

(v) Improve pump control

(vi) Increase of overall life time of the pump station equipment



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90. The pump stations are all well past their design service life (over 30 to 40 years in

operation). Each of the pumps and motors are in working condition, but in poor shape

and perform below their design efficiency and capacity. Maintenance crews do their best

to keep the plants running, but in general the electro-mechanical equipment is worn out

and continued repairs are not cost-effective. All pump sets and their auxiliary

components require complete replacement.

91. Annex 2 presents detailed assessment reports of the main pump stations and

provides a summary of areas of concern for each of the main pump stations and a

summary of the equipment at each of the pump stations.

92. In general, the pump impellers have deteriorated from pitting and abrasion due to

the heavy silt load in the canal water, and from general wear and tear in the pump set.

The damage to the impellers is repaired by the central machine shop at ABMK

headquarters; however, the regular practice is to add filler metal to worn parts of the

impeller by seam welding. The filler welding results in a very uneven surface on the

impeller blades and negatively affects the performance of the pumps. The reinforced

pump buildings and auxiliary systems are also in poor condition.

93. During the feasibility phase of this study seismic stability investigations were

performed by the Scientific-Research Enterprise “Kuprik” on the Khamza 1 pump house

superstructure. From the seismic results it can be concluded that rehabilitation and

strengthening of the Khamza 1 pump house superstructure is technically very difficult

(refer to the Kuprick investigation report attached to Khamza 1 Pump Station Assessment

Report).

94. The Project intends construct a new Khamza 1 Pump Station, which includes the

discharge capacity of Khamza Auxiliary; replacing the two pump stations with a single

modern unit. All technical equipment within the pump station and associated with the

pump station will be replaced. The remaining four pump stations will be rehabilitated by

having the building structure strengthened, replacement of old pump sets with new pump

sets, and replacement of all technical equipment (electrical and mechanical) associated

with operation of the pumping units and building.

95. The Khamza New Pump Station (Figure 3) will consist of the following structures:

Diversion canal

Trash screen structure

Forebay

Pumping station building with intake chambers

Discharge pipeline system

Sedimentation basin for technical water supply

Water discharge structures

Discharge canal

Auxiliary facilities and building

Sub-station (upgrades)



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Figure 3: Khamza New Pump Station Location Map

Source: ADB PPTA UZB 7917, 2013 -- Amu Bukhara Irrigation System Rehabilitation Project



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4. ABMK – Main Canal Hydraulic Structures and Reservoirs

96. The Amu Bukhara Machine Kanal (ABMK) is the main conveyance canal of the

Amu Bukhara Irrigation System (ABIS), one of the most important water-related systems

in Uzbekistan. Almost the entire Bukhara and a portion of Navoi regions are irrigated

from the ABMK. Before the construction of the ABIS in the 1960s, the Zarafshan River

served as the main source of irrigation.

97. The ABMK canal system has a total length of 384.8 km,44 stretching from the

intake on the Amu Darya River in Turkmenistan to the Zarafshan River to the Shofrikan

division structure northeast of Bukhara City. The total command area supplied by the

ABMK Canal is 315,000 ha.

98. The ABIS intake from the Amu Darya River is 5,300 Mm3/year, including 4,700

Mm3 for the Bukhara Province and 600 Mm3 for the Navoi Province.

99. The rehabilitation of the ABMK Canal system represents a major stage in an

overall modernization program for the upgrading of the ABIS. The ABMK rehabilitation

component will replace/repair or upgrade worn-out existing control and measurement

infrastructure at critical locations in the main conveyance system. The rehabilitation will

improve the reliability of irrigation water service and, along with the rehabilitation of the

main pump stations, make the main conveyance system more efficient, cost-effective

and safer.

100. Ten (10) critical infrastructure sites on the ABMK main conveyance system have

been prioritized for rehabilitation. These improvements will facilitate more efficient and

safer canal operations and management, in addition to allowing pump operators to more

closely match available water supplies with irrigation demands.

101. The main components of the rehabilitation works comprise the following:

(i) Civil engineering work, which includes repairs to existing concrete

bulkhead, wing walls and structure decks; replacement and repairs to steel

gate assemblies; embankment work; new measurement structures; and

concrete lining repairs.

(ii) Electro-mechanical equipment, which includes the replacement and repair

of gate lifting mechanisms, electric control systems, and auxiliary equipment.

102. The following principle upgrading and repairs will be undertaken as part of the

rehabilitation program for the ten major structures on the ABMK:

(i) Thirty-five (35) control gates including all auxiliary equipment will be

installed at eight (8) division points (cross regulators) in the ABMK

(ii) Reconstruction of fifteen (15) canal head regulators with a total of twenty-

eight (28) control gates and all auxiliary equipment

44

Includes 6.2 km of the Yamandjar Canal starting in Turkmenistan territory that is operated

under the authority of ABMK



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(iii) Twelve (12) new control gates including all auxiliary equipment will be

installed at 5 outflow (spill) points in the ABMK

(iv) Four (4) new control gates and all auxiliary equipment, plus eight (8) new

control gates and all auxiliary equipment will be installed at the inlet and

outlet of the Tudakul Reservoir, respectively

(v) Wireless radio communications set-ups at four (4) key structure locations.

103. The control gates at the division points, head regulators, and outflows have

common design characteristics: (i) heavy duty sluice gates (of various dimensions and

configurations), (ii) electrical motors and geared lifting mechanisms, and (iii) local push-

button control panels.

104. The various works can be summarized and transformed into procurement

packages. Provisions include the fabrication, delivery and installation of new gates,

frames, lifting devices, and all miscellaneous items and incidental works. It is foreseen

that while the civil and mechanical works to be implemented requires no special skills or

capacities from qualified prospective contractors, the lack of any closure period of the

ABMK canal system severely constrains timely implementation of the works. It will

therefore be necessary to identify suitably qualified contractors who have the capacity to

operate several work sites parallel or to develop separate procurement packages for

each major section of the canal system. The aim must be to optimize the time required to

complete the works foreseen.

105. Any reductions in canal flow, while only expected to be minimal, must also be

coordinated with critical periods of irrigation demands, which may be alleviated to a

certain extent by utilizing supplemental water storage from Kuyu Mazar and Tudakul

Reservoirs during construction. In any case, it would be preferable to aim for an early

closure of main canal operations in October so that work could commence during the

winter months. Also, diversion works in the form of earthen dikes can be used in order to

reduce the periods for disruptions in flow of the canal during the rehabilitation works.

106. There are indications that the conveyance capacity of the canal system is

reduced due to siltation. One obvious sign is that the canals are run with every little

freeboard, and in some places where the water level is controlled by a cross regulator

structure, the canal water surface elevations are extremely high. There was also evidence

of siltation and excessive vegetative growth in canals at all levels of the system.

107. The typical practice is to place the sediment piles removed from the canals on top

of the canal embankments, where it is left to dry and harden. Operators mentioned that

in some cases the top of the canal banks would be graded level subsequent to the

excavation work. This deposited silt generally prevents access for service vehicles, and

must slow the progress the next time excavators are brought to the area for

maintenance.

108. The water level control structures in the canals are rectangular sluice gates,

which are difficult for operators to use for maintaining constant (upstream) water levels.

The modernization program needs to further examine the operational consequences of



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this outdated design in terms of the extra O&M costs involved, and in terms of the impact

on water delivery service to farm canals.

109. Various measurement structure designs are used in the project, including rated

canal sections with staff gauges, submerged orifices, and flumes. The accuracy of most

devices is estimated to be roughly about +/-10 to 20%. There are a number of issues

affecting the accuracy, and therefore usefulness, of the recorded measurements such as

poor structural condition, siltation, submergence, weed growth, non-standard hydraulic

conditions, and uneven flow (velocity) distribution.

110. There is wide disparity in the condition of the water control and measurement

infrastructure in the project. Such disparities seem to indicate that a more centralized

approach to O&M is warranted. In all cases, the project authorities should be striving to

provide an equitable water delivery service to farmers regardless of their location in the

command area.

111. There is a significant difference between the level of canal maintenance being

carried out in the project by ABMK and BISA, compared to the WUAs and farmers. Of

particular concern is the lack of maintenance done in the Aryks (on-farm canals), which

are the responsibility of the WUAs and farmers. This affects O&M by reducing canal

conveyance efficiencies, as well as increasing the amount of non-beneficial ET. It

appears that in many places the vegetative growth is so out of control with deep roots

that when the plants are removed the channels will have to be reshaped with significant

earthwork costs involved.

112. Freeboard is a margin of safety provided in irrigation canals to account for the

possibility of excess flows due to unforeseen or improper operations of the canals,

diversion intakes, and pumps. In many places the canals are run with very little freeboard.

This is likely due to the combined impact of low irrigation efficiency (that is, more water is

needed in the system to meet crop water requirements), siltation, vegetation, and a

general lack of maintenance. Canal siltation, and heavy weed growth, was evident at all

levels of the canal system.

113. There are two main reservoirs located in the ABIS project area: (i) Kuyu Mazar

Reservoir with a total volume of 320 Mm3 with a usable storage of 275 Mm3; and, (ii)

Tudakul Reservoir with a total volume of 1,200 Mm3 with a usable storage of 700 Mm3.

Both reservoirs are feed by the ABMK system and are used for storage and compensation

for irrigation supply. However Kuyu Mazar is also the principal fresh drinking water supply

reservoir for Bukhara and therefore has public access restrictions and is isolated from

drainage return flow which is diverted to the Tudakul Reservoir.

114. Although supplemental water discharge can be anticipated from Kuyu-Mazar and

Tudakul Reservoirs, groundwater, and return flow during peak vegetation season, the

volume of discharge water from these sources are not substantial and the use of these

sources (except for Kuyu-Mazar reservoir) should be minimized due to high saline water.

115. A long-term strategy is needed for maintaining the usable storage volumes, and

water quality of these two reservoirs. Even though significant amounts of sediment enter

each reservoir with the pumped irrigation water, neither reservoir is dredged, so



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sediment has been building up for many years. In addition, it is mentioned in previous

studies of the project, such as the feasibility study done by Lemna Inc.45, that the water

quality of the Tudakul Reservoir is poor, with salt concentrations three times as high as

the water diverted from the Amu Darya. Until a water and salt balance of the system is

completed, and assessed, it will not be possible to determine the exact source and

relative degree of the reservoir’s salinity, but comments by ABMK staff46 indicated that

they are aware of the problem with degradation and only operate the reservoir to ‘decant

water off the top’ where the quality is better.

5. Inter-Farm Canal Rehabilitation and Pilot Farm (Demonstration Area)

116. The ABIS in Bukhara District is composed of two inter-district canals, the

Shakhrud canal and the Juyzar canal, and inter-farm canals as follows: the Chorbakr,

Kui Chorbakr, Navruz, Gaziobod, Ot Kuchi, Foshun, and Mablabiyon canals. These

canals are in the area of principal interest for Project. A pilot demonstration area, which

includes a demonstration farm, was selected on the Gaziobod inter-farm canal. This

canal is supplied water from Kuyu Mazar Pump Station.

117. The Gaziobod inter-farm canal is 11.58 km long is operated by the Shakhrud-

Dustlik ISA. The canal supplies water to 4 WUAs - Kui-Gaziobod, Yukori Gaziobod,

Kavala Makhmud, and Chor-rukh. The Canal has 16 off-takes (outlets) equipped with

gates, which are operational, but in need of repair. The Canal has water measuring

devices, of which 14 are calibrated-canal structures, one is a weir calibrated for water

flow measurement, and one uses a stilling well arrangement with a staff gauge. The

following improvements are anticipated:

Repair of stilling basin-type measurement device

Repair of all off-take gates

Establish a water rotation distribution system

Conduct training workshops for Shakhrud-Dustlik ISA staff for operation

and maintenance of the inter-farm system

118. The Kui-Gaziobod on-farm canal is 21.7 km long, including 5.5 km of an

upstream section, which is under Shakhrud-Dustlik ISA, and the rest is under Kui-

Gaziobod WUA. It has 18 off-takes (outlets) to 12 farms; about 30% of the canal is

unlined. The outlets are equipped with the gates, which are in poor condition without

water measuring devices and the outlet gates require rehabilitation. In addition, there are

small off-takes for the water supply to residents. The following works are proposed:

Repair and rehabilitation of outlets, including installation of water measuring

devices (flumes)

Arrange water measuring points at the boundaries of the settlements

Introduce a rotation / distribution system for planning and management by

WUA

45

Lemna Inc. 2004. Rehabilitation of Amu Bukhara Irrigation System – Feasibility Study. 46

Head of Pump Stations, Energy and Communications, Kuyu Mazar.



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Conduct training workshops for Kui-Gaziobod WUA staff for operation and

maintenance

Construct water intake structures from WUA canal to the farm and provide

water measuring devices to individual plots / fields

Construct structures with water measurement devices at the outlets to

drains

Carry out land levelling with zero slope (level basins)

Introduce temporary field canals to uniformly distribute water across plots

Construct inspection wells / piezometers to monitor ground waters

Measure water salinity at inlet and outlets to fields to determine water-salt

balance

Install a mini-meteorological station and tensiometers for determining crop

water requirements, timing of application, and irrigation application rates

Consider a pilot irrigation methods demonstration, which may include low-

pressure, no-filtration irrigation systems

119. In the Kagan district, water is supplied by the Shakhrud inter-district canal and

nine inter-farm canals: the Kui Khomi, Metrobod, Yangi Berishim, Chukati, Kagan,

Yabon, Yangiobod, Khonobod and Akhurberdi canals.

120. The farms in the Peshku district receive water from the Pahku and Zandani inter-

farm canals and in the Romitan district water is supplied by the Varakhsho and Khasanobod

canals.

121. Bukhara City receives water from the Kui Shakhrud, Farakent-2, Chorbakr,

Shakhrud Beton and Kabdun Kent canals.

122. In Bukhara Region about 80% of the inter-farm canals are lined with concrete and

the rest are in an earth bed. The density of canals (both the inter-district and inter-farm)

is about 3.94 m/ha, with lined canals have a density of 2.84 m/ha. The overall efficiency

of these canals is reported to be about 91%.

123. The Bukhara region has a developed on-farm irrigation network. The length of

this network is 5,024 km, including 3,935 km of canals in earth beds, 693 km lined

canals, and 396 km in flumes (prefabricated u-shaped concrete sections of about 3m

assembled to form channels for irrigation water).

124. The density of the on-farm irrigation network is about 50.5 m/ha. The average

efficiency of the on-farm canals is reported to be 83%. According to BISA and ISA

estimates (2011) approximately 173 km of on-farm canals need to be repaired and 3,796

km require rehabilitation to restore design capacities and operational requirements.



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125. The demonstration farms / demonstration areas will introduce and promote, but will

not be limited to, at least the following water conservation methods and approaches:

Change from the current practice of maximizing the amount of available

irrigation water, to irrigating ‘what the crop needs (plus an appropriate

leachate allowance), and no more

Reduce transmission / seepage losses by lining canals wherever feasible

Improve on-farm and off-farm irrigation control structures

Utilize deep ripping to improve drainage

Apply / extend the practice of minimum tillage

Introduce laser levelling, both to conserve water and to improve crop

uniformity

Introduce drip irrigation wherever crops are appropriate – and not just

within greenhouses

Utilize other pressure irrigation systems, such as low level sprays,

wherever appropriate.

Improve tree shelter belts (e.g. two-trees deep alternate poplar/mulberry)

Better use of appropriate mulching

Optimised crop calendar to respond to the changing temperature and

variability regime

Appropriate phased introduction of more thermo-tolerant crops (especially

for cotton), halo-tolerant crops, and cultivars requiring fewer chill-days,

including GE varieties

Encouragement of appropriate policy reforms, such as a shift in subsidy

from water to conservation technologies

6. Drainage

126. The drainage network is composed of large water channels and inter-farm

collectors, on-farm open, and buried collectors and drains, and vertical drainage wells. The

volume of drainage water in the region varies between 1.70 Bm3/year to 2.70 Bm3/year,

30% of which is diverted to the Amu Darya, and the rest is diverted to low-lying areas

near the area of the ABIS.

127. The length of the drainage network is 2,442.2 km. The inter-farm drainage

network represents about 33% of the network and on-farm drainage 67%, this includes

both open and closed drainage networks. The density of the inter-farm drainage network

is about 8.0 m/ha, while the on-farm length is about 16.5 m/ha.

128. The Government through the BISA and HGME has implemented a program

(Amelioration Fund) for improvement (expansion) and rehabilitation of the existing

system. This program is providing about $5 million to $6 million per year for improvement



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and approximately an equal amount for maintenance. This funding must continue or be

increased to sustain agricultural production in the ABIS.

129. Areas of priority for drainage improvements are updated on an annual basis by

HGME based on current conditions. The extent of irrigated crop land affected by saline

soils and poor drainage are summarized by district in Annex 1.

130. Rehabilitation of drainage channels in the ABIS done under the Amelioration

Fund needs to be closely coordinated with the activities of the on-going ADB LIP to

ensure that downstream drainage channels will be properly addressed (in terms of

capacity and timing) so as not to create bottlenecks in the system.

VII. IMPLEMENTATION

A. Implementation Schedule

131. Following is an Implementation Schedule prepared for the Amu Bukhara Irrigation

System Rehabilitation Project (refer to Annex 3).



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Contracta

Tasks Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2

Gov

Project Management -- Consulting Services for

Contract Management, Supervision, and

Institutional Strengthening ▲ ADB Loan Effective ▲Project Close

Loan Close ▲

Gov Project Director assigned ▲

GovEstablishment of Bukhara Project Management

Office (PMO) ▲

GovEstablishment of Project Implementation Unit (PIU)

with system for data management ►

Gov

Establishment of Project Environmental

Management and Monitoring Unit with system for

data management

▲

GovEstablishment of accounting and financial

management unit with reporting system ▲

GovStaffing and preparation of tenders for project

management consulting services ►

GovTendering and selection of consulting services for

Project Management Consultant ►

1 Services of Project Management Consultant ►

1Submission of Quarterly Technical and Financial

Reports ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

1Submission of Annual Technical, Financial, and

Audit Reports ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

2Khamza New Pump Station (new construction) --

Turnkey Contractor

Gov w/1

Revision to ADB bidding documents (international

tender) based on Government approval of Decree

110 Feasibility Study ►

Gov w/1Additional geotechnical investigations conducted

and results included in the tender documents ►

Gov w/1Issue and evaluation of tender in collaboration with

Government and ADB ►

Gov w/1Selection and contracting of Khamza New PS

Turnkey Contractor ▲

2Mobilization of Turnkey Contractor for Khamza New

PS▲

2 Site installation, Camp and Facilities ►

2

Detailed Designs and Construction Drawings for

Khamza 1 PS and Ancillary Works (new) prepared

by Contractor and approved by Government ►

2

Additional field surveys and additional geotechnical

site investigations and reconciliation of design data ►

2 Tendering for electro-mechanical equipment ►

2 Model tests (pumps) ►

2Construction of Khamza New civil works and pump

building►

2Local procurement of minor systems and equipment

►

2

International procurement of electro-mechanical

equipment (pumps, motors, and motor control

centers)

►

2 Construction of new intake channel ►

2Installation of new rising mains with new outlet

structure►

2Installation of pumps, motors and motor control

centers►

2 Commissioning of new Pump Station ▲2 Submission of Quarterly, Technical, and Financial

Reports to PMU ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

Amu Bukhara Irrigation System Rehabilitation Implementation ScheduleYear 0 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7



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Contracta

Tasks Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2Kuyu Mazar Pump Station (rehabilitation) -- Turnkey

Contractor

Gov w/1 Preparation of turnkey tender ►Gov w/1 Issue and evaluation of tender in collaboration with

Government►

Gov w/1 Selection and contracting of turnkey contractor

(Government with ADB concurrence)▲

3Mobilization of Turnkey Contractor for Kuyu Mazar

PS▲

3 Site installation, Camp and Facilities ▲

3


Kuyu Mazar PS and Ancillary Works (rehab)

prepared by Contractor and approved by

Government

►

3




3 Model tests (pumps) ►3 Local procurement of minor systems and equipment ▲

3



centers)

►

3 Construction of building extension ►3 Rehabilitation of pump station - 3 new pumps and

motor sets per year (including strengthening of

building)

►

3 Commissioning of rehabilitated Pump Station (3 + 3

Units) ▲ ▲

3 Submission of Quarterly, Technical, and Financial

Reports to PMU ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

Khamza 2 Pump Station (rehabilitation) -- Turnkey

Contractor


Government►



4Mobilization of Turnkey Contractor for Khamza 2 PS

▲


4


Khamza 2 PS and Ancillary Works (rehab) prepared


4





4



centers)

►

4 Rehabilitation of pump station - 5 new pumps and


building)

►


Units) ▲ ▲


Reports to PMU ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

Year 0 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7



InfoCapital Group

Contracta

Tasks Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2Kizil Tepa Pump Station (rehabilitation) -- Turnkey

Contractor


Government►



5Mobilization of Turnkey Contractor for Kizil Tepa PS

▲

5 Site installation, Camp and Facilities ▲

5


Kizil Tepa PS and Ancillary Works (rehab) prepared


5





5



centers)

►



building)

►


Units) ▲ ▲


Reports to PMU ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

Kizil Tepa Auxiliary Pump Station (rehabilitation) --

Turnkey Contractor


Government►



6Mobilization of Turnkey Contractor for Kizil Tepa

Aux. PS▲


6


Kizil Tepa Aux. PS and Ancillary Works (rehab)

prepared by Contractor and approved by

Government

►

6





6



centers)

►



building)

►

6 Commissioning of rehabilitated Pump Station (13 +

13 Units) ▲ ▲


Reports to PMU ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲




InfoCapital Group

Contracta

Tasks Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2Infrastructure Improvements to ABMK Main

Conveyance Canal (10 Sites)

1 Validation of Feasibility Study data and prioritization ▲

Gov w/1 Preparation of tender, selection, and contracting for

rehabilitation of ABMK critical structures ►

7 Additional data and surveys by the Contractor ▲7 Detailed engineering designs and construction

drawings by the Contractor ►

7 Implementation of improvement / rehabilitation of

structures ►

7 Commissioning and turnover of works ▲7 Submission of Quarterly, Technical, and Financial

Reports to PMU ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

ABIS Management Modernization (including Water

Conservation Demonstration Initiatives)

1 Assessment of the institutional arrangements and

capacities of ABMK, BISA, ISAs and WUAs for

management of the ABIS

►

1 Recommend implementable procedures and rules to

improve ABIS management ▲

1 Develop capacity building strategies and water

conservation program for implementation of

improvements to ABIS management

►

1 Undertake capacity development program for ABIS

water management personnel ►

1 Detailed planning for DSS and SCADA systems ►Gov w/1 Preparation of tender, selection, and contracting for

DSS ►

8 Implementation, testing and training of

ABIS/BISA/ISA staff on DSS ►


SCADA ►

9 Implementation, testing and training of

ABIS/BISA/ISA staff on SCADA ►

1 Confirm first demonstration area for irrigation and

agricultural improvement ▲

1 Detailed planning and design for improving water

distribution and management on the inter- and on-

farm canals of the pilot demonstration areas

►


distribution, water conservation and management on

the farms of the pilot demonstration areas ►


rehabilitation of inter-farm and farm canal structures

in pilot areas

►

10 Additional data and surveys by the Contractor ▲10 Detailed engineering designs and construction



inter-farm and farm canal structures ►

10 Plant tree shelter belts ▲10 Laser levelling ▲10 Deep ripping ►10 Minimum tilling ►10 Drip/pressure irrigation ►10 Drip-related filtration and power supply ►10 Deploy tensiometers and train in use ►10 Mulching ►10 Optimum cropping calendar ►10 Development of new genetic engineered cultivars

(assumed developed by yr 5) ►




InfoCapital Group

Contracta

Tasks Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2

1 Selection of 2nd pilot demonstration area ▲


distribution and management on the inter- and on-

farm canals of the pilot demonstration areas

►


distribution, water conservation and management on

the farms of the pilot demonstration areas ►


rehabilitation of inter-farm and farm canal structures

in pilot areas

►

10 Additional data and surveys by the Contractor ▲

10 Detailed engineering designs and construction



inter-farm and farm canal structures ►

10 Plant tree shelter belts ▲10 Laser levelling ▲10 Deep ripping ►10 Minimum tilling ►10 Drip/pressure irrigation ►10 Drip-related filtration and power supply ►10 Deploy tensiometers and train in use ►10 Mulching ►10 Optimum cropping calendar ►1 Based on results of the pilot demonstration areas

undertake the capacity development of WUAs to

improve water management for improved

agricultural water productivity

►


Reports to PMU ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

Safeguards

1 and PMU Ensure compliance to all safeguard requirements

throughout the Project cycle ►

1 and PMU Assign staff and consultants for monitoring

safeguards -- Environment, Resettlement, Poverty

Reduction, and Gender

►

1 and PMU Undertake capacity building activities with local

government units on environment, poverty reduction,

and gender

►

1 Elaborate and implement Gender Action Plans and

Poverty Reduction interventions within the scope of

the Project

►

1 and PMU Submission of Quarterly and Annual, Technical, and

Due Diligence Reports to Gov and ADB ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲


a Contract reference numbers for the Tasks are identified in the following Procurement Plan.



InfoCapital Group

B. Procurement

132. The scope of ABIS Rehabilitation Project essentially comprises: a) establishment

of a PMO, at Tashkent and a PIU at Bukhara; b) recruitment of international consulting

firms for implementation assistance to PMO/PIU; c) civil works for the new construction

of the Khamza New Pump Station and rehabilitation of four (4) other pump stations

(estimated cost ranging from $31.0 M to $139 M), including ten (10) critical canal structures

(ABMK) (total cost $ 8.5 M); d) procurement of goods viz. software, project vehicles,

office furniture etc. These are detailed in the Procurement Plan. The procurement activity

is proposed strictly as per current procurement guidelines of ADB and selection of

bidding method is guided by the threshold value as stipulated by ADB. In view of the

complexity of the civil works contracts and as followed in the past for other irrigation

projects in Uzbekistan, all the pump stations (total five (5) contracts) are proposed to be

constructed on a turn-key basis with ICB method. The ABMK structures, in view of the

geographical extent and medium-level contract value, are proposed to be grouped into

three (3) separate contracts with ICB method on design-construct basis. Past experience

in the country indicates that national contractors are financially and technically capable to

carry out such type of works.

133. The consulting firm for PMC services (estimated cost of $10.7 M) for

implementation assistance to PMO and PIU will be recruited on QCBS method with the

FTP system. Goods such as office furniture and equipment, vehicles etc., are locally

available and will be procured through local competitive shopping. All the procurement

activities will be carried out with prior review by ADB.

134. Plans are for one Consulting Services package for project management,

supervision, and tender preparation for rehabilitation of the above-mentioned four (4)

existing ABIS Pump Stations. Included in this contract will be consulting services for

institutional development of ABMK staff, WUA strengthening, agricultural and irrigation

improvement for pilot demonstration area within ABIS, and supervision in collaboration

MAWR of the turnkey contractors.

135. There are other contract packages planned in support of the Project, but these

are either for procurement of goods and small works in support of Project activities.

136. The following Procurement Plan is to be updated on an 18-month schedule from

Loan effectiveness to completion of the Project.


Procurement Plan

Basic Data

Project Name: Amu Bukhara Irrigation System Rehabilitation

Country: Uzbekistan Executing Agency: Ministry of Agriculture and

Water Resources

Loan Amount: To be determined Loan (Grant) Number: To Be determined

Date of First Procurement Plan 20 February 2013 Date of this Procurement Plan: 7 March 2013

A. Procurement Thresholds, Review and 18-Month Procurement Plan

1. Project Procurement Thresholds

1. Except as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) may otherwise agree, the following process thresholds shall apply to procurement of goods and works.

Procurement of Goods and Works

Method Thresholds

International Competitive Bidding (ICB) for Works : Over $1,000,000 ICB for Goods : Over $1,000,000 National Competitive Bidding (NCB) for Works : Between $100,000 and $1,000,000 NCB for Goods : Between $100,000 and $1,000,000 Shopping for Works : Not more than $100,000 Shopping for Goods : Not more than $100,000

2. ADB Prior or Post-Review

2. Except as ADB may otherwise agree, the following prior or post-review requirements apply to the various procurement and consultant recruitment methods used for the Project.

Procurement of Goods and Works Procurement Method Prior or Post Comments

ICB Works Prior ICB Goods Prior NCB Works

Prior Prior review applies to the procurement of the first two NCB contracts. If the first two contracts are procured satisfactorily it will be determined by ADB if post-review may be used.

NCB Goods Prior review applies to the procurement of the first two NCB contracts. If the first two contracts are procured satisfactorily it will be determined by ADB if post-review may be used.

Shopping for Works Post Shopping for Goods Post

Recruitment of Consulting Firms

Quality- and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) Prior Quality and cost based on 80:20 quality–cost weighting. Applied in accordance with Guidelines on the Use of Consultants (2010, as amended from time to time

Other selection methods: Consultants Qualifications (CQS), Least-Cost Selection (LCS), Fixed Budget (FBS), and Single Source (SSS)

Prior

Recruitment of Individual Consultants

Individual Consultants Prior


3. Goods and Works Contracts Estimated to Cost More Than $1 Million

3. The following table lists goods and works contracts for which procurement activity is either ongoing or expected to commence within the next 18 months.

General Description

Contract Value

Procurement Method

Pre-qualification of Bidders

(y/n)

Advertisement Date

(quarter/year) Comments

Design Supply, Install and Civil Works Turnkey Contract for Construction of Khamza-New Pump Station

$139 million ICB N Q2 2014 post-qualification

Design Supply, Install and Civil Works Turnkey Contract for Rehabilitation of Khamza-2 Pump Station

$102 million ICB N Q1 2015 post-qualification

Design Supply, Install and Civil Works Turnkey Contract for

Rehabilitation of Kuyu-Mazar Pump Station

$31.1 million ICB N Q1 2015 post-qualification

Design Supply, Install and Civil Works Turnkey Contract for

Rehabilitation of Kizil-Tepa Pump Station


Design Supply, Install and Civil Works Turnkey Contract for Rehabilitation of Kizil-Tepa Auxiliary Pump Station


Rehabilitation of ABMK

canal regulation

structures $8.5 million ICB N Q4 2014 post-qualification

4. Consulting Services Contracts Estimated to Cost More Than $100,000

4. The following table lists consulting services contracts for which procurement activity is either ongoing or expected to commence within the next 18 months.

General Description

Contract Value

Recruitment Method

Advertisement Date

(quarter/year)

International or National Assignment

Comments

Project Management, Procurement, Construction Supervision and Capacity Building

$10.7 million QCBS (80:20) Q1 2014 International Advanced

action, FTP


5. Goods and Works Contracts Estimated to Cost Less than $1 Million and Consulting Services Contracts Less than $100,000

5. The following table groups smaller-value goods, works and consulting services contracts for which procurement activity is either ongoing or expected to commence within the next 18 months.

General Description

Value of Contracts(cumulative)

Number of Contracts

Procurement / Recruitment

Method Comments

Office Equipment $40,000 1-2 Shopping

For PMO and PIU offices

Civil Works for inter-farm and on-farm irrigation system rehabilitation

$649,200 3 NCB

Demonstration activities

Equipment for inter-farm and on-farm irrigation system rehabilitation

$331,500 3-4 Shopping


Vehicles $30,000 1-2 Shopping


Technical studies and surveys $80,000

1-4 Shopping

Topographic, geologic and hydrological surveys

Geotechnical survey for New Khamza Pump Station

$500,000 1 NCB

Tender design for 4 rehabilitation Pump Station

$500,000 1 NCB

Audit of Project Accounts

$90,000 2 LCS, National

The shortlist shall be based on the WB’s qualified list of audit firms

B. Project Procurement Plan

1. Indicative List of Packages Required Under the Project

6. The following table provides an indicative list of all procurement (goods, works and consulting services) over the life of the project. Contracts financed by the Borrower and others should also be indicated, with an appropriate notation in the comments section.

General Description

Estimated Value

(cumulative)

Estimated Number of Contracts

Procurement Method

Domestic Preference Applicable

Comments

Works

Design Supply, Install and Civil Works Contract for Construction of Khamza New Pump Station

$139 million 1 ICB (Plant) N IFB will be issued approximately in Q2 of 2014.


General Description

Estimated Value

(cumulative)


Procurement Method


Comments

Design Supply, Install and Civil Works Turnkey Contract for Rehabilitation of Khamza-2 Pump Station

$102 million

1 ICB (Plant) N IFB will be issued approximately Q1 2015

Design Supply, Install and Civil Works Turnkey Contract for Rehabilitation of Kuyu-Mazar Pump Station)

$31.1 million

1 ICB (Plant) N IFB will be issued approximately in Q1 2015

Design Supply, Install and Civil Works Turnkey Contract for Rehabilitation of Kizil-Tepa Pump Station)

$73.3 million

1 ICB (Plant) N IFB will be issued approximately in Q1 2015

Design Supply, Install and Civil Works Turnkey Contract for Rehabilitation of Kizil-Tepa auxiliary Pump Station)

$92.4 million

1 ICB (Plant) N IFB will be issued approximately in Q1 of 2015

Rehabilitation of ABMK canal regulation structures

$8.5 million 1 ICB

(Small Works) N

IFB will be issued approximately in Q4 of 2014

Civil Works for inter-farm and on-farm irrigation system rehabilitation

$649,200 3 NCB N Demonstration activities

Technical studies and surveys

$80,000

1-4 Shopping N Topographic, geologic and hydrological surveys

Geotechnical survey for New Khamza Pump Station

$500,000 1 NCB N Geotechnical survey for New Khamza Pump Station


$500,000 1 NCB N


Goods

Office equipment $40,000 1-2 Shopping N For PMO and PIU offices

Equipment for inter-farm and on-farm irrigation system rehabilitation

$331,500

3-4

Shopping

N



General Description

Estimated Value

(cumulative)


Procurement Method


Comments

Office furniture for PMO in Tashkent and 1 PIU at the site (Bukhara province)

$7,000 2 Shopping No


Vehicles( for PMO Tashkent)

$30,000 2 Shopping No For PMO and PIU offices

Accounting software 1S (Accounting software used by GOU)



Small Works

PMO and PIU office refurbishment



General Description

Estimated Value

(cumulative)


Recruitment Method

Type of Proposal

Comments

Consulting Services:

Project Management, Procurement, Construction Supervision and Capacity Building

$10,7 million 1 QCBS 80:20 FTP

Advance action

Audit of Project accounts $90,000 2 LCS BTP The shortlist shall be based on the WB’s qualified list of audit firms

C. Procurement Procedures

1. International Competitive Bidding

7. Each civil works contract estimated to cost more than the equivalent of

$1,000,000 and each supply contract for equipment or materials estimated to cost the

equivalent of $500,000 or more shall be awarded on the basis of international

competitive bidding as described in Chapter II of the Guidelines for Procurement.

Bidders for civil works contract shall be prequalified before bidding.

8. For contracts to awarded to on the basis of international competitive bidding,

these shall be submitted to ADB, as soon as possible, and in any event not later than 90

days before the issuance of either the first prequalification invitation or the first invitation

to bid for the project, a General Procurement Notice (which ADB shall arrange to publish

separately) in such form and detail and containing such information as ADB shall

reasonably request. ADB shall be provided the necessary information to update such

General Procurement Notice annually as long as any goods and works remain to be

procured on the basis of international competitive bidding.

9. For contracts to be awarded on the basis of international competitive bidding,

procurement actions shall be subject to review by ADB in accordance with the

procedures set forth in Chapter III of the Guidelines for Procurement. Each Draft

prequalification invitation and each draft invitation to bid, to be submitted to be ADB for


approval under such procedures, shall reach ADB at least 21 days before it is issued and

shall contain such information as ADB shall reasonably request to enable ADB to

arrange for the separate publication of such invitation.

1. International Shopping

10. Each supply contract for equipment or materials estimated to cost the equivalent

of $100,000 or less (other than minor items) shall be awarded on the basis of

international shopping as described in Chapter IV of the Guidelines for Procurement.

11. Each Draft invitation to bid and related bid document shall be submitted to ADB

for approval before they are issued.

12. Any award of contract shall be subject to prior approval.

13. In comparing bids under international competitive bidding, a margin of preference

may be provided at the option of the Borrower and in accordance with the provisions of

the Attachment to this Schedule, for goods manufacture in the territory of the Borrower,

provided that the bidder offering such goods shall have established to the satisfaction of

the Borrower and ADB that the domestic value added equals at least 20 percent of the

ex-factory bid price of such goods; and civil works to be carried out by eligible

contractors, as defined by ADB.

2. National Competitive Bidding

14. The procedures to be followed for national competitive bidding shall be those set

forth in the applicable resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers (COM) of Republic of

Uzbekistan with the clarifications and modifications described in the following paragraphs

required for compliance with the provisions of the ADB Procurement.

a. Direct Purchase

15. Small-scale supply contracts estimated to cost less than the equivalent of

$100,000 may be procured through direct purchase in accordance with procedures

acceptable to ADB. After award, three copies of each contract for such items shall be

furnished to ADB.

b. Force Account

16. Civil works contracts for border-post infrastructure development estimated to cost

the equivalent of $50,000 or less may be carried out by the Borrower on a force account

basis, provided that the Borrower has the facilities and capacity to implement such works

expeditiously and at a reasonable cost.

3. Eligibility

17. The eligibility of bidders shall be as defined under section I of the Procurement

Guidelines; accordingly, no bidder or potential bidder should be declared ineligible for

reasons other than those stated in section I of the Procurement Guidelines. Bidders must

be nationals of member countries of ADB, and offered goods, services, and works must

be produced in and supplied from member countries of ADB.


4. Prequalification

18. Normally, post-qualification shall be used unless explicitly provided for in the loan

agreement/procurement plan. Irrespective of whether post qualification or prequalification

is used, eligible bidders (both national and foreign) shall be allowed to participate.

5. Registration and Licensing

19. Bidding shall not be restricted to pre-registered/licensed firms.

20. Where registration or licensing is required, bidders (i) shall be allowed a reasonable

time to complete the registration or licensing process; and (ii) shall not be denied

registration/licensing for reasons unrelated to their capability and resources to successfully

perform the contract, which shall be verified through post-qualification.

21. Foreign bidders shall not be precluded from bidding. If a registration or licensing

process is required, a foreign bidder declared the lowest evaluated bidder shall be given

a reasonable opportunity to register or to obtain a license.

6. Bidding Period

22. The minimum bidding period is 28 days prior to the deadline for the submission of

bids.

7. Bidding Documents

23. Procuring entities should use standard bidding documents for the procurement of

goods, works and services acceptable to ADB.

8. Preferences

24. No domestic preference shall be given for domestic bidders and for domestically

manufactured goods.

9. Advertising

25. Invitations to bid shall be advertised in at least one widely circulated national daily

newspaper or freely accessible, nationally known website allowing a minimum of 28 days

for the preparation and submission of bids.

26. Bidding of NCB contracts estimated at $500,000 equivalent or more for goods

and related services of $1,000,000 equivalent or more for civil works shall be advertised

on ADB’s website via the posting of the procurement plan.

10. Bid Security

27. Where required, bid security shall be in the form of a bank guarantee from a

reputable bank.

11. Bid Opening and Bid Evaluation

28. Immediately after the date and time set for the deadline for bid submission, bids

shall be opened in public. A record of bid opening shall be prepared by the executing


agency, or implementing agency, or the contracting authority, and such record shall be

promptly distributed to all bidders and ADB.

29. Evaluation of bids shall be made in strict adherence to the criteria declared in the

bidding documents and contracts shall be awarded to the lowest evaluated bidder.

30. Bidders shall not be eliminated from detailed evaluation on the basis of minor,

non-substantial deviations.

31. No bidder shall be rejected on the basis of a comparison with the contract cost

estimate(s) and budget ceiling(s) set by the borrower/executing agency without ADB’s

prior concurrence.

32. A contract shall be awarded to the technically responsive bidder that offers the

lowest evaluated price, and meets the qualifying requirements. Negotiations shall not be

permitted.

33. Price verification shall not be applied.

12. Rejection of All Bids and Rebidding

34. Bids shall not be rejected and new bids solicited without ADB’s prior concurrence.

13. Participation by Government-Owned Enterprises

35. Government-owned enterprises in Uzbekistan shall be eligible to participate as

bidders only if they can establish that they are legally and financially autonomous,

operate under commercial law and are not a dependent agency of the contracting

authority/executing agency/implementing agency. Furthermore, they will be subject to

the same bid and performance security requirements as other bidders.

14. Right to Inspect/Audit

36. A provision shall be included in all NCB works and goods contracts financed by

ADB requiring suppliers and contractors to permit ADB to inspect their accounts and

records and other documents relating to the bid submission and the performance of the

contract, and to have them audited by auditors appointed by ADB.

15. Fraud and Corruption

37. The Borrower shall reject a proposal for award if it determines that the bidder

recommended for award has, directly or through an agent, engaged in corrupt,

fraudulent, collusive, or coercive practices in competing for the contract in question.

38. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will declare a firm or individual ineligible,

either indefinitely or for a stated period, to be awarded a contract financed by ADB, if it at

any time determines that the firm or individual has, directly or through an agent, engaged

in corrupt, fraudulent, collusive, or coercive practices in competing for, or in executing,

ADB-financed contract.


16. Pre-Shipment Inspections

39. Pre-shipment inspections, if necessary, shall be carried out by an independent

reputable testing authority/surveyor in the supplier’s country for reasons of sound

engineering practice and economy and efficiency in project implementation.

17. Disclosure of Decision on Contract Awards

40. At the same time that notification on award of contract is given to the successful

bidder, the results of bid evaluation shall be published in a local newspaper or a well-

known freely accessible website identifying the bid and lot numbers and providing

information on (i) name of each bidder who submitted a bid, (ii) bid prices as read out at

bid opening; (iii) name of bidders whose bids were rejected and the reasons for their

rejection, and (iv) name of the winning bidder, and the price it offered, as well as duration

and summary scope of the contract awarded. The executing agency/implementing

agency/contracting authority shall respond in writing to unsuccessful bidders who seek

explanations on the grounds on which their bids are not selected.



InfoCapital Group

VIII. FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

A. Development Options

137. At the Inception Stage a total development package with an estimated cost of

US$517 M was presented, with US$400 M or 77% of the total budget to be invested in

replacing or rehabilitating six pump stations, namely Khamza 1, Khamza 1 Auxiliary,

Khamza 2, Kuyu Mazar, Kizil Tepa and Kizil Tepa Auxiliary. The remaining 23% was to be

spent on four supporting sub-projects, as follows :

(i) ABIS Management Modernisation – US$10 m

(ii) Amu Darya River Training and Intake Desilting Basin – US$30 m

(iii) ABMK Infrastructure Modernisation – US$50 m

(iv) Structural Drainage Improvements – US$27 m

138. During the PPTA period there was uncertainty regarding the likely availability of

loan funds; that situation still remains at the time of writing. Considerable consideration

was given to the identification of a range of Project Options, to match the various

estimates of the possible loan value combinations of ADB and other potential cofinancier’s

contributions. No clarity ensued and it was finally decided to prepare the Feasibility

Study where the full cost of replacing/rehabilitating all six pump stations would be

included.

139. Khamza New. This station was constructed in 1963/65 and according to a recent

seismic survey is in poor structural condition. In 2011 the average total hours worked per

pump in the main station were 201,000. The proposed intervention comprises the

construction of a new pump station with the combined capacity of the existing Khamza 1

and Khamza 1 Auxiliary pump stations of 105 m3/s. The capital costs for the civil works

were prepared with assistance from Uzsuvloyiha (Design Institute). The specifications

and costs for mechanical and electrical components were prepared by the PPTA

Consultant. Completely new discharge pipes and intake channel would be required. The

overall costs are marginally higher than a previous estimate prepared by the Design

Institute in 2008, having allowed for price escalation during the intervening period. The

costs, and capacity, used in this report are not those presented in the ADB MOU of

March 2013 where a smaller unit, with substantially lower estimated cost prepared by

MAWR, was included.

140. Kuyu Mazar. The pump station was constructed in 1965 and its structure received

a similar poor assessment as Khamza 1 when a seismic survey was undertaken.

Because it would be difficult/expensive to find a suitable alternative site for a new

building it was, however, decided not to replace the existing pump station. In 2011 one

set of pumps had worked an average of 211,000 hrs in total and the other set had

worked 294,000 hrs. The proposed intervention involves the substantial rehabilitation of

the existing pump station building and the complete replacement of the mechanical and

electrical components. The discharge pipes have recently been replaced and new ones

are thus unnecessary. Nearby a new pump station, (which will replace two floating pump

stations and have been working as auxiliaries to the main station), is being constructed. It

is thus too late to consider combining the two stations into one unit, as is the case in

Khamza 1.



InfoCapital Group

141. Khamza 2. This station, the largest of the six priority stations, which was built in

1975, and whose pumps averaged 176,000 hrs worked by 2011, is in reasonably good

structural condition and the recommended approach is to replace the existing

mechanical and electrical components and make minor improvements to the building.

The discharge pipes will also require complete replacement. Although this station is ten

years younger than Khamza 1, the pumps have recently been worked much harder than

in Khamza 1 and their total working hours are fast catching up with those in Khamza 1.

142. Kizil Tepa. This station was also built in 1975 and the buildings are in reasonable,

repairable condition. There are two sets of pumps, comprising ten in total. In 2011 one

set had worked an average of 77,000 hrs in total, whilst the other set had worked an

average of 120,000 hrs. Despite being considerably less used than those in the

previously discussed stations, some pumps are reported as being worn. The proposal is

to completely replace the existing mechanical and electrical components. The main costs

of replacing the very expensive discharge pipes will be undertaken by the government,

as confirmed officially, and are thus not included in the estimated total cost.

143. Kizil Tepa Auxiliary. This station was constructed in 1982 and is located some

distance from the main station on a separate canal system, with some connectivity to the

canal network served by the main Kizil Tepa Station. It comprises 26 small pumps, which

were locally manufactured, and are reported to be less reliable than the larger Soviet

pumps installed in most of the other stations. They pump throughout the year. Whilst the

general view is that there is no practical way to combine the two Kizil Tepa stations into

one larger single unit, as with Khamza 1 New, there are, nevertheless, opinions to the

contrary. If the replacement of the discharge pipes from the main station goes ahead in

the near future, this would likely thwart any realistic possibility of redesigning the overall

system, if such an approach where considered a possibility. The current proposal is to

make minor repairs to the building, to replace all mechanical and electrical components

and to replace the existing single discharge pipe with two new ones. A mid-March 2013

government statements indicating that the cost of replacing the discharge pipes would be

funded from other sources has not been taken into account, pending official confirmation.

144. In addition to the main pump stations a number of other subprojects were

considered. Referring back to the above-mentioned Inception Workshop options, and

specifically to (i) Management Modernisation, it was finally decided to include a DSS and

SCADA sub-project, with a total cost of around $1.74 M and a Water Saving

Demonstration Initiative sub-project with a total cost of $1.93 M. The (ii) Amu Darya River

Training proposed investment was dropped. Consideration was given to the possibility of

replacing some or all of the 25 dredgers working at the intake of the ABMK but, again,

this proposal was dropped. Regarding (iii) ABMK Infrastructure Rehabilitation, the

original $50 M proposal was cut back and a relatively modest proposal to rehabilitate ten

key control structures, at a total cost of $8.5 M has been included. The (iv) Structural

Drainage Improvements sub-project has been dropped as on-going drainage works are

being undertaken through the ADB’s Land Improvement Project and the Government’s

Amelioration Programme. A provision of around $9 M to cover overall project management

through a Tashkent based PMO and a Bukhara based PIU, supported by a consultant

team has also been included.



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B. Development Costs

145. Table 1 summarises the total estimated capital expenditure for each option and

for each sub-project, in financial prices, and indicates the anticipated phasing over the

development period. Supporting tables, providing further cost breakdowns, in financial

and economic prices, are given in Annex 5 (refer to Appendix Tables A.7 to A.17)

146. These costs were based on 2012 prices, and wherever possible, taxes and

physical contingencies have been separately identified. Most components related to civil

works construction are of local origin, and costing was based on late 2012 schedules of

unit costs

147. All investments and benefits have been valued at late 2012 prices. The analysis

has to recognise that there are two distinct and significantly differing values for foreign

exchange. In late 2012 the official exchange rate for 1 US$ was virtually UZS 2,000

whilst the unofficial rate was around UZS 2,650. The official rate is thus around 75% of

the unofficial rate. As per local instructions, for financial cost estimation the official rate

has been used – at UZS 2,000 per 1 US$.

148. The nominal inclusion of taxes and duties costs, have been calculated elsewhere

but are not included in the total presented in Table 1. It is understood that there is a real

cost applied to items imported for use on government projects, where a charge of 0.2%

of the imported value has to be paid by the implementation contractor as a Custom

Registration fee.

149. No allowance has been made for inflation, or financing charges, over the potential

Loan period in preparing the Table 1 estimates. They have been calculated elsewhere.

150. Physical contingencies have been included, and have been set at levels which

are considered realistic in the circumstances. Regarding the main investment in pumping

stations, advice from those who have had experience in replacing pumps within an

operating station, is that the chances of being faced with unforeseen and potentially

costly situations, are high.



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Table 1: Total Costs Summary at Constant 2012 Financial Prices in US$ Million

Component Pump Stations

Management

AB

MK

re

ha

bil

itati

on

To

tal

Op

tio

n 1

Kh

am

za 1

Ku

yu

Mazar

Kh

am

za 2

Kiz

il T

ep

a

Kiz

il T

ep

a A

ux

PM

O &

PIU

Co

nsu

ltan

cy

DS

S &

SC

AD

A

Pilo

t F

arm

s

new rehab rehab rehab rehab

Civil Works

- earth works 22.51 0.34 0.05 0.03 0.37 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.13 3.30 26.72

- construction 25.29 2.32 1.30 2.53 1.70 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.20 1.74 35.07

Sub-total civil 47.80 2.66 1.34 2.55 2.07 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.32 5.04 61.80

Equipment

- Mechanical 34.04 13.38 42.24 36.01 9.49 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 135.16

- Ancillary systems 1.05 0.36 0.52 0.49 0.34 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.75

- Hydraulic steel structures 24.06 1.28 21.90 4.85 53.80 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.24 108.12

- Electrical equipment 13.80 8.12 18.58 16.95 10.99 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.38 68.82

- Instrumentation 0.45 0.41 0.48 0.48 0.53 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02 2.36

- Other equipment 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.04 0.83 0.33 0.00 1.22

- Vehicles 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.22 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.26

Sub-total equipment 73.40 23.54 83.72 58.77 75.15 0.06 0.25 0.83 0.33 2.64 318.69

Training, Capacity Building & Studies

Workshops etc. 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.50 0.06 0.905 0.00 1.47

Demonstration farming operations 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.193 0.00 0.19

Sub-total training etc. 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.50 0.06 1.10 0.00 1.66

Consulting Services

- international 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4.28 0.36 0.00 0.00 4.64

- local 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.04 0.08 0.00 0.00 2.12

- other 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.35 0.01 0.00 0.00 1.36

Sub-total consultancy 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 7.68 0.45 0.00 0.00 8.12

Project Management and Monitoring 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.14 0.47 0.11 0.00 0.00 1.72

Subtotal management 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.14 0.47 0.11 0.00 0.00 1.72

Total Capital Costs 121.20 26.20 85.06 61.33 77.22 1.19 8.90 1.45 1.75 7.68 391.99

Physical contingencies civil - rate 7% 7% 7% 7% 7% 0% 0% 0% 10% 10%

Physical contingencies - value 3.35 0.19 0.09 0.18 0.14 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.50 4.49

Physical contingencies non civil - rate 20% 20% 20% 20% 20% 20% 20% 20% 10% 10%

Physicals contingencies - value 14.68 4.71 16.74 11.75 15.03 0.24 1.78 0.29 0.14 0.26 65.63

Total Base cost incl. physical

contingencies 139.22 31.10 101.90 73.26 92.39 1.43 10.68 1.74 1.93 8.45 462.11

Source : PPTA Consultant Estimates

C. EIRR

151. The crucial assumption upon which the economic viability of the proposed

investment depends is what will happen over time to the pumps, and hence to the

irrigated areas, if nothing were to be done. In an attempt to cover the range of

possibilities two decline scenarios were devised. The gradual decline scenario takes a

relatively conservative view, bearing in mind that by the time any new pumps could

become operational, if indeed the Project proceeds, the existing Khamza 1 pumps will be

over 55 years old and the Khamza 2 pumps around 45 years old. Furthermore, these



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pumps have been working hard throughout their lives. Whatever happens with the Stage 2

pumps (Kuyu Mazar and Kizil Tepa), if the Khamza pumps fail, the whole system fails.

152. Results from the assessment of economic viability indicate that for the Full Cost

Option, and assuming a gradual pump decline, with a current capital financial cost

estimate of $462 million, a Base Case EIRR of around 13% would result. With the

somewhat conservative assumptions made, the result is marginally acceptable. With the

total failure scenario, the result is, predictably, a little higher at 16%. For this possibly

over-pessimistic scenario the result is reasonably attractive.

153. Whilst it would be possible to increase or decrease these results by modifying

some of the key variables, it should be borne in mind that no benefit has been attributed

to the protection of current DMI water availability. If these were to be included, it is very

likely that the overall EIRR would be substantially higher.

154. The capital costs can be considered as realistic; in the most part they have been

based on information provided by suppliers and have taken advantage of having access

to a company data base built up over many years. Considerable confidence can also be

placed on the estimated future estimates of maintenance costs and power consumption.

D. Financial Management

155. The purpose of the Financial Management Assessment (FMA) is to assess the

financial management capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources

(MAWR), the Executing Agency (EA) for the upcoming ADB-financed Project Amu

Bukhara Irrigation System Rehabilitation. The Project with a cost of $400 million will be

implemented over 6 years, starting mid-2013. The estimated project completion date is

30 June 2019 and the loan closing date is 31 December 2019.

156. The FMA is based on ADB’s Guidelines for the Financial Governance and

Management of Projects Financed by the Bank (2002). The instrument used for

assessment was ADB’s standard financial management assessment questionnaire

(FMAQ). The FMA is presented in detail in Annex 5.

157. The FMA concluded that MAWR meets ADB’s minimum financial management

requirements for EAs. The MAWR has a satisfactory financial management capability to:

(i) record required financial transactions and balances; (ii) provide regular and reliable

financial statements and monitoring reports; (iii) safeguard financial assets; and (iv)

submit the required financial documents to auditors with arrangements acceptable to

ADB.

158. However, MAWR should ensure that the PMO and a possible PIU are adequately

staffed with efficient and experienced personnel, and that MAWR pays special attention

to train project staff in procedural and reporting requirements of ADB as a means to

enhance staff professional capacity.

159. The proceeds of the ADB loan will be disbursed according to ADB’s Loan

Disbursement Handbook (2012, as amended from time to time). For large scale

contracts for consulting services and equipment following ICB procedures, loan funds will

be disbursed through direct payment. For civil works following NCB procedures and



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small expenditures related to the PMO, reimbursement and imprest fund procedures will

be applied. For minor goods or services procured at provincial levels payments to

suppliers can be done through corresponding PIU.

IX. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

160. The Project falls into Category B of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB)

environmental classification, i.e. the Project is judged to have limited potential environmental

impacts. This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is prepared as part of the Project

Preparation Technical Assistance (PPTA) for the Amu Bukhara Irrigation System

Rehabilitation (refer to Annex 7). This IEE is based on a review of available reports, the

analysis of existing data, discussions with stakeholders and various experts, and field

visits. The findings of the study have been discussed with, and supported by

representatives of the State Nature Protection Committee, Goskompriroda, and

prospective beneficiaries in the workshop held on 23 November 2012 and stakeholder

consultations held throughout the Project area. This IEE presents an analysis of the

potential environmental impacts, both positive and negative, together with an

Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) for all components.

161. The findings and assessment of the project area illustrate that there will be no

significant adverse environmental impacts on the project affected area. Mitigation

measures are deemed sufficient for the small impacts identified. There is no need to

carry out a full scale EIA.

162. The environmental monitoring program will be part of an integrated Project

monitoring program to be set up by the Project Management Office (PMO). The PMO will

be responsible for implementing all environmental mitigation measures. The PMO will

establish a Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (MEU), which will develop a procedure and

system to monitor both progress and effects. The PMO, supported by consultants in the

Environmental Management Unit (EMU), will undertake formulation of a detailed

monitoring system and will select monitoring indicators and frequency of measurement.

The main tasks of the environmental specialists will be to assist in the setting up of a

monitoring system, draw up clauses to be included in the civil works contracts, assist

with environmental enhancement measures, provide training for environmental

management, and assist with preparation of terms of reference for environmental studies

and work.

163. Contracts with sub-contractors for civil works will include clauses to ensure

minimum environmental impacts. The staff of PMO will prepare the contract documents

and supervise the activities. The Provincial Committee on Nature Protection would be

responsible for environmental clearance. Procedures will have to be followed as

established in the national regulations (i.e. the “National Guidelines on Conducting

Environmental Studies”, 1993).



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X. RESETTLEMENT

164. ABIS, which supplies water to more than 315,000 ha of irrigated lands, cities,

populated areas as well as enterprises in the Bukhara region, needs significant

modernization as it is approaching the end of its effective operational period.

165. The ABIS Rehabilitation Project will involve rehabilitation and renovation of

priority components of the main irrigation system: large pumping stations, main water

supply canals and hydraulic structures with the objective to increase incomes and well-

being of people in the rural area, who depend on water supply from ABMK Canal.

166. The Project considers all possibilities to minimize land acquisition and to avoid

physical displacement. The methods for the minimization of land acquisition for the

Project activities described below are (i) new structures are entirely located within the

fenced area owned by ABMK and (ii) new structures are entirely located within the ROW

of canals, and (iii) civil works for rehabilitation of canals are entirely executed within the

ROW of the canals.

167. Within the project’s framework a new pump station “Khamza New” (replacing the

existing pump station and including the discharge capacity for Khamza Auxiliary) will

require land acquisition for new construction. In the neighbourhood of the existing

pumping station Khamza 1 at a distance of 300 m there is a village with 14 households /

8 families (5-6 family members). Houses are the property of ABMK, the pumping

station`s operational staff and their family members live in village. The construction of

new structures will not affect residential or agricultural areas; hence, there will be no

physical displacement of population. The land required for the construction of the pump

station is entirely located within the fenced area under the ownership of ABMK, no land

outside the fence will be affected. Annex 6 presents the resettlement issues in detail.

168. Another four pump stations will be modernized. The project will not cause land

acquisition in any significant amounts, since it is limited to the rehabilitation and

renovation of existing facilities.

169. ADB Board of Directors approved the Regulations on the Policy on Protective

Measures (RPPM) governing the environmental and social safeguards of ADB

operations. RPPM tasks consist of measures to avoid or, where possible, to minimize

and mitigate the adverse effects of a given project on the affected environment and

people and help borrowers to strengthen their protective measures and build the

management capacity for addressing environmental and social risks.

170. Hence, while no displacement or relocation of affected persons is anticipated, if

such situations arise a Land Acquisition and Resettlement Framework has been

prepared for the Project. The essential requirement is borrower / client shall perform the

resettlement process and provide for replacement of land, buildings and structures at

least equivalent to those lost or compensate cost of their partial or full loss at full

replacement costs.

171. In addition, RPPM requires improving living standards, especially for the poor and

vulnerable part of the affected population. RPPM also requires meaningful consultation



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with affected people; a robust grievance mechanism, targeted measures for the poor and

vulnerable groups, as well as an implementation plan with clear timelines, the

establishment and implementation of a sound monitoring process and a robust budget.

172. In the land acquisition-and resettlement context, the following laws and

regulations are of relevance:

i. The Land Code; approved by the Republic of Uzbekistan on 30 April1998,

and amended from 2003-2004;

ii. The Civil Code of Republic of Uzbekistan from 1996, and amended from

2004-2008;

iii. The Housing Code , approved by the Republic of Uzbekistan on 24

December 1998;

iv. Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on “State Cadastre” N171-II from

15.12.2000;

v. Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on “State land cadastre” N666-I from

28.08.1998, as amended between 2002-2004;

vi. Cabinet of Ministers (CoM) resolution on “measures on improving order of

providing lands for urban construction and other non-agricultural needs”

№ 146 of 25.05.2011;

vii. CoM resolution on "Approving the Provisions for compensating losses to

citizens and legal persons due to land acquisition for State and public

needs" No 97, 29 May 2006;

viii. CoM resolution on “legalization of seizure and allocation of land plots for

non-agricultural needs in the Republic of Uzbekistan” No. 248, 27 May

1992;

ix. CoM resolution on “adjudication of land disputes in the Republic of

Uzbekistan”

x. №246 dated 25.05.1992; and

xi. CoM resolution on “compensation for agricultural production losses related

to land acquisition, for needs not connected with farming or forestry

management” № 223 dated 16.06.1995 and No. 282 dated 15.06.1992.

173. The provisions of these laws are not fully in line with the requirements of ADB's

Safeguard Guidelines. In addition, a lack of clear instructions and procedures, could

affect their implementation in practice. For example, the Land Code of the Republic of

Uzbekistan (Article 86) proclaims that "the damage caused to land of landowners, shall

be totally reimbursed (including lost profits)" but the period of reimbursement is not

specified. The requirement of ADB on protective measures is the obligatory

compensation for displacement before the proposed relocation of affected persons (D 1,

8).

174. The following mechanism is proposed to achieve compliance of national legal

framework with ADB requirements, including multilateral official consultations with



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participation of ADB representatives, GRP, regional Khokimiats, and districts of project

zone, as well as other project stakeholders.

175. The design and implementation of a robust and accessible grievance mechanism

to be provided to the affected population is a key ADB requirement. Proposed procedure

of considering and settlement of claims shall be made with a help of official agencies,

with the purpose of making process of claims and grievances more accessible and easy

for APs.

176. According to the ADB procedure, in the framework of the Project Public

Consultations (PC) were conducted for local communities, representatives of

governmental and non-governmental organizations and other interested people.

Consultation materials developed with a purpose to inform all parties about the project,

to give them an opportunity to make comments, make modifications and suggestions to

improve Project activities. Consultations also were conducted as an approach to obtain

social- economic information and study public opinion on proposed project.

177. Public Consultations were conducted twice. The first, consultations (PC 1) were

held on 24-29 September 2012 in Kizil Tepa District of the Navoi Province, and in

districts of Alat, Bukhara, and Jondor of the Bukhara Province. Total number of participants

were 148 people for the four districts. The second Public Consultations (PC 2) were held

on 23 November 2012. In Romitan District Khokimiyat, more than 60 stakeholders from 2

districts of Bukhara Province: Romitan and Bukhara districts participated in PC 2.

178. An analysis / comparison ADB Resettlement Safeguards with Republic of

Uzbekistan Law and Regulations on and Acquisition and Resettlement was undertaken.

Provisions to bridge the gap between ADB requirements and national legislation was

proposed for discussion agreement between the ADB and Government.

179. Furthermore, based on the review of government policy on land acquisition and

resettlement as well as requirements of ADB Safeguard Policy related to involuntary

resettlement entitlements to compensation were determined. The construction of a new

pumping station, the modernization of the existing stations, and other irrigation

infrastructure improvement probably will not require land acquisition in significant

amounts. Nevertheless it is advisable to consider all options for possible losses, since

compliance with engineering standards may require additional land alienation. Hence an

entitlement matrix was developed for the Project, this is presented in Annex 6.



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XI. SOCIAL AND POVERTY REDUCTION SAFEGUARDS

Country/Project Title: UZBEKISTAN Amu Bukhara Irrigation System Rehabilitation Project

Lending/ Financing Modality:

Sector Loan Department/

Division:

Central and West Asia Department/ Agriculture, Environmental and Natural Resources Division

I. POVERTY ANALYSIS AND STRATEGY

A. Linkages to the National Poverty Reduction Strategy and Country Partnership Strategy

1. The Welfare Improvement Strategy/Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (WIS/PRSP 2008 - 2010) sets out a strategy to improve living standards, especially for low-income and socially isolated groups, with medium-and long-term priorities for the period up to 2015. A key strategic priority is to maintain robust economic growth at 7-8% /year and hereby to increase public welfare spending.

2. In social policies, special attention will be paid to targeted use of welfare funds. In the context of overall improved livelihoods and higher living standards, welfare will develop a focus on children and vulnerable groups including the elderly and disabled people.

3. Poverty reduction and improved public health are entirely linked to access to safe water and sanitation, constituting a main development objective, especially for rural areas and small towns.

4. The strategy emphasizes on the development of the agricultural sector as the main source of livelihood for a significant part of the population in rural areas.

5. The following tools will support the implementation of agricultural water management policy on the long term:

(i) Development and implementation of the national program irrigation water metering system (ii) Staged introduction of water fees to facilitate sustainable management of o irrigation

schemes (iii) Program for reliable supply of irrigation water, including investment projects (iv) Capacity building for WCA as basic level (local level, grass root level) for sustainable water

management (v) Overall improvement/restoration of irrigated areas

1. Proposed Project

6. Amu-Bukhara Irrigation System Rehabilitation (ABIS) Project will rehabilitate and upgrade prioritized components of the main irrigation system, provide modern technologies and equipment to ensure efficient water management and introduce effective project and irrigation system management and monitoring systems. The Project will comprise (i) ABIS Management Modernization including Tudakul and Kuyu Mazar reservoirs and pilot on-farm infrastructure and management improvement, (ii) Replacement/Rehabilitation/Upgrade of 4 prioritized Pump Stations (Khamza-1 and its Auxiliary, Khamza-2, Kuyu Mazar, and Kiziltepa and its Auxiliary); and (iii) ABIS Main Infrastructure Modernization to reduce conveyance and management water losses, and provide improved water delivery service. The primary aim is sustained and increased agricultural water productivity. A feasibility level design has been completed. Estimated project implementation period is 7 years. MAWR is proposed to be an executing agency.



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B. Poverty Analysis Targeting Classification: Geographic

1. Key Issues

7. According to results of a national household budge survey (2005) results the poverty rate in Uzbekistan (as per World Bank definition) is estimated to be at 25.8%

47. WIS document defines the

national poverty line at 2.15 USD per capita per day (or 4407,5 UZS equivalent as for February 2013).

8. The following paragraphs present results of the PPTA Socioeconomic Survey, (November 2012 in Bukhara and Romitan districts). Average total monthly income of surveyed households was 1,897,800 UZS (358,075 UZS per HH), with significant seasonal fluctuations; typically, 84.5% of HH income is higher in summer, due to market sale of agricultural products (constituting the main source of revenue for the surveyed HH). Average monthly income of non-poor households exceeds income of poor households by 3.4 times. In last three years, a trend towards overall improvement of living conditions has been observed, confirmed by self-assessment of 79.7% of the respondents.

9. Hired employment in the non-agricultural sector (including entrepreneurial activities and labour migration) is the most significant income source, providing about 21% of households’ income in Bukhara district and about 17% in Romitan district. The second important income source is an agricultural activity which provides more income for people in Romitan district than Bukhara. Poor families receive almost 4 times less income from non-agricultural entrepreneurial activities compared to non-poor families in Bukhara district.

10. Social payments (pensions, low–income family allowances, unemployment allowances, single-family allowances, disabled-person allowances, and other benefits from the Government) are an additional source of income for the families in the subproject area. However, due to small amounts, these allowances do not play any significant role in improvement of the living standards.

11. Average monthly expenditures exceed monthly income by 1.7 times, reaching 3,252,900 UZS (or 613,754 UZS per capita). Discrepancies between income and expenditures are due to families' self-consuming and selling production from dekhan plots, is not considered as income. Food is the most significant expenditure item. Low income households lack financial resources to allocate to health and education as incomes are spent to cover basic needs. Households follow various strategies to cope with emergency needs. Less than half of the surveyed households sell their own property and assets, with a higher share of the poor population. However, most of respondents in Bukhara district rely on relatives and friends for coping with emergency needs.

12. The general educational level of the population is relatively high, corresponding to the high overall national levels. Official statistics indicate a trend towards increasing numbers of graduates from vocational institutions in Bukhara province (2005 – 2011). 20 % of graduates of vocational schools are part of the agricultural sector. 6.9% of the population in Bukhara district and 5.7% in Romitan district are unemployed. From the employed population, hired workers make up 15.8%, Entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals in all sectors make up the second largest group.

13. According to respondents, poor land quality is one of the main reasons restricting agricultural production. (soil salinity, shallow water tables, water with high mineralization content). However, the core reason impeding domestic agricultural production is related to limited access to irrigation water. Practically, all dekhan plots in the subproject area depend on irrigation. Majority (92.8%) of respondents in survey area use water from rivers, canals and ditches to irrigate their land plots, in average 68.7% of the land in subproject area is irrigated (Romitan district: 70.9%, Bukhara district: 66.6%.

14. Lack of irrigation water dramatically affects crop production as indicated by 86.6% of respondents. Reduction of the crop production is more severe in Romitan district than in Bukhara district.

15. Many 89.6% of the surveyed households keep livestock and poultry as a typical form of safety net in rural areas.

47

Welfare Improving Strategy of Uzbekistan: Full PRSP document for 2008-2010



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II. SOCIAL ANALYSIS AND STRATEGY

A. Findings of Social Analysis

1. Key Issues

16. 51.6% survey respondents are male and 48.4% are female.

17. Household characteristics of surveyed households correspond with those of typical rural households in Uzbekistan. Average HH size is 5.3 persons (5.4 in Bukhara and 5.2 in Romitan districts). Poor and non-poor households differ in size and composition. Poor families are larger and have more children under 7 years old. These settings correspond to official statistics.

18. There are more infirm adult HH members (people in pension age, old-age and disability pensioners) in poor families (58.2%) than in non-poor families (42.7%) which indicate on vulnerability of the former group. The share of the population in economically active age is 85.1% in Bukhara district and 61.5% in Romitan district. The survey findings are close to official statistics. Among the economically inactive population at the able-bodied age, the prevailing group is students, including students from poor families.

19. A majority of surveyed households have own small-size land plots. In terms of land use, garden plots (tomorka) are most represented (98.2%). Other forms of land use such as dekhan farms allocated specifically for agricultural activity or for construction, are not widespread. 17.9% of respondents have a second plot mainly dekhan plot, used for agricultural crop production.

20. Surveyed households use more than a half of their garden plots for crops, the rest of the land is used for housing and other structures. Every fourth household in the sample size does not use its land plot for crop production due to lack of irrigation water. The main reason for lack of irrigation water is due to insufficient amounts of water in river and canals. A second reason is significant loss of water in canals and ditches as indicated by 14.5% respondents. Lack of water is more severe in poor families than in non-poor ones. According to survey respondents the crop productivity could be increased on average by 19% with sufficient irrigated water. Productivity could be potentially increased up to 25% as indicated by 45.5% respondents in Bukhara district and 27.6% in Romitan district.

B. Consultation and Participation

1. Description

21. PPTA Consultants conducted Public Consultations in Kyzyltepa district (Navoi province), Alat, Jandor, Bukhara and Kagan districts (Bukhara province) in September 2012, focusing on information about the Project, potential environmental and social impacts and on survey activities.

22. The next set of Public Consultations was conducted in November 23, 2012 at Romitan district Kholimiyat with participants from two core rayons– Romitan and Bukhara of Bukhara Province. Various community groups were informed about Public Consultations through Hokimiyats. 52 participants attended at the Public Consultations, amongst them representatives of Makhalla (Village) Committees of Romitan and Bukhara Districts, as well as representatives of District Hokimiyats, Representatives of Natural Protection Committee, Pump Station Management, chiefs of WCA and Farmers of districts. Forty women also attended, who represented the rayons. During the meeting, the participants were introduced to the Project objectives, goals, and proposed activities. The participants were given Project Information Booklet Participants stated their appreciation of the information and opportunity to participate.

The joint disclosure and public consultations were carried out by the PPTA Consultants. Participants were invited to provide comments and questions which were answered and clarified by the local authorities and PPTA Consultants. There was no indication of any objections or worries about the project.

2. What level of consultation and participation (C&P) is envisaged during the project implementation and monitoring?

Information sharing Consultation Collaborative decision making Empowerment

3. Was a C&P plan prepared? Yes No

The process and preparation of the WRMP is anchored on consultative and participatory process. The C&P framework was established in the Project Safeguards, i.e. environment, social development, and resettlement.



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C. Gender and Development

1. Key Issues

23. More than 29 million people live in Uzbekistan, 50% of which are women, and 48% of population lives in rural areas. Women’s share in economically active population is 40%. Econom ic development of the country is exceptional for the last five years, since the growth of GDP by 3.7 times in 2011

48.

24. Gender composition of the population corresponds to the national setting. With regard to gender disparities, low levels of female employment and economic activity are due to a lack of professional education. For example, the share of female students in the water related sector is only 15.7%. Accordingly, women are not represented in management positions. Corresponding gender disparities are also observed in participation in trainings and upgrade qualifications.

25. The role of women in household economy is not significant. Women contribute 2.1 times less than men to the HH economy in Bukhara district and 2.3 times less in Romitan district. Women’s incomes are generally lower, in both absolute and relative terms. A striking example is hired employment in the non-agricultural sector where women’s income is on average two times lower than the income of males in comparable positions.

Project’s potential to promote gender equality

The project has a potential to enhance private entrepreneurship amongst women, resulting in generation of additional household income.

To enhance a positive project impact on women and minimize project-related risks for women and children, the Gender Action Plan was developed within the Social Analysis component.

2. Project’s potential adverse impact on women and gender equality The Project is not expected to have any adverse impact on women and girls and will be gender neutral.

3. Key Actions. Measures included in the design to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment—access to and use of relevant services, resources, assets, or opportunities and participation in decision-making process:

Gender plan Other actions/measures No action/measure

To enhance a positive project impact on women and minimize project-related risks for women, the Gender Action Plan was developed within the Social Analysis component. It includes the following key components:

Recruit local Social/Poverty & Gender Specialists in the PMU (UCSA) on permanent basis Ensure collection of sex-disaggregated baseline information and monitor and evaluate

trends. Ensure inclusion of GAD issues in the social profile at implementation and completion phases

Develop a mechanism of effective cooperation with the Women’s Committee at all levels in project area

Identify Gender focal points for adequate implementation, M&E of gender indicators/targets and GAP at PMU levels

Allocate scholarships for female students at secondary professional and higher Institutions

Ensure gender-balanced composition (and equal pay) of the PMU Capacity development training and consultation with EA, PMU, and PMU on the

implementation of the GAP Ensure that GAP is one of the criterions during Project implementation Women will be trained on effective water usage and private business operating

48

According to official statistics of the State Statistics Committee



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III. SOCIAL SAFEGUARD ISSUES AND OTHER SOCIAL RISKS

Issue Significant/Limited/ No Impact

Strategy to Address Issue

Plan or Other Measures Included in Design

Involuntary Resettlement

Not Significant

A Project Resettlement Framework (RF) has been prepared in line with ADB social safeguard requirements defining (i) land acquisition process; (ii) eligibility, compensation and entitlements; (iii) gender impacts and mitigating measures; (iv) public participation and disclosure; (v) grievance redress mechanism; (vii) institutional arrangements.

Full

Resettlement Plan

Resettlement Framework

Short Resettlement Plan

Due Diligence Report

No Action

Indigenous Peoples

No Impact

There are no issues on indigenous peoples.

Plan

Other Action

Indigenous Peoples

Development Framework

No Action

Labor

Employment opportunities

Labor retrenchment Core labor

standards

Significant

The construction of subprojects will create employment opportunities in the poseloks (villages) of rayons (towns) It will also encourage farmers to engage in micro enterprises that requires additional workers.

Plan

Other Action

No Action

Affordability

No Impact

Action

No Action

Other Risks and/or Vulnerabilities

HIV/AIDS

Human trafficking

Others(conflict,

No Impact

Social assessments do not indicate any significant risks with regard to child labor, HIV/AIDS and Human Trafficking. However, the EA will ensure that all civil works will

Plan

Other Action

No Action



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political instability, etc), please specify

comply with all applicable labor laws, will not employ children during construction and maintenance activities. The EA will stipulate in the contract for civil works the employment of people in the subproject areas particularly those from the poor households.

IV. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Are social indicators included in the design and monitoring framework to facilitate monitoring of social development activities and/or social impacts during project implementation? Yes No

XII. GENDER ACTION PLAN

1. The total population of Uzbekistan is more than 29 million, 50% of which are

women. Rural residents represent 49% of the total population. According to the official

data, one third of women are employed in the agricultural sector. Based on preliminary

assessment of the official statistics, resident population of the Bukhara Province as of

1 January 2012 was 1.696 million, showing 1.6% of an average growth rate per year49.

According to the official statistics female population outnumbers male population by

more than 9,000 individuals. More than half of women are in the economically active

age, i.e. from 18 to 35 years old (51.9%)50. According to the Project’s Terms of

Reference (ToR), Khamza New Pump Station will be constructed in the Alat District to

replace the existing Khamza 1 Pump Station and its Auxiliary Pump Station. The total

population of Alat District is 86.6 thousand, of which 43.4 thousand are women. In district

management staff women have a share of 15.3%; however, more than half of the

farmers are women (56.2%).

2. According to the objectives and tasks of the social assessment, in November 2012

a Socioeconomic and Gender Assessment was conducted in the Project area covering

Romitan and Bukhara Districts. In order to evaluate the economic, social and cultural

factors which may influence the Project, 335 households were surveyed within

11 Makhalla Assemblies of Citizens or Makhallas (MACs). Gender composition of the

surveyed households was 51.6% men and 48.4% women respectively. According to

survey results, 83.7% of households are headed by men, and 16.3% by women.

3. In 90% of the female-headed households, women are generally the final decision

makers. Women become heads of households out of various reasons, i.e. divorce, death

of spouse, migration of the husband, etc. Even in such cases a woman has to accept the

49

Average for 10 years, Source: Statistics Department of Bukhara region 50

Source: Uzbekistan’s Statistical Yearbook, Tashkent, 2012



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decisions made by male family members (i.e. parents, family in law, children) who

participate in the decision making process. Lack of gender awareness due to the

relevance of traditional values and roles is the main reason of gender inequality among

household members. In 89% of male-headed households, men make the final decision.

In the remaining 11% of households other family members are involved in decision

making (wife, parents, and children).

4. The survey showed relatively moderate public awareness about the project: 50.7%

of respondents did not have any information on the expected Project activities. With

regard to most frequent information channels, 51.3% of the respondents obtain

information referring to the agricultural and water sector, via mass media and Makhalla

authorities. About 20% of the interviewed households receive information from the

District Department for Agriculture and Water Resources within the MAWR, and 10.8%

from Water Consumer Associations WCAs51. Moreover, the survey results underline the

importance of water availability in the region and of rational use of water.

5. In the Project area the role of women in household economy is not significant.

Women’s contribution to family’s income mainly consists of income from employment in

the non-agricultural sector and of pensions. To a lesser extent women have income from

employment in the agricultural sector. On average, women contribute only 19.3% to the

total family income in Bukhara District, and 14.1% in Romitan District. It should be noted

that there were some constraints with reference to the collection of disaggregated data

during the survey: specific statistical information on women is available neither in the

regional committee of statistics department nor in the water resources sector. According

to the available data for Alat District women are mainly involved in the educational and

healthcare sectors (61.5% and 78.7% respectively). To a lesser extent women are

employed in industry, transport and communication, construction, as well as in trade and

public catering. Interviews show lower women’s contribution to the family income by 2.2

times in average, compared to the share of men. Peculiarities of women’s employment

(low employment level, high involvement in housekeeping activities) are mainly related to

lack of womens’ professional skills and capacities in entrepreneurship and human

resource management, business planning, and other skills related business.

6. A notable gender disparity exists in professional education, with less female

graduates from universities specializing in the areas of agriculture and water resources.

According to official statistics, in the 2011-2012 academic year women made up only

17.5% of the graduates. As a result, there is a notable disparity in the management of

the water resources sector in the Project area.

7. Due to gender disparities in higher and vocational education, a lower female

employment rate is observed in the water related sector. In particular, in employment

structure of Amu Bukhara Machine Canal (ABMK) women comprise 9.3% only of all

51

On 25th of December 2009 “Water and Water Use” Law was revised based on the “Law of the

Republic of Uzbekistan No 240 dated 25.12.2009 according to which “Water Users Associations”

(WUA) were renamed into the Water Consumer Associations (WCA). Distinctions between them

were clarified as: water users do not affect the actual amount of available water (such as fisheries

and hydropower), and water consumers reduce the actual amount of available water (e.g. in

irrigation).



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employees, and 8.7% of the total qualified staff. There is not a single female

management staff member due to the lack of respective education levels. Amu Bukhara

BISA is characterized by the same situation. Out of 98 employees working in the BISA,

only 10% are women. More women are working in Romitan ISA (about 16%). Typical

positions occupied by women are e.g. senior accountant, economist, hydraulic engineer,

computer operators, office cleaners and gardeners.

8. Participants of Focus Group Discussions (FGD) mentioned numerous conflicts

related to water distribution among water users – farmers and households. However,

according to participants’ statements, in other districts’ WCAs such conflicts are less

frequent. The number of women among mirabs (lead irrigators) is very few; they make up

only 3.7% of the total staff. While women are not present in the mirabs in Bukhara and

Romitan Districts, in other districts the number of female mirabs is up to four (Vobkent

district). Women’s involvement to the WCAs is very limited. In the WCAs interviewed

there were no women working in the WCAs. Staff members are entirely male. Common

existing positions in the WCAs include chairman, accountant, hydro-technicians and IT

specialist. It was noted by the FGD participants that women manage and distribute more

efficiently the irrigation water, and they are more rational in issues like planning,

consumption and use of water resources. Thus, most of the respondents (74.3%) believe

that women in the Project area play an important role in rational use and distribution of

water resources.

9. During a conduction of FGD with the representatives of households, participants

noted a lack of coordination in management among the main Project stakeholders and

beneficiaries (Bukhara Province Khokimiyat and District Khokimiyats, ABMK, BISA, ISA,

Women Committee under Khokimiyats, etc). Thus, Women Committees in Bukhara and

Romitan Districts do not have sufficient information about key stakeholders activities and

how to get involved in the project and in subprojects. There was a concern that in case of

involvement of the subcontractor(s) in the construction of the Khamza New Pump Station

and the rehabilitation of the Kuyu Mazar Pump Station, the local population will not be

made aware on new work places, work progress and any other relevant information. The

participants also noted that complaints related to shortage of irrigation water normally

have to be addressed to different authorities and to be repeated many times. In the

context of farming, the absence of management tools such as schedules and fair water

distribution principles lead to regular conflicts and arguments amongst the water users.

According to 58.5% of the respondents, WCAs often fail to resolve such conflicts.

10. According to survey results, women are more actively involved in farming than in

other economic activities. 68% of the women working in agriculture in Bukhara Province

are employed on a full-time basis. In Romitan District the corresponding share is 62%.

About 12% of dekhan farms face problems due to high soil salinity, and about 30% of

the farms are challenged by shallow ground water tables on their land plots. It was found

that the main reasons for these problems are related to the lack of farmers’ knowledge

about modern technologies and the lack of equipment for efficient and rational water

resources management (automatic water measuring devices, remote management) and

of environmentally friendly technology.



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GENDER ACTION PLAN

Activities Indicators and Targets Responsibility Time/ Year

Component 1: ABIS Management Modernization

Conduct information campaign about the project (written materials, local TV and newspapers) among key stakeholders and ensure women’s participation in Project area districts, use most frequent information channels to ensure full coverage

9 local TV programs at the local TV

(once a year, duration is one

month) to describe current situation

and future activities during Project

implementation.

Project Management Unit (PMU), Project Gender Specialist in association with regional and district Khokimiyats, Republican Women’s Committee (RWC), Makhallya committees, Mass media (TV), ABMK, BISA

1-5

18 articles (twice a year) at local newspaper in beginning and middle of each year to describe current situation and future activities during Project implementation.

300 written materials (leaflets, brochures) about the Project distributed.

10% of women in relevant water agencies (ABMK, BISA, ISA) are familiar with Project (proportional number of Women in organizations).

Conduct trainings/seminars on GAD awareness for key stakeholders and beneficiaries: representatives of ABMK, BISA, MAWR, WCA members, regional and district branches, HH members

6 seminars with 30 participants held in each district (The optimal number of training participants should not exceed 35)

At least 180 written materials (leaflets, brochures) distributed to training participants.

10% of participants in relevant water agencies (ABMK, BISA, ISA) are Women (proportional number of Women in organizations).

Creation of Information Center in project area under the Khokimiyat of Romitan District

Regularly inform and coordinate all stakeholders and international partners about the construction works (annual meeting with representatives of stakeholders)

Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Project Gender Specialist in association with key stakeholders, including Bukhara Province Khokimiyat and District Khokimiyats, Basin Irrigation System Authority (BISA), Amu Bukhara Machine Canal (ABMK), Pump station authority, Water Consumers Associations (WCA) and Makhalla Committees

1-5

Gathering and analysis of complaints from the population of Project area through the Project’s Grievance Mechanism

Monitoring of disaggregated data on complaints; Number of complaints resolved

Project Gender Specialist



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Component 2: New Construction and Rehabilitation of Pump Stations

Conduction of 2 weeks trainings on private business operation for women of Project area districts (territory of construction works)

60 women from each district have the skills on opening and operating of private business (management and business planning, personnel management etc.). Only interested and capable women admitted to the training.

Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Project Gender Specialist and Women Committee in association with Business Women Association

1-5

24 women in Project area districts are involved to entrepreneurship and provide services to the specialists and workers of new and rehabilitation pump stations (> 20% from the training participants).

Component 4: ABIS Main Infrastructure Modernization

Conduct four-day trainings on effective water usage for key Project stakeholders and beneficiaries, including WCA, BISA, ABMK, farmers and HH members in Project area districts on annual basis.

180 participators aware about modern methods in water saving technologies and land salinity issues (>30 participants from each project area).

Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Project Gender Specialist in association with Agronomist

1-5

180 written materials (leaflets, brochures) distributed to participants.

8-10% women participations from water management organizations and farmers 30% women-participants from local households

2-3% women-mirabs included to the WCAs staff in the Project area from the total number Baseline: 0% in 2011.

Allocate scholarships for female students at secondary professional and higher Institutions -Bukhara state college of irrigation and amelioration, Agro-technical college in Romitan District and Tashkent branch of state Institute of Irrigation and Melioration in Bukhara City on a competitive basis (for those fields of study where women's participation is most effective).

Scholarships for 24 women-students of Bukhara Irrigation and Amelioration College (10% from the current number of women-students). Scholarships for 6 women-students of Agro-Technical College in Romitan District (no women-students currently). Scholarships for 18 women-students of Tashkent branch of Irrigation and Melioration Institute in Bukhara city (10% from the current number of women-students)

MAWR, ABMK, PIU, PMU and Social/Poverty & Gender Specialist

1-5

from 17.7% to 19% increased the share of women-students in Bukhara Irrigation and Amelioration College from 0% to 2% increased the share of women-students in Romitan Agro-Technical College from 18.9% to 20.5% increased the



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share of women-students in Tashkent branch of Irrigation and Melioration Institute in Bukhara City

Component 5: Program Management Facility (PMF)

Recruit local Social/Poverty & Gender Specialists in the PMU (UCSA) on permanent basis Ensure inclusion of GAD issues in the social profile at implementation and completion phases Develop a mechanism of effective cooperation with the Women’s Committee at all levels in Project area Identify Gender focal points for adequate implementation, M&E of gender indicators/targets and GAP at PMU levels Capacity development training and consultation with EA, PMU, and PMU on the implementation of the GAP

Specialists available for all project period on permanent basis Gender disaggregated baseline information available and M&E reports. Social/gender profile in the reports, Reporting indicators by gender Agreement between ABMK and Women Committee in Project area districts at different project levels, including all tasks and responsibilities of two sides. Availability of GAD focal points in PIU during project implementation Gender-balanced PMU and PIU # of women at decision making level in PMU Progress toward meeting the GAP indicators and targets

PMU and Social/Poverty & Gender Specialist, PIU in collaboration with the regional state departments of statistics and NO,URM (Reporting indicators reflected in the ADB’s Project Performance Report System)

1-5

GAD – Gender and Development; PS – Pumping Stations; M&E – Monitoring and Evaluation; PIU – Project Implementation Unit;

PMU – Project Management Unit; Makhalla – community based local organization of self-regulation; Khokimiyat – local

administration; RWC – Republican Women's Committee (NGO Chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister), ISA - Irrigation System

Administration, BISA - Basin Irrigation System Administration, ABMC – Amu Bukhara Machinery Canal; WCA – Water Consumers

Association; MAWR - Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources



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Budget for GAP to be implemented for 5 years (USD)

Unit Cost

# of years

# of units

Total Cost

1. Project Information Campaign

1.1. TV program 200 5 9 9000

1.2. Articles in newspaper 50 5 18 4500

1.3. Written materials (leaflets, brochures) creating and printing 10 5 300 15000

Sub Total:

28500

2. GAD awareness raising training

2.1. Payment for trainer and assistance 150 3 6 2700


2.3. Lunch 7 3 180 3780

2.4. Coffee break 4 3 180 2160

2.5. Participants transportation costs 5 3 90 1350

2.6. Accommodation, per diem of trainers 50 3 6 900

2.7. Flight of trainers 200 3 6 3600

Sub Total:

19890

3. Two-week trainings on private business operating



3.3. Lunch 70 3 120 25200

3.4. Coffee break 40 3 120 14400




Sub Total:

91800

4. Four-day trainings on effective water usage


4.2. Payment for Agronomist 300 5 6 9000


4.4. Lunch 28 5 180 25200

4.5. Coffee break 16 5 180 14400




Sub Total:

102600

5. Scholarship for women students of vocational and higher schools specializing in water resources management sector

5.1. 30 scholarships for women-students of specialized secondary education schools in Bukhara and Romitan districts ($30/month)

360 5 30 54000

5.2. 18 scholarships for women-students of higher school in Bukhara district ($50 US per month.)

600 5 18 54000

Sub Total:

108000

GRAND TOTAL: 350790