BergerWorld: 4th Quarter 2005

Tajikistan

Although only seven percent of Tajikistan's 143,000 square miles are cultivated, agriculture is still the foundation of the economy. The main crop is cotton, along with wheat, potatoes, vegetables and fruit. Because this arid region receives an average of only 700 millimeters of rainfall each year, the development of successful and reliable irrigation and farming techniques is critical. Through a six-year, $43 million ADB-sponsored initiative, the Berger Group is improving irrigation and potable water systems in Tajikistan.

The Berger Group is upgrading irrigation systems in Vose, Kyzylsu-Yakhsu and Khodjan which will cover more than 79,000 hectares. One of the most challenging elements of the project was replacing an existing floating pump station, built in 1978, with a new 60 meter by 11 meter pontoon in the Qairakum reservoir in Khodjan. The new system included eight pumps and state-of-the-art transformers to discharge 14 cubic meters of water per second into the Fergana Valley Canals. Along with the development of the three main irrigation systems, the Berger team surveyed 29 irrigation and drainage networks and prepared detailed project reports for their rehabilitation and upgrade. Currently, Berger irrigation and water supply engineers are supervising the procurement and installation of irrigation and drainage pumps, pipes and equipment. In addition, the Team is supervising the rehabilitation of on-farm irrigation systems and central pump stations, the upgrade of canal gates and embankments and the reconstruction of the main reservoir. To ensure that the systems continues to serve the area's changing agricultural needs, the Berger Group is procuring operations, maintenance and farm equipment to support the long-term irrigation and water supply development of the region.

In addition to the improvement of the irrigation systems, the Team is also providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Water Resources and Land Reclamation in the preparation and evaluation of prequalification, bid documents and procurement for 45 works contracts and two equipment contracts. As a part of capacity building measures, Berger specialists conducted seminars and on-the-job training in procurement and contract management.