BergerWorld: 4th Quarter 2005

Uzbekistan

Since the Soviet period, cotton has been the mainstay of Uzbekistan's economy. Currently, the nation is the world's second largest exporter of seed cotton, producing almost 700,000 tons each year. However, cotton production requires large amounts of water, a challenging demand for the arid region of Uzbekistan. To assist the nation in efficiently using water supplies, the ADB is funding the $73 million Amu-Zang Irrigation Rehabilitation Project.

This comprehensive project will improve irrigation in the southern region of Surkhandarya Oblast and assist the government of Uzbekistan in upgrading the water sector. The first phase of the project will improve agricultural productivity and farm incomes by rehabilitating the Amu Zang irrigation system, which provides water to 98,000 hectares.

To ensure the sustainability of these upgrades, the project will also train water management agencies in operation and maintenance procedures, install water resource management systems and establish water users associations. As part of this effort, the Berger Group will assist the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources (MAWR) to institute national reforms. Berger water specialists will evaluate current legislation governing the formation and operations of water users associations and prepare recommendations to improve operations.

The Team will also work with MAWR to develop a cost recovery policy and a comprehensive implementation plan for future water sector projects and prepare methodologies, legal documents and an implementation plan for introducing water fees nationwide. To support reforms within the ministry, Berger specialists will establish a water sector reform unit and advise officials on long-term options, including the establishment of a national water resources council and the separation of water resource management and irrigation service delivery.

In order to meet changing community needs, Berger will also assist in the establishment of the Amu-Surkhan Basin Irrigation Organization which will regulate water use in the Surkhandarya Oblast region. Experienced Team members will draft operational procedures for the agency and strengthen its ability to manage and evaluate water allocation. Berger will also work with national and local agencies to introduce water delivery fees to the region. To ensure continued oversight at a regional level, Berger water specialists will conduct extensive training sessions and international study tours to improve the ability of the Surhkandarya Province Agriculture and Water Department to operate and manage irrigation projects and foster community participation.