AF Irrigation Restoration and Development Project - P122235

Opportunity Background The proposed operation will scale-up the activities covered under the on-going Emergency Irrigation Rehabilitation and Improvement Project. Furthermore, the project will assist the Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW) in developing Afghanistan’s water resources for irrigation through the implementation of a small dam development program in closed river basins. Opportunity Structure The main objective of the Irrigation Restoration and Development Project is to increase agricultural productivity and production in the project areas. This objective is designed to be achieved through the following components: Component 1: Rehabilitation of Irrigation Infrastructure (US$ 70 million) - This will focus on the rehabilitation of medium and large irrigation schemes that would benefit a large number of rural families. Component 2: Small Dam Development - This will support of construction of multi-purpose small dams, associated irrigation conveyance and distribution systems. This will also facilitate the institutional strengthening the MEW on the management of small dam development program. Component 3: Establishment of Hydro-Meteorological Facilities and Services (US$ 5 million) - This will involve the establishment of efficient and effective Hydro-Meterological Services including the provision of hardware and software, field equipment and research training for MEW. Component 4: Technical Assistance and Institutional Strengthening (US$ 40 million) - This will provide: technical assistance to the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) and provincial water management departments (PWMDs); capacity building activities for MEW and local institutions; and support for the strengthening of monitoring and evaluation activities. The project is scheduled for appraisal on 01 March 2011. The Board Approval is expected to take place on 31 May 2011. The total project cost is estimated at US$ 145 million incorporating contributions from IDA (US$ 35 million) and Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (US$ 110 million). The Ministry of Energy and Water shall serve as the implementing agency for the project. Competitive Scope The project is still in the pipeline. Goods that might be procured under the project include IT equipment, field equipment and transport facilities. Consultancy services might be needed in the areas of project management, procurement, contract management, financial management, irrigation schemes and small dams development, construction supervision, environmental and social management, monitoring and evaluation. UPDATE: 6 May 2011 The Board approved the project on 28 April 2011. The project completion is expected on 31 December 2017. The total project cost is now estimated at US$ 148.7 million. Contacts: Usman Qamar Task Team Leader The World Bank uqamar@worldbank.org Phone: +93.700.240.925