The information on progress of the World Bank Mission in Osh oblast

In the framework of the planned Fourth Implementation Support Mission of the World Bank for “Agricultural Productivity and Nutrition Improvement Project” for period from May 10 to 18, 2018, Mission members headed by Mr. David Meerbach – Task Team Leader, senior water resources specialist and Mr. David Michaud – Global water practice manager from May 11 to 12, 2018 have visited the subprojects “Agricultural Productivity and Nutrition Improvement Project” (APNIP) and “National Water Resources Management Project Phase-1” (NWRMP), located in Osh oblast.

During this trip on the part of Project Implementation Unit have participated: Kydykbek Beishekeev – NWRMP/APNIP Director, Rysbek Apasov- Coordinator on agricultural advisory services of Component 2 of APNIP, Saikal Bozova- Coordinator on nutrition Component 3 of APNIP, Damira Alchibekova- Component 2 Coordinator of NWRMP-1, Kutchubai Jaanbaev- Component 3 Coordinator of NWRMP-1, Abdikarim Ajimatov – APNIP Engineering Coordinator for the Southern region, Samara Orozalieva – public relations and communications specialist for NWRMP-1/APNIP, and also managers and specialists of WUA OSU, RVK,OVK and WUA.

The purpose of the trip was to meet with direct project beneficiaries, discuss current issues in the region and prospects for the development of the water sector of the country.

On May 11, 2018 a trip was organized for the Mission members to subprojects to be rehabilitated of WUA “Kurtash” of Aravan rayon of Osh oblast.  A meeting with the manager of the contractor, which is currently performing rehabilitation works on WUA on-farm schemes. The meeting was attended by the head of Ayil Okmotu, Director, Chairman of the Council, Accountant and murabs of WUA “Kurtash”. During the meeting, issues on all aspects of WUA development from the moment of its formation to the present time were discussed. Besides of that, the issues of agricultural development, repayment of a credits and other issues were considered.

Further the Mission members have met with FDG (Family Doctors Group) #6 Too-Moyun Ayil Aimak and representatives KVHC (Kyrgyz Village Health Committee). We discussed the project plans on capacity building of health workers in order to improve the quality of health services for children, adolescent girls, women of reproductive age and pregnant women. Communication canals of population informing on behavior change of the population related to diversified nutrition and status of village health committees on work with the population were also discussed.

On May 12, the Mission members have visited the Papan reservoir. At the meeting, the chief engineer of the reservoir told about the technical specifications of the facility and about the hydroelectric complex rehabilitation works within the “Irrigation Rehabilitation Project”. The list of performed operations at the hydroelectric complex were included: drainage excavation in the right side of the dam, cementation of the dam base and body, installation of piezometric network and construction of a 70-meter deep quaking concrete impervious sheer wall. The participants of the meeting also discussed the positive effects of rehabilitation, the results of which was stopping water seepage through the body and weir pier, increased reliability of the Papan reservoir dam.

On the same day, the delegation has visited the Aravan-Ak-Buura canal (AABK), has inspected the headworks. Damira Alchibekova has spoken in detail on performance of structures, off-farm main canal and secondary and tertiary canals. There was also a meeting with Taalai Dubanayev – the head of the hydro-unit of AABK of Operational Hydro-unit of the Osh OVK, who reported on Public Water Management Council (PWMC). Issues related to the work of PWMC and activities on the AABK pilot scheme, including water user associations located within the command area, were discussed.

Then there was a meeting with the Director, Chairman, Accountant and Farmer of WUA “Sultan-Naz”. They reported on WUA performance, on WUA Council, on budget, on advantages and disadvantages of rehabilitation works carried out under the completed OIP-2 AF project, as well as on work to repay 25% of the loan for the rehabilitation works and 50% of the technical credit for the excavator which was received under the abovementioned project.

Besides, a meeting was organized with the management of the company ACS (Agricultural Consulting Service) in Jalal-Abad oblast. This company was hired to train self-help groups on agronomy of cultivation of vegetable crops, the storage rules and processing of products. The Representatives of ACS told about the methodology and plans of their work according to the Terms of Reference, they have answered to a number of questions of the Mission. Rysbek Apasov has reported on the overall status of Component 2, in particular about the company’s activities in the Southern region.

The World Bank Mission members held discussions with the project management on the results of the trip and in conclusion they have expressed their gratitude to PIU for organizing meetings with beneficiaries.