OFFICIAL USE ONLY IDA/R2003-0229/1 December 4, 2003 Streamlined Procedure For meeting of Board: Tuesday, December 23, 2003 FROM: Vice President and Corporate Secretary Afghanistan: Emergency Irrigation Rehabilitation Project Technical Annex Attached is the Technical Annex regarding a proposed credit to the Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan for an Emergency Irrigation Rehabilitation Project (IDA/R2003-0229). This project will be taken up at a meeting of the Executive Directors on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 under the Streamlined Procedure. Distribution: Executive Directors and Alternates President Bank Group Senior Management Vice Presidents, Bank, IFC and MIGA Directors and Department Heads, Bank, IFC and MIGA This document has a restricted distribution and may be used by recipients only in the performance of their official duties. Its contents may not otherwise be disclosed without World Bank Group authorization. Document of The World Bank FOROFFICIAL USE ONLY Report No. T7608-AF TECHNICAL ANNEX FORA PROPOSED CREDIT OF SDR27.9 MILLION (US $40 MILLIONEQUIVALENT) TO THE TRANSITIONAL ISLAMIC STATE OFAFGHANISTAN FORAN EMERGENCYIRRIGATIONREHABILITATIONPROJECT November26,2003 RuralDevelopmentSector Unit SouthAsia RegionalOffice This documenthasa restricteddistributionandmaybe usedby recipientsonly inthe performanceof their official duties. Its contents may not otherwisebedisclosedwithout World Bankauthorization. CURRENCY EQUIVALENT (Exchange rate i s Kabul basedopen market buyingrate) effective as ofNovember 23,2003 Currency Unit = Afghani U S $ 1 = 48.45 AFA SDR 1= 1.43798US$ GOVERNMENTFISCAL YEAR March21-March20 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ADB Asian Development Bank AIMS Afghanistan Information Management System ARCS Audit Reports Compliance System ARTF Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund CIDA Canadian InternationalDevelopment Agency DAB Da Afghanistan Bank (Central Bank) D C Direct Contracting DFID Department for InternationalDevelopment (UK) E M Environmental Impact Assessment EIRP Emergency Irrigation Rehabilitation Project EMP Environment Management Plan EU European Union FA0 Food and Agriculture Organization of the UnitedNations FMR FinancialMonitoring Report FMS Financial Management System GDP Dross Domestic Product GMU Grant Management Unit GOA Government o f Afghanistan GPN General Procurement Notice GTZ German Development Agency HOMS Hydrological Operational Multipurpose System IBRD InternationalBank for Reconstruction and Development(WBG) ICB International Competitive Bidding ICR Implementation Completion Report IDA InternationalDevelopmentAssociation (WBG) IFC InternationalFinance Corporation (WBG) IRR Internal Rate of Return I S International Shopping JBIC JapanBank of InternationalCooperation JICA Japan InternationalCooperative Agency LEA LimitedEnvironmentalAssessment 11 FOROFFICIALUSEONLY MAAH : MinistryofApculture andAnimal Husbandry M A C A : MineAction Center for Afghanistan(UN) MrWRE : MinistryofIrrigation, Water Resources andEnvironment MOF : Ministryo fFinance M&E : Monitoring andEvaluation NCB : NationalCompetitiveBidding NDF : NationalDevelopmentFramework(Afghanistan) NEEP : NationalEmergency EmploymentProgram NSP : National SolidarityProgram NGO : Non-GovernmentalOrganization N S : National Shopping O&M : Operations andMaintenance PCU : ProgramCoordinationUnitinMrWRE PSC : Project SteeringCommittee QBS : Quality BasedSelection QCBS : Quality and Cost Based Selection RCC : RegionalCoordinationCommittee S A : SpecialAccount SDA : Special Dollar Account SOE : Statement o fExpenditures TISA : Transitional Islamic State ofAfghanistan TSS : Transitional Support Strategy UN : UnitedNations USAID : United StatesAgency for InternationalDevelopment WBG : The WorldBankGroup Vice President Praful C. Pate1 Country Director Alastair McKechnie Reconstruction Manager Philippe Dongier Sector Director Constance A. Bernard Sector Manager Gajanand Pathmanathan Task Team Leader Mohinder S. Mudahar This documenthasa restricteddistributionandmay beused by recipients only in the performance of their official duties. I t s contents may not be otherwise disclosed lwithout World Bank authorization. TRANSITIONAL ISLAMIC STATE OF AFGHANISTAN EMERGENCY IRRIGATIONREHABILITATIONPROJECT TECHNICAL ANNEX Table of Contents A. BACKGROUND AND STRATEGY ..................................................................... 1 Sector Needs and Priorities........................................................................................ 1 Government Responseand Strategy.......................................................................... 2 B . BANK RESPONSEAND STRATEGY ................................................................. 2 Bank Support for Recovery ....................................................................................... 2 Rationale for BankInvolvement................................................................................ 3 C. DETAILEDPROJECT DESCRIPTION .............................................................. 3 Project Objectives...................................................................................................... 3 Project Components................................................................................................... 4 Project Sustainability ................................................................................................. 12 D. PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION .......................................................................... 12 OrganizationalStructure............................................................................................ 12 ImplementationProcedures....................................................................................... 14 Procurement Arrangements ....................................................................................... 16 FinancialManagement and Audit.............................................................................. 17 E FINANCIAL AND ECOMOMICJUSTIFICATION .......................................... 18 Project Rationale........................................................................................................ 18 ProjectBenefits.......................................................................................................... 19 Likely Risks............................................................................................................... 21 Monitoring and Evaluation........................................................................................ 22 F. ENVIRONMENTALAND SOCIAL SAFEGUARDS ......................................... 22 APPENDICES MAPS: IBRD32833; IBRD32834; IBRD32835; IBRD32836 iv LISTOFAPPENDICES Appendix 1: Project Costby Components....................................................................... 25 Appendix 2: ProcurementArrangements ........................................................................ 26 Appendix 3: FinancialManagement. Audit and Disbursement........................................ 35 Appendix 4: Rehabilitationo f Irrigation Schemes ........................................................... 47 Appendix 5: Scheme Selection and Appraisal Framework.............................................. 63 Appendix 6: Framework for Community Water Organizations ....................................... 66 Appendix 7: Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework...................................... 75 Appendix 8: Framework for the Hydro-meteorologicalNetwork .................................. 106 Appendix 9: Potential Projects for Feasibility Studies ................................................... 124 Appendix 10: Monitoring and EvaluationFramework.................................................... 127 Appendix 11:Terms o fReference for EngineeringDesign. Construction Supervision and Project Management Consultants................................... 134 V A. BACKGROUND AND STRATEGY Sector Needsand Priorities 1. Agricultural production accounts for over half o f Afghanistan's GDP and most o f its direct exports. More than three-quarters o f the population live in rural areas and depend on agnculture as their main source o f livelihood. Most o fthe agricultural population i s likely to be below the poverty line. The main issue facing the Afghans i s how to transform the poorly performing subsistence agricultural sector into a modem, dynamic and sustainable rural economy that provides food security, generates farm income, reduces vulnerability and expands livelihood opportunities. 2. Lack o f assured and timely water supply at the farm-level through the existing irrigation system appears to be one o f the most important constraints to food production, agricultural growth and rural development. This problem has worsened in the last 25 years o f conflict, neglect, floods and droughts. Based on the available information, in 2002, the actual area under irrigation was only about 33% of the area under irrigation in 1993. Furthermore, the present dilapidated irrigation system i s working at only about 25% o f its efficiency; the normi s about 40-60%. 3. Furthermore, at present, Afghanistan uses only about 30% o f the total estimated water resources (both surface and groundwater) available inthe country. Nearly all o f this water is used for irrigation. In addition to watering the crops, the irrigation system i s also a source o f drinkingwater supply for humans and livestock in the rural areas. Clearly, there i s substantial scope for improving the quality (timely delivery) and expanding the quantity (area under assured irrigation) o f irrigation, thereby reducing vulnerability to droughts and improving drinlungwater supply inrural Afghanistan. 4. Management o f water resources inAfghanistan is also constrained by the lack o f accurate and up- to-date hydro-meteorological information (the latest information i s 25 years old) for proper planning, development and use o f national water resources. In order to make the best use o f national water resources and ensure their sustainable management, the collection and analysis o f hydrological and meteorological data is essential. The analyzed data are used for the identification and preparation o f water resources projects such as irrigation scheme rehabilitation, potable water supply and hydropower development. However, the hydrological monitoring activities in Afghanistan ceased around 1978 and the 25 year old historical data i s less representative and less appropriate for planning due to climatic changes as well as changes inthe magnitude and flow o f the national water resources. 5. Appropriate institutions and adequate institutional capacity i s absolutely essential for sustainable use and management o fnational water resources. However, Afghanistan's institutional capacity for water management has also deteriorated significantly in the last 25 years. The quality and quantity o f the professional staff essential to plan and manage the national irrigation system, hydro-meteorological network and water resources have declined. The technical, administrative, communication and measurement facilities, equipment and even documents for the irrigatiodwater sector have been damaged or destroyed. This institutional capacity needs to be developed and re-built on an urgent basis. While the development o f institutions and institutional capacity i s a long-term process, it has to begin now for Afghanistan to be able to rehabilitate its national irrigation system and manage its national water resources, such that it i s also consistent with appropriate fiduciary and safeguards standards. 1 Government Response and Strategy 6. The transitional Government o f Afghanistan has articulated a national strategy for economic development in its National Development Framework (NDF, April 2002). One o f the national development programs deals specifically with natural resource management, including agriculture and water. The NDF recognizes the economic importance o f both agriculture and irrigation in transforming the rural economy, improving food security, reducing vulnerability and expanding livelihood opportunities for the rural population . 7. The NDF also recognizes that agriculture i s the main source o f livelihood for over 75% o f the Afghan population. However, the agricultural sector has suffered significantly over the last 25 years o f the conflict, droughts and dis-functioning national institutions that serve agriculture. The NDF accords a highpriority to the recovery o f the agricultural sector for it to be able to serve as the engine o fpro-poor economic growth and poverty reduction. One o f the most important components o f agricultural recovery strategy i s the rehabilitationo f the national irrigation system. 8. In addition, NDF also recognizes that Country's water resources are to be used in the most environmentally and socially sustainable manner. This aim has come into sharp focus in the past few years because o f the severe and long-term droughts experienced by Afghanistan. While ensuring adequate water supply for irrigation i s a high national priority, it must be done in a way that does not adversely affect the traditional norms o f collective responsibility o f local communities for the operations and maintenance of the centuries-old traditional (90% of the national irrigation system i s traditional) irrigation system. 9. The transitional Government o f Afghanistan has requested World Bank financing for the NDF's water resources program, including the rehabilitation o f the irrigation system on an emergency basis. This is part o f the multi-million and multi-donor national program proposed by the Government that is designed to rehabilitate the irrigation system over a period o f three years. This program consists of rehabilitation o f small, medium and large irrigation schemes, rehabilitation o f national hydro- meteorologicalobservation network and institutional development. B. BANKRESPONSEAND STRATEGY Bank Support for Recovery 10. The World Bank has played an important role by supporting reconstruction and economic recovery in Afghanistan. The World Bank participated in the Needs Assessment which provided a basis for a program o f financial assistance and advisory services. The Bank has been managing the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF). The Bank has also provided both IDA grants and IDA credits to support recovery, reconstruction and institutional development in all the critical sectors o f the Afghanistan economy. 11. The Transitional Support Strategy (TSS), designed to support the NDF, was approved by the World Bank Board inMarch 2003. Under TSS, which i s also designed to support transition from short- term emergency support to a long-term development support, the Bank will focus on four areas. These are: 0 Improving livelihoods: employment generation, community development, and rural development, including management o f national water resources. 2 Fiscal strategy, institutions and management: budget, role o f the Ministry o f Finance, revenue and expenditure arrangements, and the central-local fiscal framework. Governance andpublic administration reform: role o f the state, financial transparency, good governance o f public administration, and civil service reform. Enabling private sector development: business climate, financial sector, infrastructure, regulation, and trade. The proposed Emergency Irrigation Rehabilitation Project will support activities that are designed to improve livelihood opportunities inthe rural areas through a rehabilitated irrigation system and improved management of national water resources. Rationalefor BankInvolvement 12. The project provides an emergency response to the Govemment's request for rehabilitating the national irrigation system in priority locations in all the five river basins o f Afghanistan, for improving the hydro-meteorological information base for national water resources, and for supporting institutional development o f agencies dealing with irrigation and water. The project i s consistent with the objectives outlined in the Government's NDF and the World Bank's TSS for Afghanistan. The project i s expected to improve livelihood in the rural areas by providing assured irrigation water supply, improving water resources management, increasing agricultural production and creating rural employment. 13. The government recognizes the World Bank to be a key development partner in its efforts to promote rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery o f irrigated agricultural sector that is at the core o f Afghanistan economy at present. This i s due to: (i) World Bank has a global experience in supporting rehabilitation o f the irrigation system; and (ii) while this i s the first project that i s focused primarily on agriculture, World Bank i s already implementing several projects with a focus on the rural sector such as the National Emergency Employment Program (NEEP) and the National Solidarityprogram (NSP). 14. The World Bank is also working very closely with the other multilateral (ADB, and EU) and bilateral (USAID, CIDA, JICNJBIC, GTZ and DFID) donors that either are already involved or are planning to get involved in the water and agricultural sectors. The project, however, will be the largest and most comprehensive intervention with a particular focus on rehabilitation o f the existing national irrigation systemwhich will likely establish the necessary framework for donor support for the sector. C. DETAILED PROJECTDESCRIPTION Project Objectives 15. The primary target group i s the farmers and their families living in the rural areas covered by irrigation schemes to be rehabilitated. The project development objective i s to provide farmers in the project areas with improved, reliable and equitable distribution o f irrigation water to increase agncultural productivity and farm income, improve food security and livelihoods, and reduce vulnerability due to droughts. 16. This objective would be achieved by (i) rehabilitating and improving the existing dilapidated irrigation infrastructure; (ii) restoring and modernizing the hydro-meteorological network for better monitoring, planning, sustainable use and management o f water resources, including contingency planning for droughts and floods; and (iii) developing the institutional capacity o f public sector water institutions, existing community water organizations and farmers for operating and maintaining irrigation system in a sustainable manner. This will assist in reducing poverty in the rural areas, accelerate transition to sustainable agnculture andlay the foundation for a dynamic rural economy inAfghanistan. ProjectComponents 17. The project i s the first Bank project that i s designed to specifically focus on the agricultural sector. It will target priority investments to rehabilitate the existing dilapidated irrigation system and the hydro-meteorological network, using the river basin management approach. The project consists of four components. These are: (i) rehabilitationo firrigation schemes; (ii)rehabilitationo f hydro-meteorological network; (iii)preparation o f feasibility studies and monitoring; and (iv) institutional development. Project cost by components i s summarized inAppendix 1. ComponentA: Rehabilitationof irrigationSchemes (US$50 million) 18. The rehabilitation and the improvement o f irrigation infrastructure i s part o f the Government's agricultural rehabilitation program. It is estimated that there are more than one million hectares of potentially irrigable land, viz. land which was irrigated in the past, requiring rehabilitation o f irrigation infrastructure. Further details regarding rehabilitation o f irrigation schemes in Afghanistan are provided inAppendix 4. 19. Scope of rehabilitation needs: The direct negative impact o f war on irrigation infrastructure was a consequence o f destruction as well as the exodus o f farmers leaving behind the schemes without attendance. Since 1992, many refugees have retumed to their villages and tried to use the irrigation schemes again. Small traditional irrigation schemes were relatively easy to put under operation again. The larger the schemes, however, the greater were the problems encountered: complete sedimentation o f the conveyance canals, division o f the command area among different local commanders, and hence the impossibility to install the former mirabhakil system again. In spite o f some efforts, there remains the enormous task o f rehabilitating about half (1.3 million hectares) o f Afghanistan's irrigation schemes. This includes about one million ha o f traditional irrigation schemes supplied by perennial rivers and streams as well as about 50,000 ha supplied by springs and karezes, all operated and maintained by the farmers themselves, and about 250,000 ha o f modern irrigation schemes formerly operated and maintainedby the Govemment. 20. Type of rehabilitation works: h g a t i o n rehabilitation activities can be classified into five categories: the verification, maintenance, construction, management and training. Irrigation rehabilitation activities in the coming three years need to focus on types o f works which are expected to (i) increase agricultural output o f the individual farmer; (ii)prevent irrigation schemes from further destruction by floods andor salinization; and (iii)strengthen local capacities in the (re)design, (re)construction, operation and management o f irrigation schemes. 21. Irrigation Schemes to be rehabilitated: The project addresses the rehabilitation of existing irrigation schemes (sub-projects). Depending on their size (in terms o f area under irrigation), their water conveyance system (one or several canals supplied by one water resource), and the estimated rehabilitation cost, the existing irrigation schemes are divided into three broad categories: small, medium and large. The rehabilitationo f all irrigation schemes require engineering surveys and design. However, in general, the complexity o f irrigation scheme rehabilitation increases with the size and hence the need for engineering input also increases. The final selection o f all (small, medium and large) irrigation schemes for rehabilitationunder the project, however, must meet the appropriate scheme selection criteria 4 agreed with the Government (see Appendix 5). In order to ensure sustainability o f irrigation schemes, community water organizations or local water users' associations will be actively involved in both rehabilitationand operations and maintenance (see Appendix 6). 22. All o f about 1,100 small irrigation schemes, that are expected to be rehabilitated under the project, will be grouped into an annual implementation list ranked according to priority. Priority should be given to canal and karez rehabilitation in the provinces o f Kandahar and Wardak; to canal rehabilitation in the provinces o f Herat, Parwan and Badakhshan, and to kurez rehabilitation in the provinces o f Ghazni and Zabul. Project interventions will deal with the rehabilitation of crucial hydraulic structures to solve key problems o f individual schemes and overcome bottlenecks o f otherwise functioning schemes. 23. Each o f about 160 medium irrigation schemes under the project will be selected by following the scheme selection criteria. The rehabilitation package for each irrigation scheme will include (i) detailed scope o f work; (ii) detailed survey; (iii) detailed scheme rehabilitation design work; and (iv) bidding documents. The provinces of Herat, Kandahar, Kunduz, Parwan, Ghazni, Baghlan and Helmand have been identified to be priority provinces for the rehabilitation o f medium and large irrigation scheme. Main objective o f all rehabilitation efforts i s to systematically rehabilitate mediumirrigation schemes - at watershed level - inorder to maximize water use through an increase o f the overall system efficiency. 24. The selection, detailed analysis and documentation for the procurement o f about 20 large irrigation schemes to be rehabilitated under the project will be the same as for the medium irrigation schemes. However, the rehabilitation o f large irrigation schemes to be rehabilitated under the project i s more complex and costly. Main objective i s to systematically rehabilitate - at sub-basin level - large irrigation schemes in order to optimize the sustainable use o f water resources in priority watersheds as well as to safeguard nationalnatural and capital assets. 25. A total o f approximately 1,280 irrigation schemes covering 280,000 ha are proposed for rehabilitation under the project during the three year project period, including 1,100 small irrigation schemes covering 110,000 ha; 160 medium irrigation schemes covering 120,000 ha; and 20 large irrigation schemes covering 50,000 ha (see Table 1). Due to the expected increase in water use efficiency and/or water availability, it i s expected that the irrigatedarea after rehabilitation will be about 25% larger than the irrigated area before rehabilitation, bringing the total irrigated area having benefited from the Project to an estimated 350,000 ha. Each scheme (sub-project) will be identified, selected, promoted, appraised, approved, carried out and monitored in accordance with procedures and other provisions outlined inthis Technical Annex and will be reflectedinthe project implementationmanual. Component B: Rehabilitation of Hydro-meteorologicalNetwork (US$lO million) 26. In order to make the best use o f the country's water resources and ensure their sustainable management, the collection and analysis o f hydrological and meteorological data i s essential. This includes an observation network o f hydrological (river gauge) and meteorological (weather) stations, where the most important parameters determining spatial and temporal availability and variability o f water are measured. The analyzed data are used for the identification and preparation o f water resources projects, such as irrigation scheme rehabilitation, potable water supply and hydropower development. In addition, regular annual floods and the difficulties encountered in quantifying the negative impact o f floods and droughts and the necessary mitigation measures during the recent drought have emphasized these needs. Hydrological activities inAfghanistan ceased between 1978-80. Historical data are, therefore 5 c c C C c c C v w - C c C 0 C c M c W i r\ 8 (r w - 0 r- C W 0 C d c eL 8L c c c 2 tF - c c P i c c c c wd - 5 0 0 4- 2 W l r- - h I only available until 1978, some until 1980, but they are not likely to be representative o f current conditions due to possible climatic changes inthe past 25 years. 27. Scope of Rehabilitation needs: A total o f 167 hydrological stations were installed all over the country between 1940 and 1975 (see Appendix 8). As a result, the technology used until the late seventies for operating the observation network was that o f the fifties and sixties. Nevertheless, a dense system o f simple hydrological measurement stations, combined with meteorological stations, was maintained for more than 30 years. Inaddition, an agro-meteorological network was and i s managed by the Ministry o f Agriculture, assisted by the Meteorology Department o f MAT. Each regional office in Kunduz, Kandahar, Kabul, and Herat was also equipped with a laboratory suitable for the analysis o f sediment samples taken from rivers and streams for the purpose o f quantifying their bed and wash load. Today, only some civil engineering works such as the shafts o f the float for measuring water levels or empty meteorological stations are left, all hydro-meteorological equipment having been lost or destroyed. 28. The objectives o f the proposed hydro-meteorological observation network i s to provide accurate data for analysis, such as (i) water resources assessment (inone o f the most important headwater areas o f Central Asia); (ii) water resources management (sustainable and equitable water use); (iii) watershed management (integrated and participatory); (iv) drought mitigation planning (preparedness and monitoring); (v) design o f irrigation systems, dams, hydropower and (road) bridge projects (water yield and variability drought and flood frequencies); (vi) optimization o f reservoir operation (water availability, sedimentation, and flood forecasting); (vii) snow cover and glacier assessment (forecasting o f water availability and floods); and (viii) monitoring o f trends caused by climate and land-use changes. 29. MIWRE staff has confirmed that all the hydrological stations are out of order and their water level recorders and staff gauges damaged or removed. With a few exceptions, such as change o f river course or accumulation of large amount o f sediments, the existing gauging sites can be rehabilitated and used again. The reconstruction o f the historical gauging stations i s essential in order to establish correlations with the available long-term data series and new measurements reflectingpossible changes in flow volume andpattern. 30. Hydro-meteorological network to be rehabilitated: In a mountain area like Afghanistan, a relatively dense observation network o f hydro-meteorological stations is required in order to assess the variability o f water resources. The project i s expected to finance the rehabilitation o f about 160 hydrological stations, 25 o f them prepared and equipped for sediment transport measurements. This includes a large part o f the historical 167 stations, but also some new sites filling the obvious gaps for planned reservoirs and irrigation schemes. Additionally, 30 snow measurement stations and 30 rainfall recorders are proposed to be installedat selected locations, and a total o f 30 meteorological stations which include six key stations ineach o f the five river basins. Though all stations will be equipped with state-of- the-art equipment, special attention will be given to select reliable and robust equipment, which i s not only adapted to the country's extreme (heat and dust) climatic conditions, but also easy to handle and maintain. 31. As the project will set standards for a national hydro-meteorological observation network in Afghanistan, equipment and data analyses has to comply with international standards. To ensure optimum reliability o f data collection, a double data acquisition system i s envisaged, including (i)state-of-the-art automatic data collection with data loggers; and (ii) daily manual readings by observers, which will serve as backup, if the recording system failed. Care has been taken to use few different technologies only, in order to reduce training requirements, to simplify the management o f spare parts, and to make sure that out-of-function instruments can be replaced quickly. 7 32. Cable ways have to be installed wherever accurate measurements from a bridge are not possible. Current meter equipment in sufficient quantities i s requiredfor each o f the five Regional Centers. Intotal, 15 current meter sets for wading and suspended flow measurements, respectively, are proposed to be procured. Additionally, some 15 mini-current meters are intended to be used for discharge measurements o f springs and irrigation canals, and six portable winches and jibs for discharge measurements from bridges or from boats. Inareas where cableways are not feasible to be installed, a total o f five boats, one per Regonal Centre, will be procured. 33. Manual data transfer by technical staff o f MIWREwill ensure reliable data acquisition. This does not cause additional operations cost as regular visits to the gauging sites are required for: (i) discharge measurements, and (ii) control o f the overall function o f the hydrological station (such as sedimentation problems and battery status.). As the use o f notebook computers in the field i s not feasible, the use o f dedicated field storage devices (interfaces) for data read-out and transport to the office are proposed. These devices should preferably be procured from the same supplier as the data loggers (water level recorders) to ensure hardware and software compatibility. 34. A data tele-transmission system is needed for stations that are not accessible throughout the year, such as snow stations, and for hydro-meteorological stations used for real-time flood forecasting. The latter i s crucial for Afghanistan's rivers o f torrential character causing annual flood damages o f considerable magnitude. Because o f the remote locations and the innovative character o f any tele- transmission system to be installed in Afghanistan, it is recommended to chose a well-established system, where all components have been tested to be compatible and suitable for reliable long-termoperation. The system using meteor burst technology i s such a system. The installationcosts o f a meteor burst system are relatively high (approximately 20% more than those o f a satellite based transmission system), but recurrent costs for communication are low. 35. Some 100 o f the former hydro-meteorological sites, including meteorological and agro- meteorological stations must be visited, and some 60 o f the key hydro-meteorological stations selected and surveyed. This survey has to be given a priority, as its outcome determines the specifications o f the proposed equipment. All equipment should then be procured, and at least half the number (30) o f stations re-established and made operational before the onset o f the rains infall 2004, ifpossible. Parallelto these works, training courses for the selected hydrological teams, technicians and observers will be given in a variety o f subjects, such as hydrometric and meteorological basics as well as flow measurements, data collection and analyses, and calibration o fmeasurement devices and gauging sites. Component C: Preparationof FeasibilityStudiesand Monitoring (US$5 million) C.1 Preparationof FeasibilityStudies 36. Due to climatic conditions, most rivers in Afghanistan have their peak flow in the spring and early summer, and often they do not have water during late summer and early fall. Almost all rivers and their tributaries experience flooding o f considerable magnitude during spring, resulting in substantial collateral damage. In addition, the current energy consumption inAfghanistan i s one o f the lowest in the world. Total installed capacity for electricity generation i s extremely low, although there i s a great potential for hydropower generation. Almost all o f the river flow in Afghanistan i s unregulated and the water utilization rate by Afghanistan i s only about 30%. About 99% o f all water i s used for irrigation purposes, few rivers are used for hydropower generation, for potable water supply and sanitary requirements or for commercial purposes. None o f them provides guaranteedbase flow for environmental purposes. Clearly, with the regulation o f river flow, a better utilization o f the surface and groundwater resources can be achieved to help in overall economic development o f the country. Thus, multi-purpose 8 use o f water i s one o f the keys to overcome current problems o f poverty, food shortage and economic development. 37. Presentsituationand scope of needs: Until 1979 and duringthe 1980s, a number o f large-scale multi-purpose irrigation projects were studied and many o f them were started. However, only few were completed (or almost completed like KhanabadiKunduz), and what was built has been either partially (Nangahar) or totally (Helmand) destroyed. Construction sites o f important dams (e.g. Salma dam on the upper Har-i Rud) were completely looted, others left in disorder (e.g. spillway o f Kajakai dam). Even large traditional irrigation schemes such as the Hish-dah-re Nahr in Balkh province suffered fkom unfinished interventions, superimposed by the negative impact o f conflict on water and land rights. There i s much interest by many donors - particularly those who funded the projects before 1978 - to assist the Government incompleting these projects. A number o f feasibility studies have already been done (such as the Parwan irrigation scheme supplying the Shomali plain situated North o f Kabul), or are in progress (such as the Salma dam project). 38. Scope and type of feasibility studies: In order to address the urgent need, feasibility or pre- feasibility studies o f a number o f large irrigation schemes involvingpermanent diversion structures and/or multi-purpose storage expected to be prepared under the project. This will consist o f (i)studies to complete unfinished structures/schemes; (ii)studies to update existing feasibility studies; and (iii) feasibility studies for identified potential dam sites o f multi-purpose character. All the potential projects will be ranked according to priority and prepared for implementation ina possible follow-up project that may be funded by the World Bank or other donors. Selection criteria for feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, to be included in the project, are (i)balanced geographical distribution; (ii) likely substantial economic impact; (iii) large number and clearly identifiable beneficiaries; (iv) mitigation o f negative environmental and social impact; and (v) increase o f water reliability/availability for irrigation purposes, hydropower generation and potable water supply. A preliminary list o f possible projects for feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, to be includedinthis project, i s given inAppendix 9. 39. Inaddition, the projectwill also finance selected andhighpriority strategic studies that maybe considered critical to bridge the knowledge gap for improving the efficiency o f the irrigation system and for sustainable management o f national water resources. All pre-feasibility, feasibility and strategic studies will be prepared by an International Consulting Firmhaving proven experience o f multi-purpose hydraulic project design and implementation in the country or inneighboring countries. New studies o f potential project sites have to be carried out only after a consensus has been reached between MrWRE and the Word Bank about a favorable outcome o f the pre-feasibility study. The pre-feasibility study must provide sufficient evidence that the feasibility study will prove the potential project to be economically, socially and environmentally feasible. C.2 Monitoring andEvaluation 40. The monitoring and evaluation framework for the project i s outlined in Appendix 10. The selected International Consulting Firm for preparing feasibility studies will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) aspects o f the project. The information collected as part o f M&E will also feed into the preparation o f pre-feasibility, feasibility or strategic studies. Furthermore, M&E work by the International Consulting Firm will provide an independent source o f information related to the status, speed and quality of project implementationby MIWRE,with support fkom FAO. Further details on the selected monitoring indicators are provided inTable 2. 9 h B x c 3 x T3 9 .3 a 9 Y cd Ym 0d .3 Y .4 .3 b ru 0 rcl 0 a Y 0 38 ComponentD: InstitutionalDevelopment(US$lO million) D.1: InstitutionalStrengthening. 41. The institutional strengthening i s sub-divided into three sub-components, namely (i) human resources development (HRD); (ii) office rehabilitationand refurbishing, and (iii)provision o f office and communication equipment. HRD i s very crucial because it i s the professional staff o f MIWREwho will be responsible for the implementation o f the various project activities. There i s a good knowledge base among MrWRE staff. However, there are also large knowledge gaps among the staff who could not benefit from the technical progress and knowledge generated in the last 25 years. During the last 15 years, MIWRE office facilities located all over the country have been damaged, stripped o f the equipment, and most o f the documents burned or stolen. Any type o f irrigation rehabilitation work also requires MIWRE presence at provincial level in all five regions. Professional competence and an adequate worlung environment at the regional level, and field presence at provincial level, i s essential to deliver the required services to the potentialbeneficiaries. 42. Human Resources Development: Most o f the professional MIWRE staff need on-the-job training as well as intensive courses in a variety o f engineering subjects. This i s essential for producing future specialists in managing national water resources and irrigation development for the country . In addition to on-the-job training, there i s a need for organizing structured courses and progress as part o f practical training and possibly academic training in water resources engineering, and in irrigation development and management. Several short courses should also be organized for MIWRE staff. The subjects covered will be civil engineering basics (e.g. material, mechanics, hydraulics), agricultural engineering (e.g. irrigation, drainage, soils, erosion), and water resources engineering (e.g. water balance, hydrometrics, instruments, data transfer, modeling). The courses should preferably be given in Dari and/or Pashtu by national (English spealung) professional staff, who have been given a refresher course by international consultants specialized inthe different subjects. 43. Office rehabilitationand refurbishing: Inorder to accommodate all MIWREstaffrequired in the Regional Centers for the identification, survey, design and implementation of irrigation schemes, sufficient office space has to be provided for professional MIWRE staff per Regional Center, and for staff for the MIWREitself. Additionally, depending on the respective locations o f the irrigation schemes to be rehabilitated, some o f the critical provincial MIWRE sub-offices may have to be rehabilitated and refurbished. The project will support the rehabilitationo f offices situated inKabul, Mazar-i Sharif, Herat, Jalalabad, Kandahar, Kunduz and possibly, Bamyan and Paktia. Other donors, particularly ADB and EU, are also interestedinrehabilitating some o f the regional offices. 44. Provision of office and communicationequipment: A detailed list o f the required office and communication equipment i s under preparation by MIWRE staff. The items to be procured comprise not only computers and accessories, copy machines, mobile telephones, internet facilities and office furniture, but also power supply (diesel generators) for the central and regional offices as well as equipment for reconnaissance, topographic surveys and engineering designs. D.2. ProjectManagement 45. This sub-component will support and provide technical assistance to the Program Coordination Unit (PCU) that is being established inMIWRE. The project will be managed and implemented by the PCU, with support from FAO. It is expected that the PCU will also coordinate all donor activities related to irrigation and development o f national water resources. 11 Project Sustainability 46. About 90% o f the irrigation system in Afghanistan i s traditional (non-formal) and the remaining 10% is modem (formal). The traditional irrigation system has always been managed, including operations and maintenance, by the centuries-old system o f community water organizations, consisting o f Mirabs andAshar. Duringthe last 25 years o f conflict, the effectiveness o f this system has beenreduced substantially. One o f the objectives o f this project is to strengthen these community water organizations. These community water organizations or local water users associations will also be actively involved in both the rehabilitation and operations and maintenance, contributing interms of both ideas and resources. This approach is likely to reduce dependence on government and ensure sustainability of the irrigation schemes that will be rehabilitated under the project. D. PROJECTIMPLEMENTATION OrganizationalStructure 47. The overall organizational structure for implementing the project i s summarized inFigure 1. The Ministry of Imgation, Water Resources and Environment (MIWRE) would have the overall responsibility for project execution and implementation. The MIWRE, with branches at the five to seven river basin regional offices, Wilayat (province) and some at the Woluswali (district) level, i s responsible for all rehabilitation o f irrigation schemes, national water resources planning and O&M o f the main irrigation and drainage schemes. The MIWREalso administers international river systems with respect to water sharing and water quality control. Within the MTWRE, the Deputy Minister for Imgation would have the overall responsibility for the project and for liaison with other ministries, in particular the MinistryofAgriculture andAnimal Husbandry (MAAH)and other concernedgovernment agencies. 48. Inthe MIWRE,ProgramCoordinationUnit(PCU) will be established that will be responsible for coordination of all donor activities, including individual project implementationactivities. The PCU will be responsible for the overall project management, including technical/engineering design, construction supervision, financial management, procurement, disbursement, monitoring and institutional development. The PCU will consist o f a Director who will be supported by a small group of technical and administrative staff inKabul (see Figure 1 for more details). The PCU would maintain five regional offices, one each in Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif, Kunduz and Jalalabad. In addition, MIWRE i s planning to establish regional offices in Bamiyan and Paktia. Each regional office would be staffed with similar positions. The provincial distribution and coverage by each o f the central office and the regional offices o fMIWREare providedbelow. 12 Figure 1: Proposed OrganizationalStructurefor ProjectImplementation ProgramCoordinationUnit (PCU) MIWRE-Kabul Chairman: Minister o f MIWRE Engineering Design, Construction Supervision and Project Secretary: PCUDirector Management, including Financial, Procurement,Disbursement, Members: and Institutional Development Staff: 0 MOF PCUDirector MIWRE Technical Specialists MAAH Procurement Specialist 0 Head, Regional Financial Management Specialist CoordinationCommittee InstitutionalDevelopment Specialist Wilayat MIWRE Office Manager, Interpreters/Support Staff Authorities FA0 Regional Coordination Coordination Coordination Coordination Coordination Committee Committee Committee Committee Committee Northern Basin Western Basin Sistan Basin Kabul Basin I RegionalOffice RegionalOffice Regional Office RegionalOffice Regional Office MazareSharif Herat Khandahar Jalalabad Kunduz PCU Deputy PCUDeputy * PCUDeputy PCUDeputy PCUDeputy Director/Senior Director/Senior Director/Senior Director/Senior Director/Senior IrrigationEngineer IrrigationEngineer IrrigationEngineer IrrigationEngineer irrigation Engineer * IrrigationEngineer * irrigationEngineer irrigation Engineer * IrrigationEngineer * IrrigationEngineer Hydrologist Hydrologist Hydrologist Hydrologist Hydrologist * Agriculturalist * Agriculturalist * Agriculturalist Agriculturalist 'Agriculturalist * Procurement Procurement * Procurement * Procurement Procurement Specialist Specialist Specialist Specialist Specialist * Office Manager * Office Manager Office Manager Office Manager 'OfficeManaoer Accountant Accountant * Accountant 'Accountant * Accountant * Supportstaff * Support Staff Supportstaff Supportstaff * SupportStaff FA0 FA0 * FA0 " FA0 * FA0 * MIWREwould also like to establish Regional Offices inBamyan and Pakiia. 13 Central Office Regional Offices Kabul Jalalabad Kunduz Mazar-e-Sharrif Herat Kandahar Bamyan Nurestan Badakhshan Balkh Badghis Ghami Paktia Laghman Baghlan Faryaab Farah Helmand Paktika Nangahar Takhar Jawzjan Ghor Kandahar Khost Kunar Kunduz Samangan Herat Nimruz Panvan Sar-e-Pul Uruzgan Kapisa Zabul Kabul Logar Wardak 49. The PCU would be assisted by a group o f international consultants provided under the FA0 contract in the areas of irrigation engineering, hydrology, procurement, financial management and institutional development as well as national consultants (see Appendix 11for details). The PCU will be organized into four groups: Technical Group (TG), consisting o f about five staff, in the areas o f survey, design, quality control, hydrology, social and environment. The technical group would provide support to the MIWRE's survey and design office, that will have a central role in the project rehabilitation works; the quality control team which will be involved in construction supervision; the hydrology department which will have the primary responsibility for rehabilitation o f hydrological observation network. Procurement Group (PG) would consist o f three staff (procurement specialist and two procurement analysts) and would be responsible for the procurement o f works, good and services under the project. Financial Management Group (FMG) would consist o f three staff (financial management specialist and two book keepedcashiers). The FMG would be responsible for malung payments, financial management, maintenance o f the accounts and project audits. InstitutionalDevelopment Group (IDG) would consist o f three staff and would be responsible for institutional strengthening, support to the regional offices, strengthening o f the MIWRE staff and strengthening o f community water users' organizations. ImplementationProcedures 50. Monitoring and Evaluation Consultants: For monitoring project impacts (physical, economic, environmental and social), an independent consulting firm (also responsible for preparing the feasibility studies), under the Ministry o f Irrigation, Water Resources and Environment would be recruited. This group would consist o f about 5 technical consultants in the areas o f irrigation engineering, hydrology, agricultural economics, environment, and sociology. The monitoring and evaluation (M&E) unit will be established inthe Ministrybut will not be part o f the PCU. 51. Design, Supervision and Management Consultants: The PCU and the affiliated regional offices would be assisted by a team o f national and international consultants (FAO) for detailed engineering design and construction supervision o f all irrigation schemes. The responsibilities include detailed engineering survey and design, preparation o f biddingdocumentdrequest for proposals, assisting 14 in the pre-bid and pre-proposal conferences, evaluation of bid and proposals, contract award, administration, management, supervision, quality control and certification. The consultants would serve as the "engineer" during the construction period. Under this contract, an international hydrologist would be recruited to oversee the site investigation, preparation o f equipment specifications, equipment installation and training of the staff under the rehabilitation o f hydrological stations component o f the project. Furthermore, consultant would be responsible for the preparation and implementation o f training programs for strengthening institutional capacity o f the Ministry's staff. 52. Project Steering Committee (PSC): A national steering committee would be established to provide supervision and overall guidance for water resources management and to coordinate project activities at the highest level, including inter-ministerial level. The PSC will also review the project monitoring and evaluation reports submitted by the project and M&E consultants, and recommend remedial actions when project implementation problems occur. The PSC would be chaired by the Minister o f Irrigation, Water Resources and Environment, its Secretary would be the PCU Director, and its members will be the representatives from Ministries o f Finance, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, and Irrigation, Water Resources and Environment, and the Heads o f the RegionalMIWREDepartments. 53. Regional Coordination Committee (RCC): The RCCs will be established in each the five to seven regional offices to supervise and coordinate project implementation in the five river basins. The RCCs would coordinate the implementation o f the project, review and monitor the project progress, and recommend necessary actions when project implementation problems occur. The RCCs would consist o f local representatives o f MIWRE, MAAH, representatives o f local authorities at the provincial level and farmers. The RCCs would be chaired by the Head o f the Regional MIWREDepartment and the Secretary would be the PCUDeputy Director of that regional PCU. 54. Project Duration: Project implementationis anticipated to take about three years from April 01, 2004 to March 31, 2007. The mid-term review o f the project i s expected to be in September 2005. The Credit Closing would be September 30,2007. 55. Reporting: The PCU would submit quarterly reports, in the Bank provided format, to the MIWRE,the PSC and the Bank, no later than three weeks after the end of each quarter. The quarterly reports would cover project M&E activities, the progress and expected completion date for civil works and equipment/goods contracts, progress on institutional components, training and studies, and activities o f the PCU's engineering, procurement, financial management and institutional development consultants. The quarterly reports' formats will cover financial and procurement information, including (a) comparison o f actual physical and financial outputs with forecasts, and updated six-months project forecast; (b) project financial statements, including sources and application o f funds, expenditures by category statement, and special account reconciliation statement; and (c) procurement management reports, showing status and contract commitments. 56. The PCU will also submit annual reports to MIWRE, the PSC and the Bank by no later than January 31 o f each year o f project implementation. The report will contain the following two sections: Annual Progress Report and Annual Work Plan: (i) The Annual Progress Report would cover the progress o f each component, key performance indicators, operation o f project facilities, and financial statements. (ii) Annual WorkPlanwouldcontainaplan for implementation, updateddisbursement profile, The planned actions for mitigating negative effects during construction, and target indicators for the coming year. 57. Implementation Monitoring: The two main aspects o f project implementation monitoring would be physical and financial performance. The monitoring plan would include performance indicators that will be used to track progress made towards achieving project objectives, outcomes, outputs, and 15 inputs. The PCU would submit to MIWRE,the PSC andthe Bank a semi-annual performance review (as part o f quarterly report) by July 31, and January 31, each year. The Bank and the Government would conduct joint reviews annually during supervision missions. A mid-termreview o f the project would be undertaken in September 2005. An ImplementationCompletion Report (ICR) would be submitted to the Bankno later than six months after the closing date. ProcurementArrangements 58. Procurement Guidelines: The procurement o f works and goods financed by the Bank would be carried out inaccordance with the World Bank Guidelines: Procurement under the IBRD Grants and IDA Credits (issued in January 1995, revised January and August 1996, September 1997, and January 1999). Consulting Services, technical assistance and training will be procured in accordance with the Guidelines - Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers, January 1997, revised September 1997 and January 1999 and M a y 2002. The Bank's Standard BiddingDocuments, Request for Proposals and Forms o f Consultants' Contract will be used. In case o f conflict between the Bank's procurement procedures and any national rules and regulations, the Bank's procurement procedures would take precedence. A General Procurement Notice (GPN) was published in the Development Business on September 29,2003. 59. Procurement Responsibility: The PCUinthe MIWREwould have the overall responsibility for procurement under the project with the assistance o f the Govemment's Central Procurement Consultant (i.e. Crown Agents, at present). The procurement procedures and procurement plan for the project are developed keeping in view the public procurement environment in the country. Therefore, to minimize risks, the Food and Agnculture Organization o f the United Nations (FAO) has been selected, on sole source basis, to provide support to MrWRE in project management, scheme preparation, engineering design, construction supervision, procurement, and financial management, and institutional development. 60. Procurement Review: The threshold levels for prior review have been adopted, keeping inview the procurement capacity and emergency nature of the project. Prior review threshold and the procurement plan are summarized in Appendix 2. All Bank-financed contracts, which are not subject to prior review, would be subject to Bank's ex-post review. 61. Works: T he World Bank Standard BiddingDocuments would be used for all procurement for civil works. The contracts for small irrigation schemes costing less than US$lOO,OOO would be implementedthrough (i) Direct Contracting (DC) to community organizations or qualified NGOs; or (ii) awarding the contracts to qualified domestic contractors after invitingprice quotations from at least three qualified local contractors. In addition, rehabilitation works for office buildings costing less than US$lOO,OOO each would be implemented by following procurement procedures defined in (i) or (ii) above. The works for the medium irrigation schemes costing not more than US$500,000 each contract would be procured through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB). The works for large irrigation schemes costing more than US$500,000 would be procured through ICBprocedures. 62. Goods: Goods estimated to cost less than US$200,000 or equivalent per contract may be procured through Intemational/National Shopping (IS/NS). Goods estimated to cost less than US$lO,OOO or equivalent per contract shall be procuredthrough Direct Contracting (DC). Other than this, goods shall be procured through Intemational Competitive Bidding(ICB). 63. Services: FA0 would serve as the main Engineering Design, Construction Supervision and Project Management Consultants. FA0 would use MIWRE staff, and national and international consultants in carrying out these responsibilities and provide institutional strengthening and on-the-job training. The consulting services for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and preparationo f feasibility, pre- 16 feasibility or strategic studies would be recruited usingthe Quality Based Selection (QBS) procedure. The consultants for Auditing services would be recruited under the Quality-and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) procedures. FinancialManagementandAudit 64. The Transitional Islamic State o f Afghanistan will be the Borrower o f the Credit. The project would be implemented by the MIWRE. Further details related to financial management, disbursement and audit are provided inAppendix 3. 65. Financing Plan: The proposed IDA Credit o f US$40 million equivalent and a Co-financing Grant o f US$35 million equivalent would finance 100% o f the total financing required for the project. Co-financing Grant funds would be used to finance separate and identifiable works for the rehabilitation of small and medium irrigation schemes and the preparation o f feasibility studies for future large multi- purpose irrigation schemes and monitoring. Assurances have been obtained during negotiations that all contracts executed under the project, goods supplied, and services provided would be exempt from taxes and duties levied by Government o f Afghanistan (GOA). Taxes and duties, if any, would be financed by GOA. 66. Retroactive Financing: Provision has been made to reimburse the Government o f Afghanistan for payments it makes, up to a maximum o f USD 8 million (SDR 5.6 million) up to a maximum o f 4 months before the credit signing for eligible project expenditures subject to Bank's procurement and financial management guidelines. To clarify, as per the Bank's guidelines on emergency operations, any project expenditure paid prior to the four months to the credit signing date, and more than 20% o f the credit amount cannot be claimed as retroactive finance. 67. Financial Management System: While MIWREwill have the overall responsibility for project implementation, the responsibility for day-to-day project implementation i s delegated to the PCU and the PCU Director. The PCU's financial management system (FMS) i s under preparation and would be completed prior to the project startup. 68. Financial Reporting: The PCU will maintain a financial management system, including books and accounts for the project, adequate to reflect the operations, resources and expenditures related to the project. The PCU will prepare quarterly Financial Monitoring Reports (FMRs) as well as financial statements for the Project inaccordance with formats agreed with the Bank. FMRs, to be generated fkom the computerized accounting system, will include the following: (a) Financial Reports; (b) Physical Progress Reports; and (c) Procurement Management Reports. These financial reports will be submitted to the Bank within 45 days o f the end of each quarter. The first FMR shall be fumished to the Association not later than 45 days after the end of the first calendar quarter after the Effective Date, and shall cover the period from the incurrence o f the first expenditure under the Project through the end o f such first calendar quarter; thereafter, each FMR shall be fumished to the Association not later than 45 days after each subsequent calendar quarter, and shall cover such calendar quarter. 69. Disbursement: Disbursements fkom the IDA Credit will use transaction based methods (i.e., from the Special Account with replenishments made based on Statements o f Expenditures (SOEs) and full documentation, direct payments from the Credit Account, special commitments and a blanket withdrawal application in favor o f FAO. To facilitate timely project implementation, the Borrower will establish, maintain and operate, under terms and conditions acceptable to the Bank, a separate Special Account (SA) to be opened in D a Afghanistan Bank (Central Bank o f Afghanistan). The SA would be managed 17 by the Ministry o f Finance. Special Account replenishment requests would be submitted to the Bank monthly or when the account i s drawn down by 40%, whichever occurs first. 70. Flow of Funds: Credit funds will be deposited ina Special Dollar Account (SDA) to be opened and maintainedat the D a Afghanistan Bank (DAB). The SA authorized allocation will be US$2.5 million representing an average o f expenditures for three months. The SDA, inkeepingwith current practices for other projects inAfghanistan, will be operated by the Grants Management Unit (GMU) inthe Ministryo f Finance. Requests for payments out o f SDA funds will be made to the GMUby the MWREaccording to procedures specified inthe "Documentation Guidelines", dated June 01,2003. Inaddition to payment out o f SDA funds, MIWRE could also request the GMU to request IDA to make direct payments to contractors, consultants, UNagencies, and to issue special commitments for contracts covered by letters o f credit. Such requests too should follow the procedures specified in the "Documentation Guidelines". Where project payments are for local contractors based outside Kabul, there activities will be covered under the UN Agencies' contract, whereby, responsibility for funds transfer will be with the concerned UNAgency. 71. Use of Statement of Expenditures: Loan proceeds would be disbursed against statement o f expenditures (SOEs) for: (a) civil works contracts costing less than US$300,000 equivalent; (b) goods, equipment and vehicles contracts costing less than US$lOO,OOO; (c) consulting firms contracts costing less than US$lOO,OOO; (d) individual consultants contracts for less than US$50,000; and (e) training and incremental operating expenditures. All other contracts would be fully documented. Requests for SOEs should be submitted to the Bank, at least monthly. Supporting documentation for SOEs would be retained by the PCUMIWRE and made available to World Bank staff duringsupervision and to external auditors or as requested. 72. Audit Arrangements: The annual accounts o f the project will be audited by the Auditor General, with the support o f the Audit Agent, with terms o f reference satisfactory to IDA. The annual Project financial statement to IDA would include a summary o f funds received (showing funds received from all sources), and a summary of expenditures shown under the main Project components/activities and by main categories o f expenditures. It should also disclose statement o f financial affairs at the end o f the year and all major accounting policies used in preparing the statement. The annual audited Project financial statements would be submitted within six months o f the close o f the fiscal year i.e. by September 22 o f each year. E. FINANCIALAND ECONOMIC JUSTIFICATION ProjectRationale 73. The main issue facing the policy makers i s how to transform the poorly performing subsistence agricultural sector into a modem, dynamic and sustainable rural economy that provides food security, generates farm income, reduces vulnerability and expands livelihood opportunities. Lack o f assured and timely water supply at the farm-level through the existing irrigation system appears to be one o f the most important constraints to food production, agricultural growth and rural development. This problem has worsened in the last 25 years o f conflict, neglect, floods and droughts. There i s a substantial scope for improving the quality (timely delivery) and expanding the quantity (area under assured irrigation) o f imgation, thereby reducing vulnerability to droughts. Management o f water resources in Afghanistan i s also constrained by the lack of accurate and up-to-date hydro-meteorological information (the latest information i s 25 years old) for proper planning, development, use and management o f national water resources. 74. The National Development Framework (NDF, April 2002) recognizes the economic importance o f both agriculture and irrigation in transforming the rural economy, improving food security, reducing vulnerability and expanding livelihood opportunities for the rural population. In addition, NDF also recognizes that rivers are amongst the most important natural resources o f the country and that the water resources are to be used inthe most environmentally and socially sustainable manner. This aim has come into sharp focus inthe past few years because o f the droughts experienced by Afghanistan. 75. The project provides an emergency response to the Government's request for rehabilitating the national irrigation system in priority locations in all the 5 river basins o f Afghanistan, for improving the hydro-meteorological information base for national water resources, and for supporting institutional development for agencies dealing with irrigation and national water resources. The project is consistent with the objectives outlined in the Government's National Development Framework (NDF, April 2002) and World Bank's Transitional Support Strategy (TSS, March 2003) for Afghanistan. The project is expected to improve livelihood in the rural areas by providing assured irrigation water supply, improving water resource management, increasing agricultural production and creating rural employment. Project Benefits 76. To determine economic benefits o f the project, an analysis based on a comprehensive cropping pattern is not feasible at present, as reliable data on production o f all the crops grown inAfghanistan are not available. However, since wheat is the dominant primary crop in all parts o f the country, an analysis was carried out to determine the impact o f water availability, made possible by improved irrigation, on the production o f wheat inall the eight ago-climatic regions o f the country. A positive rate o f retum for wheat, as a result of implementationo fproject activities, i s an important indicator for a positive impact o f the project on the production o f all agriculturalcrops inthe country. This i s especially true since, interms of financial retums, wheat i s the least valued crop and orchards are the most valuable. 77. The major project benefits come from increased agncultural production resulting form availability o f a reliable source o f water for irrigation. At present, fi-om a total 2.30 million ha o f irrigated land traditionally under wheat production, only 1.06 million ha i s currently being irrigated fully, and the remaining area not being irrigated, either kept as fallow land or cultivated as rainfed. The present status o f wheat productionby regions inthe country i s summarized inTable 3. Table 3: RegionalArea, Yield andProductionofWheat in2003: Irrigatedvs. Rainfed Central 107 3.6 385 5 0.72 4 112 3.47 389 South 103 3.12 321 1 0.8 1 104 3.1 322 East 63 2.24 141 0 0 0 63 2.24 141 South East 170 2.77 470 3 0 0 173 2.72 470 Total 1059 2.85 3017 1235 1.09 1345 `2294 1.90 4361 78. The incremental agricultural benefits come from increased yields in the irrigated areas, an increase in irrigated land, and, where climatic conditions allow, an increase in cropping intensity. Assumptions regarding increase in yields are based on the size o f the farms in various agro-climatic 19 regions. The analysis assumes that small size farms would have the largest increase in yields because with water availability, the seeding rate, labor input, fertilizer inputs will increase more on small farms than on the large farms. The available FA0 data in Afghanistan indicates that the seeding rate for the large farms is about 30kg/ha, whereas for small farms it i s 70-170kgha. Therefore, the small farms do not need to buy more seeds as compared to the large farms, and the same i s true for fertilizer use. In addition, the empirical evidence in other countries also shows that small farms are relatively more efficient and would have larger increase inyields as compared to large farms. The analysis assumes the following (Table 4) yield increases for various farm sizes inresponse to improvedwater availability: Table4 :Firmsize andWheat YieldIncreaseAssumptions 79. Furthermore, the analysis assumes, on average, a 20% increase in irrigated land i.e. that i s conversion o f 20% o f the rain-fed areas into irrigated area. This i s consistent with the historic data that suggest a much larger irrigated area. And finally, the analysis assumes US$200/ha as the cost for rehabilitation o f the irrigated areas and US$400ha as the cost for rehabilitation o fthe rain-fed areas. This i s based on detailed surveys in the country and experience from other countries in the region. On the basis o f these assumptions, the internal rates o f retum (IRRs) in various agro-climatic regions for wheat are summarized inTable 5 below: Table 5 :EstimatedInternalRateofReturnfor Wheat to InvestmentinRehabilitationofIrrigationSchemes Region IRR (Yo) North 26 North-East 32 West 27 West-Central 17 Central 42 South 36 East 34 South East 30 Average for the country 31 80. The analysis indicates that irrigation rehabilitation i s economically viable, even if only wheat i s produced, with internal rates o f return ranging from 1746%. Since farmers also grow other crops, particularly orchards, that are much more profitable than wheat, the overall average IRRi s expected to be muchhigher than 31%. 20 81. In addition to the direct economic benefits from project investments in the rehabilitation o f irrigation schemes, the project has three other important benefits that are not quantifiable. First, the project will rehabilitate the whole hydro-meteorological network in the country which will generate information that i s critical for the planning, development, sustainable use and management o f national water resources. The latest hydro-meteorological informationinAfghanistan i s 25 years old. Second, the project will build and strengthen human resources and institutions dealing with water in the country, including national public sector water institutions and community water organizations. This i s absolutely essential for sustainable use and management o f national, community-level and on-farm water resources. Third, the project would improve drinking water supply, for both humans and livestock, in the project areas all over rural Afghanistan. Likely Risks 82. The project incorporates the lessons learned from the on-going IDA supported projects, particularly the lessons with respect to project implementation, procurement arrangements and financial management arrangements. However, many risks remain. The likely significant risks and the mitigation measures, to address these risks duringimplementationo f the project are, summarized below. 83. Weak institutional capacity to implement the project will delay the implementation and the realization o f project objectives. This is particularly true in areas related to project management, procurement, financial management, disbursement and the payment system. The project will undertake the necessary capacitylrisk assessment, will finance training and technical assistance to create and strengthen needed s h l l s inthese areas, and will also finance the hiringo f local and expatriate consultants to develop institutional capacity. 84. Security situation in the country, particularly in some areas with large number o f irrigation schemes requiring rehabilitation, i s very fragile and may discourage both contractors and foreign consultants to participate inthe rehabilitationwork. There is very little that this project can do to mitigate the security risk. However, the potentially large and visible gains from irrigation rehabilitation work and likely employment opportunities for rural population may empower the local communities to take necessary actions that may improve the security situation. 85. Land mines incertain areas (rivers, canals, springs, kerezes) that must be rehabilitatedto improve water flow pose a real danger to workers. This risk will be mitigated (may not be completely eliminated) by making sure that the areas selected for rehabilitation are certified by the UnitedNations Mine Action Center for Afghanistan (MACA). 86. Misallocation, misuse or ineficient use of funds could be another potentially significant risk since the rehabilitation activities will be highly dispersed all over the country and the M M has limited financial management capacity. The project will strengthen financial management capacity o f MIWRE and its capacity to regularly monitor the rehabilitation activities duringimplementation. There would also be regular financial reporting, accounting and auditing for the project. 87. Riparian issue o f rivers flowing to the neighboring countries may pose a risk o f delays inproject implementation. However, this risk will be addressed by making sure that this "emergency" project deals only with the rehabilitationo f existing irrigation schemes. 21 Monitoring and Evaluation 88. The selected input and output indicators for the project are outlined in Table 6. The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Unit will be established in the MrWRE which will be responsible for all the activities related to M&E for this project. Since the M&E unit will not be part o f the PCU (responsible for project implementation), it will provide independent information and assessment on the progress o f project implementation and its achievements. F. ENVIRONMENTALAND SOCIAL SAFEGUARDS 89. The project has been determined to have a "B" environment category and "S2" safeguards classification. The project observes an updated version o f the Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (see Appendix 7) that has been developed for emergency rehabilitation projects in Afghanistan and which i s currently being used in ongoing IDA supported projects. As the investment component will only include rehabilitation o f existing schemes, no major environmental and social impacts are expected. However, potential impacts will be addressed in the design and implementation o f sub-projects mainly through Codes o f Practices that are outlined in the Safeguards Framework. The feasibility studies for the rehabilitation o f large irrigation schemes will include a full environmental and social assessment, for which Terms o f Reference have been drafted and are available in the Framework. The institutional strengthening component will include capacity building for social and environmental management, in close collaboration with the efforts currently underway to strengthen the Environmental UnitofMIWRE. 90. Potential Adverse Impacts of Rehabilitation: Potential adverse impacts o f rehabilitation of irrigation schemes are restricted to the areas close to the existing infrastructure. Many o f the impacts arise from improper drainage and therefore the importance o f providing and maintaining adequate drainage cannot be overemphasized. Adverse impacts o f existing irrigation facilities can be traced back to ineffective management and maintenance in most cases, and they are likely to be alleviated due to the project activities. Potential impacts o f the proposed activities include soil erosion and disposal o f construction spoils at the construction stage, and pollution by agrochemicals and impacts on soils (waterlogging and salinization) duringoperation. 91. Safeguard Screening:. The provisions o f the Safeguards Framework will be applied as follows: (i) formalassessmentfortherehabilitationofsmallirrigationschemes;(ii) ofPracticeforthe no Codes rehabilitation o f medium irrigation schemes; (iii)limited environmental assessment (LEA) for the rehabilitation o f large irrigation schemes; and (iv) full environmental and social assessment for the feasibility studies for large multi-purpose irrigation schemes. Sub-project proposals for irrigation schemes will include documentation on (a) whether and how land donations, if any, have taken place; and (b) whether water rights have been clarified with down-stream users, if intake construction is part o f scheme rehabilitation. This i s particularly relevant for small irrigation schemes. The selection, design, preparation, appraisal, contracting, monitoring and evaluation o f sub-projects will be consistent with the guidelines and mitigation measures designed inthe Framework. 92. Responsibilitiesfor Safeguard Screening and Mitigation: The overall responsibilityo f project implementation rests with the PCU in the Ministry o f Imgation, Water Resources and Environment (MIWRE), and the FA0 will act as the executing agency for the project. A designated Safeguards Focal Officer has been identified with responsibility for overseeing the implementation o f the Environmental 22 Y 0 2 1 a Y) h i 0 ._ V m P 3 E U a a E 3 ..... . . 0 . . Ym a a 8a9 Y Ym a a YEl ..E 0 Y 3a 3 m H N m si .I b 0 Y .I Y 0 Q) ..E! .C) Pm ... . . . \o EQ) H 0 . 0 . 0 U 0 B9 L. 1 a U 5 and Social Safeguards Framework within the PCU. An independent Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, with inter alia, environmental and social inputs, will also be established withinthe MIWRE. 93. Capacity Building: As part o fthe capacity building,that will be provided for implementationof the project, the Safeguards Focal Officer and relevant staff o f MIRWE will also receive training on environmental and social management and in the application o f the Safeguard Framework. It i s also proposed that site visits be arranged to other countries in the region, on similar projects in progress to provide hands-on training to the staff working as focal points as well as at the PCU. In addition, for systematic capacity building, and to provide subsequent guidance and review o f the application o f the Framework, MIRWE may contract social and environmental services from specialists. These may initially be housed inthe MIWRE inKabul and carry out field visits to guide line department officials in the regions. During supervision of this project, the World Bank will assess the implementation o f the Framework, and ifrequired, will recommend additional strengthening. 94. Consultation and Disclosure: The Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework was prepared in consultation with the principal NGOs and development partners participating in reconstruction activities in Afghanistan. It has been disclosed by TISA in both Dari and Pashto, as well as in English, and it has been made available at the World Bank's Infoshop. The project will support a number o f feasibility studies for future investments, for which World Bank safeguard policies relating to consultation and disclosure would apply, ifthey are financed by IDA. 24 Appendix 1 Afghanistan EmergencyIrrigationRehabilitationProject Project Cost by Components 1. Overall Sub-components Project Cost (million US$) Year 1 Year2 Year 3 Total A.1 Small Irrigation Schemes 1.o 4.0 7.0 12.0 A.2 MediumIrrigationSchemes 2.0 7.0 17.0 26.0 A.3 Large Irrigation Schemes 1 .o 3.O 8.0 12.0 ,Total 4.0 14.0 32.0 50.0 Sub-components Pro'ect Cost (million US$) Year 1 Year2 Year 3 Total B.1 Hydro-meteorological Stations 3.O 5.0 2.0 10.0 Total 3.0 5.0 2.0 10.0 C.1 Feasibility Studies 0.5 1.5 1.5 3.5 C.2 Monitoring and Evaluation 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.5 Total 1.0 2.0 2.0 5.0 ~ 5. Component D: Institutional Development I I I Sub-components Project Cost (million US$) Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Total D.1 InstitutionalStrengthening 1.o 3.O 3.O 7.0 D.2 Project Management 1.o 1.o 1.o 3.O Total 2.0 4.0 4.0 10.0 Figure show total costs which are fully financed by the IDA credit (US$40 million) and Co- financing Grant (US$35 million). 25 Appendix 2 Afghanistan EmergencyIrrigationRehabilitationProject Procurement Arrangements Procurement: The procurement o f works and goods financed by the Bank would be carried out in accordance with the World Bank Guidelines: Procurement under the IBRD Grants and IDA Credits (issued in January 1995, revised January and August 1996, September 1997, and January 1999). Consulting Services, technical assistance and training will be procuredin accordance with the Guidelines - Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers, January 1997, revised September 1997 and January 1999 and May 2002. The Bank`s Standard Bidding Documents, Request for Proposals and Forms o f Consultants' Contract will be used for all procurement. Incase o fconflict betweenthe Bank's procurement procedures and any national rules and regulations, the Bank's procurement procedures would take precedence. A General Procurement Notice (GPN) was publishedinthe Development Business on September 29,2003. ProcurementResponsibility and Capacityof the ImplementingAgency: The Program Coordination Unit(PCU) inthe MIWREwould have the overall responsibilityfor procurement under the project with the assistance o f the Govemment's Central Procurement Consultant (i.e. Crown Agents, at present). The PCU will have three procurement staff (one Procurement Specialist and two Procurement Analysts). The analysis shows that Afghanistan i s a "high risk" country from a public procurement point o f view. The procurement procedures and procurement plan for the project are developed keeping in view the public procurement environment in the country. Inorder to minimize risk and develop procurement capacity within the PCU, an international consultant (a Procurement Specialist) would assist and mentor the PCU's procurement staff through effective knowledge transfer and ensure compliance o f the Project procurement activities with the Project's legal agreement. Therefore, to minimize risks, the Food and Agriculture Organization o f the United Nations (FAO) has been selected, on sole source basis, to provide support to MIWRE in project management, scheme preparation, procurement and financial management, and institutional development within MIWRE. FA0 would serve as the "Engineering Design, Construction Supervision and Project Management Consultants" to assist MIWREto implement the project. ProcurementMethodsand Prior Review:Procurement methods are summarized inTable A and details for selection o f consultants are summarized inTable AI. The threshold levels for prior review have been adopted keeping in view the procurement capacity and emergency nature o f the project. Prior review thresholds are summarized in Table B. The Procurement Plan i s given in Table C. All contracts, which are not subject to prior review, would be subject to Bank's ex-post review. CivilWorks: SmallIrrigationSchemes: Itis estimatedthat about 1000small schemes would be implementedall over the country under the project, approximately 200 schemes in each o f the five river basins to be covered under the project. These schemes would be surveyed, designed and implemented by MIWRE staff, with the full and active assistance o f FAO. The rehabilitation o f small irrigation schemes costing not more than US$lOO,OOO (and, on average, about US$lO,OOO with an aggregate amount o f US$10 million) would be implementedusingthe following procedures: (i) Direct Contracting (DC) to community organizations 26 or NGOs; or (ii) the works to qualified domestic contractors after inviting price quotations from at award least three qualified domestic contractors. In addition, rehabilitation work for office buildings costing not more than US$lOO,OOO each, up to an aggregate amount of US$ 1.0 million, would be implemented by following procedures (i) above. or (ii) The labor management guidelines, approved by IDA, shall be followed inthe implementationof the sub- projects. In case of emergencies or to complete any unfinished works without disrupting other ongoing operations, the Force Account method may be applied, up to an aggregate o f US$500,000. Medium Irrigation Schemes: The works for the medium irrigation schemes costing less than US$500,000 each contract would be procured through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB). Average cost o f the medium irrigation scheme would be about US$l50,000 and it i s expected that about 160 medium irrigation schemes ( about 30 in each o f the five water basins) would be undertaken under the project. These schemes would be designed and implemented by MIWRE,with assistance from FAO. Large Irrigation Schemes: The works for large irrigation schemes costing US$500,000 or more would be procuredthrough (ICB) procedures. It is expected that average cost o f such schemes would be about US$500,000 and about 20 schemes (about four in each o f five water basins) will be implementedunder the project. These schemes would also be implemented by MIWRE,with assistance fiom FAO. Goods: Goods estimated to cost less than US$200,000 or equivalent per contract may be procured through Internationalmational shopping (Isms). Goods estimated to cost less than US$ 10,000 or equivalent per contract shall be procured through Direct Contracting (DC). Other than the above, goods shall be procuredthrough International Competitive Bidding(ICB). Consulting Services: Consultants selection arrangements are shown in Table Al. A contract would be awarded to FAO, on sole source basis (already approved by the Bank), for: (a) implementation o f small, medium and large schemes. This would include, identification of schemes, screening, scheme preparation, surveys, feasibility, detailed designs, procurement management, construction supervision, quality control and contract management, including certification o f payments to the contractors; (b) preparation, design, procurement, management and installation of the hydro-meteorological network, including technical assistance and training in its operation, data management, and use; (c) support to MIWRE in project management, including technical services, procurement, financial management, institutional strengthening o f the central and regional design and construction offices, rehabilitation o f the office buildings, procurement of equipment and vehicles, technical assistance and training. FA0 would use MIWREstaff, and international andnationalconsultantsincarrying out these responsibilities andprovide institutional strengthening and on- the-job training. The consulting services for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and preparation o f strategic studies and feasibility or pre-feasibility studies of projects for future investments would be recruited usingthe Quality Based Selection procedure (QBS). The consultants for Auditing services would be recruited under the QCBS procedures. 27 Assessment of the ImplementingAgency's Readiness: The Ministry o f Irrigation, Water Resources and Environment (MIWRE) would be the Borrower's implementing agency for the project. The Project Procurement Plan has been prepared. FA0 has already set up an office inthe Ministry. The Project CoordinationUnit (PCU) i s also being set up. All irrigation schemes would be implemented by the MIWRE, with the full and active assistance o f the FAO. All procurement o f goods would be carried out by the MIWRE, with the assistance from FA0 and Government's central procurement consultant, i.e. the Crown Agents at present. This would provide opportunities to all procurement staff to get on-the-job training and exposure to internationalprocurement procedures, under supervision o f the international procurement expert. The contract with the Crown Agents would expire on August 2004. The Borrower has already initiated steps for selection o f a new Central Procurement Consultant. Procurement Planning: A detailed procurement plan for the Project has been prepared and attached as Table C. Procurement o f goods, works and services shall be undertaken in accordance with the Plan. Incase o f any modification, the plan shouldbe forwarded to IDA for its prior approval. Prior and Post Review: Prior review requirements of contracts under the Project is provided inTable B. Except for those inTable B, all other contracts would be subject to post-reviewbyIDA. Monitoring and Reporting: MIWREwill submit quarterly Procurement Status Reports to the Bank within two weeks o f the start o f the next quarter in the format attached below as Table D. The Procurement Status Reports will indicate: (i)number ofcontracts signed so far, contract amounts, contractor's/supplier's/ consultant's names, delivery/contract completion dates; (ii) revised cost estimates for contracts yet to be processed; and (iii) revisedtimings o f procurement actions including advertising, bidding,contract award, and completion. Justification for Sole Source of F A 0 The Government requested the Bank for clearance to hire, on sole source basis, the FA0 as the main "Design Engineer, Construction Supervision and Project Management" consultants to help MIWRE implement the project. This was justified on the following grounds: (1) QualiJication and its unique position: FA0 i s the most knowledgeable international agency about the irrigation sector in Afghanistan, and over the last three decades it has gained extensive and unique experience in implementing irrigation rehabilitation projects inthe country. (ii) Speed: The proposed Emergency Imgation Rehabilitation Project needs to be implemented on the fast track basis to generate visible results on the ground as soon as possible. This i s in response to Government's wish to deliver results in the agricultural sector. Given FAO's presence in the country, particularly in the irrigation sector, they willbe able to mobilize a team very quickly to start project implementation. (iii) Confidence: MIWRE has worked with FA0 in the past, has confidence in the organization and has good working relations with the staff. 28 The Bank concurred with the Government's view and providedclearance to Govemment's request. OverallProcurementRiskAssessment: The procurement riskhas been appraised as high due to the post-conflict environment, the geographically remote and dispersednature o f the works. Therefore, frequent procurement review missions are proposed (at least once every four months) duringthe project implementation. 29 Table A: ProjectCosts by ProcurementArrangements (US$ millions) :ategory . ICB NCB Other N.B.F Total Works (a) Small Irrigation Schemes b/ 10.0 a/ 10.0 (b) MediumIrrigation Schemes b/ 21.031 3.0 31 24.0 (c) Large Irrigation Schemes 10.0 1.o 11.0 (d) Rehabilitationo foffice buildings 1.o 1.o Sub-total Works 10.0 22.0 14.0 46.0 .Goods (a) Hydro-meteorological Equipment GI 8.0 0.5 8.5 (b) SurveylOffice Equipment and Vehicles d/ 2.0 1.o 3.O Sub-total Goods 10.0 1.5 11.5 1. Consultants' Services and Training,includingAuditing Services (a) Engineering Design, Construction Supervision and 12.0 12.0 Project Management; Hydromet Design and Installation; Project Management Support; Institutional Strengthening, Technical Assistance and Training; and Auditing Services (b) M&E, Pre-Feasibility, Feasibility and Strategic Studies 5.0 31 5.0 .. OperatingCosts and Incremental OperatingExpenditures 0.5 0.5 Sub-total Services and Operating Costs 17.5 17.5 'otal 20.0 22.0 33.0 75.0 Figures show total costs which are fully financed by the IDA Credit (US$40 million) and/or by a parallel Co-financingGrant (US$35 million). ICB IntemationalCompetitiveBidding; NCBNationalCompetitiveBidding; N.B.F: NonBankFinanced. a/ Co-financingGrant funds would be usedto finance separate and identifiable works Category I(a) up to US$7.0 million; l(b) upto US$23million; and 3@) US$5.0 million. b/ Schemes, costingnot more than US$lOO,OOO, would be implemented using the following procedures: direct contracting (DC) to community organizations or qualified NGOs or price quotations from at least three qualified domestic contractors. &/ About US$lOO,OOO equivalent hydromet equipment would be procured through National Shopping (NS) and approximately US$400,000 equivalent through Intemational Shopping (IS), each contract costing not more than US$50,000. - d/ Survey and laboratory equipment, office equipment and vehicles, costing US$lOO,OOO per contract, with an aggregate amount of US$l.O million, would be procured at different times during the project for different locations through NationalShopping(NS). 30 Table A1:Consultants Selection Arrangements (US$ million equivalent) SelectionMethod I Consultant ServicesExpenditures Other 'c",',": Category QCBS CQ A. Firms Engineering Design, and supervisiono f rehabilitation works relatedto the small, mediumandlarge irrigation schemes; design and implementationof the Hydro- meteorological network; Project Management support, Institutional Strengthening and Technical Assistance Monitoring Evaluationof project 5.O Impact, Pre-feasibility, Feasibility and Strategic Studies Project Management Auditing 0.2 Services B. Individuals Project Management support and 1 individual consultants I Total 0.2 5.0 11.8 17.0 31 Table B: Thresholdsfor ProcurementMethodsand PriorReview ExpenditureCategory Contract Value Procurement Method ContractsSubject to Prior Threshold (US$) review 1.Works US$500,000 and above ICB A11contracts (US$ 10.0 million) Less than US$500,000 NCB All contracts estimated to ;est equivalent or more than US$300,000 (US$14.5 million). Less than US$lOO,OOO *Direct Contracting to All contracts above US$ community organizations 50,000 (US$7.5 million). or NGOs, or Contracting through receiving price quotations from a1least three contractors. Force Account (up to an aggregate o f $500,000) in case o f emergencies or to complete unfinished works without disrupting other ongoing operations. 2. Goods upto Us$lo,ooo D C Less than US$200,000 NSIIS All contracts estimated to cost equivalent or more than Us$lbo,ooo (US$ 1 .o million). Above US$200,000 ICB All (US$ 10.0 million). 3.Consultant Services US$200,000 and above QCBSIQBS All. Separatereview of Firms technical and financial evaluations andBank no- objection at each stage. (US$ 5.2 million). Firms Less than US$200,000 CQ All contracts above Us$100,000. only combined review o f technical and financial evaluations. Technical evaluation would be submittedto the Bank for information before opening financial proposals. Individual I C Guidelines All contracts above Consultants US$50,000. Qualification, experience, terms o f reference and terms o f employment (US$ 0.5 million). Sole Source All Single-source Selection All (US$ 11.3 million). Total estimatedvalue of prior review contracts: JS$60.0 million 32 rr 1% I I -t----- I .gP 4 c Appendix 3 Afghanistan EmergencyIrrigationRehabilitationProject FinancialManagement,Audit andDisbursement Country Issues The World Bank has gained substantial experience and understanding o f the financial management issues inAfghanistan from implementingseveral projects over the past one year. The overall assessment is that though the country's financial management system i s not fully functional, appropriate mitigation measures, general and project specific, are being taken for this project in order to ensure fiduciary financial accountability for project funds. Inan effort to strengthen key institutions, the World Bank i s financing a Financial Management Agent to assist the Ministry o f Finance and an Audit Agent to assist the Control and Audit Office, and the USAID i s financing a team o f consultants to assist the Da Afghanistan Bank. Strengths The availability o f the Financial Management Agent; the government's commitment to transparent and accountable financial management; appointment o f a Financial Management Specialist to MIWRE; and the use o f Food and Agriculture Organization o f the United Nations (FAO) for assisting MIWRE with project implementation and supervision, are the primary strengths o f the project's financial management system. Weaknesses As is typical for all projects in Afghanistan, this project too is affected by weaknesses in the Afghan institutions and systems for financial management, reporting, auditing, and banlung; and severe shortage o f experienced and trained in-country finance professionals in central agencies, such as MOF, as well as inthe MIWRE. FundsFlow Credit funds will be deposited in the Special Dollar Account (SDA) to be opened and maintained at the D a Afghanistan Bank (DAB). The amount o f deposit will be US$2.5 million representing an average of expenditure for three months. The SDA, in keeping with current practices for other projects in Afghanistan, will be operated by the Grants Management Unit (GMU) in the Ministry o f Finance. Requests for payments out of SDA funds will be made to the GMU by the MIWRE, according to procedures specified in the `Documentation Guidelines' dated June 1, 2003. Inaddition to payments out o f SDA funds, MIWRE could also request the GMU to request IDA to make direct payments to contractors, consultants, and UN Agencies, and to issue special commitments for contracts covered by letters o f credit. Such requests too should follow the procedures specified in the `Documentation Guidelines' (see Attachment 1). Where project payments are for local contractors based outside Kabul, these activities will be covered under the UN Agencies' contract, whereby, responsibility for funds transfer will be withthe concerned UNAgency. 35 RetroactiveFinancing MWRE has already applied and secured budget allocation for carrying out preparatory work for the project. These funds are expected to be used for establishing the PCU and for carrying out activities identifiedunder the project. Inaccessing these funds, the MIWREwillbe expected to follow the normal governmentprocedure. i.e. all requests for payments to contractors and consultants, will need to be approved by the Deputy Minister or the Minister o f MIWRE, and forwardedto the Treasury Department inthe Ministryo f Finance (MOF). The pay groups inthe MOF-Treasury Department will process the payment and generate the check to be encashed at the DAB. MIWRE will make such payment requests according to current govemment procedures, as advised by the Financial Management Agent in the MOF, i.e. requirements for supporting documents and expenditure classification method. As per the Bank's guidelines on emergency operations, project expenditure paid duringthefour months prior to the credit signing date, and subject to 20% of the credit amount, can be claimed as retroactive finance, once the credit becomes effective. In order to ensure that expenses paid by MIWRE during the aforementioned four-month period are eligible for retroactive financing, MnnirREwill need to follow the Bank's procurement procedures and have the expenses recorded inthe MOF's accounting system. MIWREis also expected to maintain, on a simple spreadsheet/database application, complete details of all such financial transactions, and periodically (at least monthly) verify and reconcile this information with that inthe MOF's system. Inaddition, MWREshould maintaincomplete supporting documents for all such project expenditure. This will enable the IDA to verify these expenses, prior to reimbursing them to the Government of Afghanistanunder the retroactive financing provision o f the Credit. Staffing As the MIWREdoes not have adequate capacity for financial management, it has been agreed that a full- time Financial Management Specialist will be hired to oversee financial management aspects o f the project. The proposed Terms o f Reference for the Financial Management Specialist is included in Appendix 11. Financial Management Specialist, to be appointed in the Program Coordination Unit (PCU) o f the MIWRE,will work closely with the procurement staff inthe PCU, the PCUsinthe regional MWREoffices, the GMUinMOF, andthe WorldBank. AccountingPolicies and Procedures The Project will follow standard government financial management policies andprocedures, including the Chart o f Accounts developed by the Financial Management Agent to record Project expenditures. In addition, the Financial Management Specialist will assist the MIWRE to record financial transactions o f the project in an electronic format, using simple spread sheet and/or database applications. Such recording o f data should enable the MIWREto retrieve financial information for producing the Financial Monitoring Reports (FMR) as specified below. FA0 will also be required to report to IDA and MWRE on a quarterly basis according to formats to be incorporated in their contract agreements with the MIWRE.This informationwill be consolidated inthe FMR. The use o fthese procedures will allow for adequate recordingand reportingo f Project expenditures. ReportingandMonitoring Quarterly Financial Monitoring Reports will be produced showing: (i)sources and uses o f funds by disbursement category and project component; (ii) physical progress; and (iii)status o f procurement 36 activities. These will be submittedto the IDA within 45 days o f the end o f the quarter (see Attachment 2 for a sample format for the financial reports). Project accounts will be consolidated centrally in the Ministry of Finance, in particular the GMU, supported by the Financial Management Agent, and consolidated Project financial statements will be prepared for all sources and uses o f Project funds. In addition, the MIWRE, assisted by the Financial Management Specialist, will provide the necessary information for producing the FMRs, and also review the reports prepared by the GMU, prior to their submission to the World Bank. Audit Arrangements The accounts o f the Project will be audited by the Auditor General, with the support o f the Audit Agent, with terms o f reference satisfactory to the Association. The annual Project financial statement to the Association would include a summary o f funds received (showing funds received from all sources), and a summary o f expenditures shown under the main Project components/ activities and by main categories o f expenditures. The audit o f the Project accounts would also include an assessment of: (a) the adequacy o f the accounting and intemal control systems; (b) the ability to maintain adequate documentation for transactions; and (c) the eligibility o f incurred expenditures for Association financing. The annual Project financial statements audited by the Auditor General, supported by the Audit Agent, should be submitted within 6 months o f the close o f Afghan fiscal year, i.e. by September 22 o f each year. The following audit reports will be monitoredinthe Audit Reports Compliance System (ARCS): Agency MOF 1 SOE, Project Accounts and Auditor Sep. 22 Special Account IGeneral DisbursementArrangements Allocation o f Credit Proceeds Credit Amount CxpenditureCategory _.Works (US$ million) FinancingPercentage 100%o f expenditures (a) Small Irrigation Schemes 3.0 (b) MediumIrrigationSchemes 1.o (c) Large Irrigation Schemes 10.0 (e) Rehabilitationo f office buildings 1.o !.Goods 100%o f expenditures (a) Hydro-meteorologicalEquipment 7.0 (b) Survey/Office Equipment andVehicles 2.0 37 13. Consultants' Services andTraining, including I I 100%o f expenditures I Auditing Services (a) EngineeringDesign, Construction Supervision 10.5 and Project Management; Hydromet Design and Installation; Project Management Support; Institutional Strengthening, Technical Assistance and Training; Auditing Services 4. Operating Costs andIncremental Operating 0.5 100%of expenditures Expenditures I 5. Unallocated 5.0 Total 40.0 . 38 Association's operational policies. All payment requests for withdrawals to be made from the Special Account will be initiated by the MIWRE.The Authorized Allocation o f the Special Account will be US$ 2.5 millionrepresenting an average o f expenditures for three months. Minimum application size. Applications for replenishment to the Special Account will be submitted (a) monthly,, regardless o f amount, or (2) when the Special Account balance i s reduced by 40%, whichever comes first. The minimum application size for withdrawal applications for reimbursement, direct payment, or for applications for Special Commitments i s 20% o f the Authorized Allocation o f the Special Account. Inthe case o f Blanket withdrawal applications, this minimumapplication size does not apply. Authority to withdraw Credit funds. MOF-GMU will retain the right to sign and submit withdrawal applications to the Association, based on the requests received from the MIWRE.As described above, the latter will follow the `Documentation Guidelines', dated June 1, 2003, for submitting such payment requests to the MOF-GMU. FinancialCovenants 0 MIWREwill ensure that an adequately qualified and experienced Financial Management Specialist, acceptable to the IDA, i s available on a full-time basis and throughout the entire project implementationperiod, for overseeing financial management and disbursements o f the project. 0 Submit to the IDA audited annual financial statements o f the project, no later than six months after the end o f the fiscal year, i.e. by 22 September. 0 Produce FMRs and submit to the IDA no later than 45 days followingthe end o f the reporting quarter. Action Plan Action ResponsiblePerson TargetDate FinancialMonitoring Reports (FMR) formats confirmed. IDA/MIWRE& GMU At negotiations Appoint, and ensure continuity of, an adequately MIWRE October 15,2003 qualified and experienced Financial Management onwards Specialist, acceptable to the IDA, and ensure he/she is available on a full-time basis and throughout the entire project implementationperiod, for overseeing financial management and disbursements o f the project. Follow the government payment procedures for project MIWRE October 1,2003 expenditure to be financed under the retroactive onwards provision, and maintain adequate supporting records and complete details o f such expenditure. Confirmation o f satisfactory supporting documents and IDA/MIWRE Prior to compliance with Bank's procurement guidelines in disbursements relation to expenses claimed under retroactive financing Operating procedures, including financial management IDA/MIWRE Prior to disburse- procedures o f FAO. ments to FAO. SupervisionPlan From a financial management perspective, the Project will need intensive supervision. The focus during the supervision will be on the internal control arrangements for the Project and functioning o f accounting, financial reporting and auditing. Supervision mission will also review compliance with established procedures and controls, monitor training and development o f MIWRE accounting staff, and pay special attention to traclung o f MIWREpayments made directly to local contractors based outside Kabul, if any. 39 Attachment 1 DOCUMENTATIONGUIDELINES (June1,2003) SubmittingPaymentRequeststo the Grant ManagementUnit(GMU) Procedures explained in this document apply to all payment requests to be submitted to the GMU. If there is a needfor an exception, a request should be sent to the concerned TaskLeader, with copies to Bridie Champion (bclzampioii~,worIdbank.o~~, Santhanam Krishnan (skrisli~aan2~,worldbaak,or~ and Julitta Rasiah (irasiahm),worldbank.org).Exception requests will be reviewedon case by case basis. All withdrawals to be submitted by the GMU to the World Bank will be governed by theprovisions in the relevant Development Grant andor CreditAgreements and the DisbursementHandbook. A. CONTRACT PAYMENTS (goods, works and services) Important: - Documentsindicatedbelow apply to all contracts, whether they are subject to prior-review or post- review by the World Bank. - Additional documents requiredas per specific contract provisions will be retained by the implementing agency', for review by the WorldBanksupervision missions and for audit by the Auditor General. - For such additional documents, the implementing agency will confirm, inwriting, to the GMU (together with the relevant payment request) that they have reviewed documents, found them to be in good order and have retainedthem inthe files o f the implementingagencies. Submittedtogetherwith the first payment request: - Dulysigned copy ofthe contract (copy) - For contracts subject to the World Bank's prior review limit,no-objection letter from the Task Leader for contract award (copy) - Invoice from the contractor, supplier, or consultant, duly approved by the implementingagency (original) - Ifrequiredaspertheprovisionsinthe contract, performance security (original) For advance payments: - Ifprovidedfor inthe contract, abank guarantee(original) - If providedforinthecontract', therequestforadvanceshouldbedulyapprovedbythe not implementing agency (original) Implementingagency refers to the contracting party, and the AACA Procurement Unit,untilsuch time its - 'functionsand documents are handed over to the implementing agencies. All suchrequests for advance payments should be forwarded to the concernedTask Leader for approval on a case by case basis. When such requests are for advance payments without bank guarantees, the advance amount is subject to a maximum o f 75% o f the contract sum. 40 Submittedtogether withthe secondor interimpaymentrequests: - Invoice from the contractor, supplier, or consultant3, duly approved by the implementing agency (original) I n addition: Ifpayments are for goods: - Copy of evidence of shipment for goods, e.g. bill o flading, airway bill, truck receipt or any other consignment note, to confirm evidence o f shipment (copy) If areforcivilworks: payments - Progress claims by the contractor (copy) - Certificate from the supervising engineer (copy) Ifpayments are for consultancy services, anddeliverables arepart ofthe contract: - A letter confirming implementing agency's acceptance o f the delivered report (copy) -ifnot already available together with the invoice. Submittedtogether with the finalpaymentrequest: - Invoice from the contractor, supplier, or consultant, duly approved by the implementing agency (original) I n addition: Ifpayments arefor goods: - - Copy o f the acceptance certificate signed by the implementing agency (copy) Iffinal payment isto bereleasedprior to confirming acceptance ofgoods, performance security, i.e. bank guarantee (original) If areforcivilworks: payments - - Final claim by the contractor (copy) - Certificate fiom the supervising engineer (copy) Iffinalpayment includes, or isfor the release of, retentionmoney, a copy ofthe defectsliability certificate (copy), or a bank guarantee (original) ifthe retentionmoney i s to be releasedbefore the lapse o fthe retentionperiod. Ifpayments are for consultancy services: - Note/memo confirming implementing agency's acceptance o f the final report (copy) ifnot - already available together with the invoice. Important: - All contract amendments affecting;the terms andconditions o fpayments (copy), shouldbe submitted to the GMU. - Any variations to the aforementionedpaymentterms, which does not affect the substance o fthe contract and/or do not require an amendment, should be accompanied with a cover letter fiom the implementingagency to the GMU, explaining the reason for change and confirming that the substance remains unchanged. Inthe case o fcontracts for consultancy services, the approval isrequiredfiomthe nominatedpersoninthe contract (when available). 41 B. SPECIAL COMMITMENTS (specialproceduresfor contractsrequiringcommitmentsfrom the WorldBank) LETTERS OF CREDIT Submittedtogether with the requestfor openinga letter of credit (LC): - Duly signed copy o fthe contract (copy) - For contracts subject to the World Bank's prior review limit, no-objection letter from the Task Leader for contract award (copy) Important: - All amendments affectingthe terms o fthe letters o fcredit (copy), should be submittedto the GMU for transmission to the DAB. - The Special Commitment will be issuedby the World Bank infavor o f the LC confirming bank, i.e. CitiBank. - IfaL Cisrequiredto beextended andor reinstatedfor reasonsnot attributableto the Purchaser, the charges thereof shall be to the Supplier's account. - The normal payment practice is, 10%advance; 80% on shipment; and 10%on acceptance certificate. BLANKET WITHDRAWALS (applicablefor contractswithUNAgencies) Submittedtogetherwiththe requestfor ablanketwithdrawalapplication: - - Dulysigned copy o fthe contract withthe UNAgency (copy) For contracts subject to the World Bank's prior review limit, no-objection letter from the Task Leader for contract award (copy) Important: - Onreceipt o fa blanket withdrawal application, the WorldBankwill issue a commitment infavor o f the concerned UNAgency. - Thereafter, all requests for payments should be forwarded directly by the concerned UNAgency to the WorldBank, with copies to the relevant ImplementingAgency, along with the supporting documents as stated inSection 6.4 o fthe Special Conditions to the Contract. - Ifthere is aprovisionfor releasinganadvance onsigningofthe contract, therequestfor blanket withdrawal applicationshould state this insection 11on Form 1903. C. NON-CONTRACTUAL PAYMENTS (e.g. blockgrants, trainingexpenses, reimbursementsof expenses, or smallvalue purchases) Submittedtogetherwith eachpaymentrequest (reimbursements): - No-objection from the World Bank's Task Manager, ifapplicable (copy). Ifin doubt as to whether these expenses are eligible, this should be checked with the appropriate Task Manager at the World Bank. - A reportfrom the implementingagency givingcomplete details o fall expenses claimed, e.g. list of participants for training programs, types o f expenses for reimbursements, etc. - Invoices or receipts from the vendors for expenses exceeding US$ 1,000 equivalent, dulv approved bythe implementing agency (originaO4 Original invoices and receipts for all other expenses should be retained inthe files o f the implementing agencies. 42 -Submittedtogether witheachpaymentrequest(advances): No-objection from the World Bank's Task Manager, ifapplicable (copy). Ifin doubt as to whether these expenses will be eligible, this shouldbe checked with the appropriate Task Manager at the World Bank. - Fulldetail o fthe budget`financial proposal andthe settlement date o fthe advance, dulyapprovedby the implementing agency (original). For settlement o f advances: - A report from the implementing agency givingcomplete details o fall expenses claimed, e.g. list o f participants for training programs, types o f expenses for reimbursements, etc. - Invoices or receipts from the vendors for all expenses claimed, duly approved by the implementing agency (original) Important: - For all advance payment requests, the GMU should monitor settlement o f these advances by requesting for expenditure statements mentionedabove. D. PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS (to accompany all paymentrequests) -Submittedtogether with eachpaymentrequest5: Dulycompleted and signed M16 form according to the format specifiedbythe GMU(attached) - Detailedpayment instructions, including the following: o Payment amount (inwords andnumbers) o Project name and Grant # o Payee name and address o Payee bankname andaddress o Payee bank account number o Payee bank SWIFT code (ifavailable) o Correspondent banko fthe payee's bank o Correspondentbank SWIFT code (ifavailable) All implementing agencies shouldfollow this for allpayment requests sent to the GMU. 43 Attachment 2 WORLD BANK(IDA)GRANT/CREDIT NO ......... FORTHEQUARTERENDED ......... ill figures in US Dollars ACTUAL I 'ROJECT DISBURSEMENTS Zurrent :umulative hmulative innual Total Qtr YTD to date Plan Estimate/I 'rojectExpenditure Disb. category 1 Disb. category 2 Disb. category 3 Disb. category 4 Disb. category 5 Disb. category 6 Disb. category 7 Disb. category 8 I'otalProject Expenditure Balance in the Bank N C Special Dollar alc Afghani alc Total FINANCED BY: IDA Grant Govt. of Afghanistan Others Total All figures in US Dollars 1 CumulativeICumulative AnnuaI 1 ACTUALS PLAN PROJECTCOMPONENTS Current Total ~ Project component 1 Project component 2 Project component 3 Project component 4 Total Project Expenditure Notes: 11 Figures to be taken from the Development Grant Agreement. The amount inthe unallocated category to be indicated ina footnote. I2 Figures to be taken from the Technical Annex. 44 WORLD BANK(1DA)GRANTEREDITNO ......... FORTHE QUARTERENDED ......... A. SPECIAL ACCOUNT STATEMENTS Special Account Statement US$ Opening Balance (begin of the reportingquarter) add: Replenishments less: Payments for project expenditure Transfers to Afghani a/c Closing Balance (end of the reportingquarter) Afghani Special Account Afs. Opening Balance (begin of the reportingquarter) add: Transfer from Special DollarN C less: Paymentsfor project expenditure Closing Balance (end of the reportingquarter) B. RECONCILIATION STATEMENTS /I ipecial Account Reconciliation Statements Afs. Balance as per above statements xx: xxx Plus: Withdrawals not realized xxx xxx Less: Amounts blocked in LCs (xxx) (xxx) Replenishments/transfersin transit (xxx) (xxx) Net adjustments xx: xx)I - Balanceas per DAB statements xx: xxx Notes: 11 Attach the DABBank Statements. 45 WORLD BANK(IDA)GRANT/CREDITNO FORTHE QUARTERENDED ................ Withdrawal Applications Currency Amount Replenishments: Direct Payments Special Commitments - disbursed 11 Others Reimbursements Notes: /I Only special commitments disbursed by the World Bank should be considered. 46 Appendix 4 Afghanistan EmergencyIrrigation Rehabilitation Project Rehabilitation of Irrigation Schemes 1. Introduction The years o f conflict, lack o f any meaningful maintenance and war damage have contributed to the deterioration o f irrigation infrastructure. As a result, the present irrigation systems are working at only about 25% overall efficiency, the potential being about 40% - 60%. About 10% o f the total irrigation infrastructure are formal and 90% are traditional systems that were always maintainedeither by individual farmers or by the farming communities. Strengthening o f the existing community water management organizations i s essential for the sustainability o f irrigation systems. The formal irrigation systems were maintained by the Government since the farmers did not have the means to maintain such relatively sophisticated irrigation infrastructure. As sufficient evidence is available to affirm globally rising mean annual temperatures (only the magnitude o f the rise i s disputed), the continuing decrease o f snow cover, particularly below 2,000 m altitude, will certainly lead in the near future to a further reduction in irrigation water availability during summer. The base flow o f rivers and streams as well as springdischarge after the winter season depends primarily on the existence o f a consolidated snow cover o f high density in low-lying mountainous areas (1,500 m - 2,500 m altitude) as early as Novembermecember, and only to a very limited degree on the amount o f rainfall. Iftemperatures continued to rise, a greater part o f precipitation will fall as rain and a lesser part as snow. This in tum will lead to higher runoff rates in winter and - due to the decreased volume o f water from snow melt - to lower stream flow rates in summer, and subsequently to a decrease inpotentially irrigable area. The significantreductionof stream andriver flow during 1999to 2002, and particularly o fbase flows duringsummer and autumnhave already ledto one o f the lowest water levels o f Afghans rivers inhistory. Superimposed on this negative trend o f snow melt due to globally rising temperatures as a result o f the well-known "greenhouse effect", it has been ascertained recently with a high degree o f probability, that the increase o f sun activity (protuberances) observed during the last 17 years i s further increasing mean annual temperatures. Based on the European experience of snow reduction (since 1865, the volume o f glaciers has reduced by more than 50%), accelerated significantly during the last 10 years. It i s safe to assume that water availability for irrigation purposes in Afghanistan will be never the same in the future as it has been inthe past between the fifties and eighties. 2. Irrigation inAfghanistan 2.1 Type of Irrigation Systems Irrigation systems in Afghanistan can be divided into 2 main categories: traditional (or non-formal) and modem (or formal) systems. Traditional Irrigation Systems Arhad system. Groundwater i s lifted from shallow wells with the help o f a Persian wheel (arhad) supplying irrigation water to the fields o f an individual farmer. The size o f the irrigated land per well usually does not exceed 3 ha. 47 0 Karez (qanat) systems. Water is brought by free flow via underground tunnels from alluvial aquifers for surface irrigation. Dug by local craftsmen from shafts at close intervals, karezes are usually small in dimensions but may be many lulometers in length. On average, their discharge varies between 10 11s to 200 11s but can, in some cases, reach up to 500 l/s. Karez water is used for irrigationpurposes (irrigated area is 10 ha to 200 ha per karez) as well as for drinkingwater supply. 0 Small-scale traditional (informal) surface water systems being supplied by stream flow diverted with the help o f temporary brush weirs. Often situated in remote valleys along a stream or river, they vary in size (up to 100 ha) and can be characterizedby the fact that only one village community i s responsible for the operation and maintenance o f the irrigation scheme. 0 Medium-scale traditional (informal) surface water systems being supplied by river flow diverted with the help o f temporary brush weirs. Defined as a separate category, these systems are characterized by size (100 ha to 2,000 ha) and by the fact that several village communities share one and the same water source (river) through several temporary intakes. Otherwise, the schemes are operated and maintained in a similar way as small-scale and large-scale irrigation systems. 0 Large-scale traditional (informal) surfacewater systemsbeing also supplied by river flow diverted with the help o f temporary brushweirs. Extending over an area o f up to 200,000 ha (for example, hish-dah-e nahr scheme at Balkh), they are mainly located in flat plains and along the main river valleys. Although they are called informal, their operations and maintenance i s highlystructured involvingseveral communities o f sometimes different ethnic origin. Using the same source o f water through many individual intakes along a river, even the secondary canals sub-dividing the irrigation water from the primary (conveyance) canal supplied water to the field o f different village communities. Each village has at least one water master (mirab), who delegates his authority to sub water masters responsible for the allocation o f water to different plots o f the scheme. Lawyers (vakil) support the mirab to resolve any disputes over water rights and provide the linkage to government authorities for the registration o f land and water rights. Repair and maintenance works are executed by mobilizing large batches o f labor for a long period, and farmers inthe command area have to contribute in the form o f labor, cash or in-kmd. Historically, large parts o f these schemes have been abandoned because o f the impact o f wars, water logging and salinization, particularly inthe Harirud, FarahRud, Balkhab, Murghab and Helmand valleys. B. Modern Irrigation Systems 0 Modern (formal) surface water systems without storage have a permanent intake structure which in the past was operated and maintainedby the Irrigation Department o f the Ministry o f Water and Power. The management o f the irrigation scheme itself follows the rules o f the large-scale traditional surface water schemes described above. However, the significant difference i s that the regulation o f water flow to the system depends on a functioning interactionbetween government authorities and the village communities. 0 Modern (formal) surface water systems with storage. Large-scale irrigation system deve- lopment i s a relatively recent innovation (1960-1978), the most important systems being the Helmand (Kajakai dam) and Arghandab (Arghandab dam) irrigation schemes. Land tenure was different from traditional systems in that some parts o f the schemes were operated under private land ownership agreements, while others were operated as State farms owned and operated by the government. The management o f these schemes was under complete government control and heavily subsidized. 48 0 Modern (formal) groundwater systems. Little i s known about the irrigation schemes supplied by groundwater from deep or shallow wells. In KhostPaktia province, surface water irrigation schemes were supplied by some 100 deep wells until the late 1980s. Inthe 1970s, about 100,000 ha are said to have been under sprinkler irrigation (private and government owned) and plans existed to introduce drip irrigation. Ina few cases, particularly inthe lower reaches o f large traditional schemes, where water shortage is common, surface water irrigation fi-om shallow wells was undertakenby individual farmers. 2.2 IrrigationMethodsand Practices Irrigation methods. In traditional as well as in modem irrigation schemes, the dominant irrigation method i s basidborder irrigation for cereals and furrow irrigation for vegetables and grapes. Main constraints are (i) shortage o f water after the peak (May/June/July) o f snow melt, and (ii) shortage o f labor for canal cleaning. In areas experiencing high groundwater tables, salinization o f soils i s common due to over-irrigation and subsequent water logging. Temporary salinization o f soils o f fields left fallow for one or two years does not mean that these fields require drainage. Within the confinement of alluvial deposits o f a valley commonly used for irrigation, soil texture i s usually fine to medium in the upper layers and often course in the lower layers. Once thoroughly leached before the growing season, the temporary salt accumulation i s washed out. However, a drainage system i s indispensable inall those cases where irrigated fields are situated on older terraces "outside" the geo-morphologically defined river valley and impervious soil layers or conglomerates obstruct deep percolation, as it i s the case in the Helmand irrigation system. Overall irrigation efficiency is only about 20 to 25 percent for both modem and traditional irrigation schemes due to the following reasons: (i) highconveyance losses intraditional schemes with earth canals; (ii) operational lossesinmodernschemeswithlinedconveyancecanals; and(iii) on-farm high high distribution losses (over-irrigation, poorly levelled land) in both traditional and modem schemes. Additionally, there i s usually a waste o f irrigation water intraditional schemes during the first half o f the growing season due to unregulated flood water entering the conveyance canal, and a shortage o f water during the second half when river flow decreases to its annual minimum. Although the traditional irrigation method does not allow the most efficient use o f the available water resources, it should be understood that a properly maintained traditional irrigation scheme can attain an overall irrigation efficiency o f 40 percent. Irrigation practices today are characterized by the necessity to irrigate "by all means", leaving little room for proper irrigation system management. Where village communities were able to organize themselves in a peaceful manner and received assistance in the rehabilitation o f destroyed (intakes) or obsolete (conveyance canals) irrigation structures, irrigation i s mostly practiced in the traditional way: operation and maintenance o f the schemes as well as water distribution are managed on a communal basis under the supervision o f mirubs, and disputes over water rights are resolved by vakils. In many other cases, where communities share the same water resource for the irrigation o f their individual fields but are ruled by different ''authorities", farmers are less fortunate and struggle to make their irrigation scheme some how operational. This involuntary attitude resulting in makeshift "structures" usually destroyed by the next flood, has serious repercussions for the overall functioning o f the irrigation systems: accumulation o f sediments at intakes and conveyance canals force the farmers to abandon former existing intakes (e.g. in Lashkar Gah), "by-pass" intake canals jeopardize the traditional water distribution rules (e.g. in Balkh), uncontrolled floods enter newly constructed intake canals and destroy once fertile irrigable land cutting o f f other conveyance canals (e.g. Enjil Canal inHerat), and so on. Land under irrigation. The potentially (based on existing land and water resources) irrigable area in Afghanistan i s supposed to be in the order o f 5.3 million hectares. Table 1 gives an overview o f the distribution o f the area irrigated in 1978 (in total about 2.6 million ha), the last year for which reliable data are available. The Land Cover Survey from 1992, which defined active and inactive irrigated agricul- 49 ture per province, estimated the actually (based on existing irrigation water distribution infrastructure) irrigable area to be some 3.4 million ha. "Inactive irrigated agriculture" does not necessarily mean aban- doned irrigated fields requiring rehabilitation. In large irrigation schemes, the irrigable area is usually larger than the one actually irrigated, particularly in dry years when irrigation water i s short and does not allow the cultivation o f all imgable fields. However, water logging and dilapidated water distribution structures are among the reasons for rehabilitation. Table 1: Irrigated Area by Provincein 1978 Province Irrigated Area (ha) Province Irrigated Area (ha) Kabul 73,261 Paktika 39,648 Ghami 101,241 Wardak 29,127 Badghis 66,596 Qandahar 121,662 Ghor 57,726 Nangarhar 85,707 Logar 40,63 1 Takhar 150,788 Bamyan 28,103 Parwan-Kapisa 100,094 Laghman 34,742 Badakhsh. 96,907 Paktia 49,919 Baghlan 145,344 Balkh 162,921 Konar 17,044 Jawzjan 100,089 Samangan 80,899 Kunduz 195,324 Farah 49,05 1 Zabul 64,260 Helmand 111,906 Faryab 82,439 Nimroz 76,475 Oruzgan 98,667 Heart 259.552 Source: Ministry ( Agriculture 2.3 PresentConditionsof IrrigationSchemes Impact of Yearsof Conflict (1979-2001) About one-third o f all villages were destroyed during the first 10years o f war (1979-1989). However, the negative impact o f war on irrigation infrastructure was due to both destruction and the exodus o f farmers leaving behind the schemes without attendance. Since 1992, many refugees have retumed to their villages and tried to use their former schemes again. Traditional irrigation systems having had a temporary intake were relatively easy to put under operation again, the only limitingfactor being the availability o f labor. The larger the scheme, however, the greater were the problems encountered: complete sedimentation o f the conveyance canals, division o f the command area among different local commanders, and hence the impossibility to install the former mirabhakil system again. These circumstances made it difficult to rehabilitate large traditional irrigation schemes in spite o f the fact that there are no uncommon technical problems to the farmers. Although it could be argued that modern irrigation systems, having a permanent intake structure, would have been less prone to destruction than traditional ones, the indirect impact o f war on these modem systems i s indeed much more serious: in addition to the problems occurred in traditional schemes, the "inflexible" (stationary) intake structures o f modem irrigation schemes are now, in most cases, out o f function not only due to the missing mechanical parts, but also due to lack o f unprofessional operation or non- operation o f the gates (e.g. flushing gate closed, intake gate open). In several cases, this led to the accumulation o f large quantities o f sediment in front o f the intake causing the river to change its thalweg or widen its bed (e.g. Helmand river at Bokhra intake). Once this has happened, the rehabilitation o f the 50 intake can become too costly (major river training works are required), if not impossible (the former intake site may not be technically andor economically feasible). Quantification of Destruction At present, it is possible only to make purely qualitative assessment o f the irrigated area to be rehabili- tated: an estimated 10 per cent o f all irrigation systems were directly affected by war (not taking into account the indirect effects o f neglect and abandonment). This corresponds to an irrigated area of at least 260,000 ha. Another 40 per cent o f all irrigation systems (particularly large-scale schemes) were damaged due to lack o f maintenance, especially due to uncontrolled flow (floods) into the systems and siltation o f canals. This corresponds to an irrigated area o f 1.04 million ha.. An estimated 20 per cent o f all irrigation systems require improvement o f on-farm water management to avoid under-irrigation (low crop yields) or over-irrigation (water logging, salinization). This corresponds to an irrigated area o f 520,000 ha. Inother words, it i s safe to state that at least one million o f irrigated or irrigable landrequires rehabilitation. 3. Rehabilitationof Irrigation Infrastructure 3.1 Rationalefor Rehabilitation Inorder to makebest use of the Country's limited, albeit yet sufficient, water resources and ensure their sustainable use for irrigation purposes, water abstraction from rivers, streams, and groundwater aquifers has to be done in an efficient, effective and sustainable manner. This was ensured throughout Afghani- stan's history: traditional brush weirs for riverhtream diversion and hlometer-long underground canals (karez) giving ample evidence of the Afghan farmers' skills and knowledge. Following more than 20 years o f war and four years o f drought, however, many irrigation schemes, formal and informal, small, medium and large, suffer from low water use efficiency, partly because o f physical damage o f irrigation infrastructure, and partly because o f inefficient on-farm water management, especially where the traditional water distribution systemhas been abandoned. Except for the "Community-Based Irrigation Infrastructure Rehabilitation Program" implemented by the Ministry of Irrigation, Water Resources and Environment (MIWRE), with technical assistance o f FA0 and funded by the Dutch, German and Italian Government (for a total o fUS$4.2 million), at present there is no systematic irrigation infrastructure rehabilitation throughout the country. The main purpose o f the ongoing but limited MIWRERAO irrigation rehabilitation program i s to respond to urgent needs o f smallholders dependant on irrigated agriculture, and to strengthen the operational capacity o f MrWRE at national, regional and local levels. 3.2 Justification for rehabilitation The immediate rehabilitation o f irrigation infrastructure i s imperative, not only to increase food security but also to enable the transitional government to contribute in an efficient manner to socio-economic stability and, subsequently, to peace and security in rural areas. Therefore, capacity building and institutional strengthening must go hand in hand with the rehabilitation o f irrigation schemes, ensuring a quick positive impact on the livelihood o f farmers, particularly refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs), and setting up an adequate institutional framework for efficient coordination and implementation o f irrigationprojects. Following 23 years o fwar, three major issues hamper future sustainable water use for irrigation purposes, namely (i)the lack o f technical and financial means o f smallholders to rehabilitate damaged irrigation infrastructure; (ii)the inability o f civil servants to deliver the required services according to their mandate to smallholders, who depend on the production o f irrigated cereals and other crops for their livelihood; 51 and (iii) lack of a national water resources data collection and analysis system to make sustainable use the o f the available water resources. The project addresses all these crucial issues, suggesting for each issue the implementation of a tailor-made component to the specific problem prevailing in the water resources and irrigation sub-sector inthe country. The project would provide funds for the rehabilitationo f small, medium and large irrigation schemes, and for the preparation o f feasibility studies for large irrigation andor multipurposeprojects. Inthis context, the need to ensure proper survey and design o f the irrigation schemes to be rehabilitated has been identified to be crucial for achieving the restoration o f irrigated agriculture. Hence, intensive formal and informal training for MIWRE staff throughout the country i s required parallel to the implementation o f the project. It i s important to note, that all technical assistance provided under the project i s designed to (i) to assist MrWRE staff inthe day-to-day work o f implementing irrigation scheme rehabilitation, and (ii) to train MIWRE staff on-the-job in major subjects, including surveying, hydraulics, civil engineering, hydrological and soil analysis, and overall irrigation scheme design. 3.3 Strategicconsiderations for rehabilitation Scope of rehabilitation and geographicaldistribution. Inspite o f efforts, there remains enormous task o f rehabilitating about half (1.3 million hectares) o f Afghanistan's irrigation schemes. This includes about one million ha of traditional irrigation schemes supplied by perennial rivers and streams as well as about 50,000 ha supplied by springs and karezes, all operated and maintainedby the farmers themselves; and about 250,000 ha o f modern irrigation schemes operated and maintained by the Government. Rehabilitation comprises all activities which have to be undertaken to safeguard the irrigation scheme against floods and to enable the farmers to manage them efficiently and economically. Though the irrigation potential and return on investment varies throughout the country, equitable distribution o f interventions i s very important to reach as many potentialbeneficiaries as possible. Type of rehabilitationworks. Imgationrehabilitationactivities canbe classified into the following categories o frehabilitationworks: Verification: - Problemidentification, survey, (re)design, project formulation. Maintenance: - Cleaning o f canals and karezes; - service and minor repairs o f flow regulating devices and turnouts; and - (Re)establishment o ftemporary intake structures; Construction: - Permanent intake structures, - Spillway, distribution and drainage system structures; - Canal liningandcanalbank stabilization; - River training (flood protection and thalweg rectification); and - Flow gauge stations. Management: - (Re)establishment and improvement o fMiraWYakiZ system; - Reservoir operation and intake regulation; - Watershed conservation and groundwater recharge; - O&M o fprovincial irrigation departments; - O&M o fregional water authorities andbranchoffices; and - Monitoringo fNGOsirrigation rehabilitation activities. Training: Training - Engineers, technicians, craftsmen, Mirabs, extension specialists; and - Water user groups (according to their tasks). 52 It is important to agree with the farming community before the implementationof construction works on future operation and maintenance rules. As there i s no alternative at present to the traditional mirub/vukiZ system, all water users dependent on the same water source must acknowledge the authority o f the mirab and, possibly, accept the decisions made by the vakil, incase o f disputes. Irrigation rehabilitation efforts to be undertaken immediately will have to focus on types o f works, for example, which (i) increase agricultural output o f the individual farmer; (ii) prevent irrigation schemes from further destruction by floods andor salinization; and (iii)strengthen local capacities in the (re)design, (re)construction, operation and management o f irrigation schemes. Importance of maintenance. Irrigation must be seen as a technology applied to satisfy crop water requirements due to lack o f precipitation. Natural resource use, through the imposition o f a technicalhtatic (irrigation) system on a naturavdynamic (river) system, i s not sustainable without properly maintaining crucial system components such as intake, water distribution and conveyance structures. Lack o f maintenance o f irrigation schemes does not only decrease the overall operational efficiency but causes hydrological and geo-morphological changes o f the natural system leading to completely different environmental conditions - such as change o f river course, decrease (accumulation) or increase (erosion) o f the river's sediment carrying capacity, or salinization o f land - than those under which the irrigation scheme were built and managed satisfactorily. This applies to traditional and modem irrigation systems alike and has serious implications inthe case o f Afghanistan, where the rural settlement pattern directly correlates with the availability and use o f surface and ground water resources. Importance and limit of community participation. Experiences gained elsewhere and also in Afghanistan since 1989 have unambiguously shown that community participation i s the most crucial element o f making external assistance sustainable. District Rehabilitation Shuras (DRSs) can facilitate the identification and co-ordination o f rehabilitation activities. However, they can not substitute the village community (traditional shuru) responsible for the rehabilitation and operation o f an irrigation scheme. The project will encourage the involvement o f local communities during rehabilitation as well as operations and maintenance. Changing role of NGOs. With a few exceptions, NGOs have played an important role in assisting Afghans to survive the impacts o f war on social life and in the rehabilitation o f Afghanistan's infrastructure. It is, however, necessary to recognize that NGOs can neither fully take over the role o f social service institutions nor the one o f construction companies. Many hydraulic structures rehabilitated or newly constructed during the last years give ample testimony o f lacking professionalism in the application o f technical know-how and o f missing logistical competence in the implementation o f construction works. Among the several hundred NGOs operating in Afghanistan, only about a dozen NGOs might have the potential to develop the necessary capacity in order to design and implement hydraulic structures for irrigation purposes. In the future, these NGOs will have to become engineering/constructioncompanies, act as registeredprofessional contractors and eligible for contracting bylineMinistries, UNagencies, or the donor community. 3.4 Irrigation Schemes to beRehabilitated The project addresses the rehabilitation o f existing irrigation schemes (sub-projects). Depending on their size (interms o f area under irrigation), their water conveyance system (one or several canals supplied by one water resource), and the estimated rehabilitation cost, the existing irrigation schemes are divided into three broad categories. The rehabilitation o f uZZ irrigation schemes require engineering surveys and design. However, ingeneral, the complexity o f irrigation scheme rehabilitation increases with the size o f the scheme, and hence the need for engineering inputalso increases. Selection criteria for irrigation schemes to be rehabilitated. The existing irrigation systems in Afghanistan consist o f a large number o f small (several thousands), medium (several hundred) and large (several dozens) irrigation schemes. These are mainly traditional (or non-formal) irrigation schemes 53 (90%), and only a few modern (or formal) large irrigation schemes (10%). The final selection o f irrigation schemes for rehabilitation under the project must meet the selection criteria agreed with the Government (see Appendix 5). Small Irrigation Schemes: Approximately, 1100 small irrigation schemes are expected to be rehabilitated under the project. Priority should be given to those provinces, where rehabilitation provides the greatest returnto the greatest number o fpeople. According to a recent report on rapid assessment and inception for framework o f water resources management, these are for canal and karez rehabilitation in the provinces o f Kandahar and Wardak; for canal rehabilitation in the provinces o f Herat, Parwan and Badakhshan; and for karez rehabilitation in the provinces o f Ghami and Zabul. Major objective o f any project intervention will be the rehabilitation o f crucial hydraulic structures to solve key problems o f individual schemes and overcome bottlenecks o f otherwise functioning schemes. MediumIrrigationSchemes: Each o f about 160 medium irrigation schemes, likely to be rehabilitated under the project, will be selected by MIWRE for inclusion in the Project by following the scheme selection criteria. The rehabilitation package for each irrigation scheme will also include (i) detailed scope o f work; (ii) detailed survey; (iii) detailed scheme rehabilitation design work; and (iv) bidding documents. The provinces o f Herat, Kandahar, Kunduz, Parwan, Ghami, Baghlan and Helmand have been identified to be priority provinces for medium and large irrigation scheme rehabilitation. Major objective o f all rehabilitation efforts i s to systematically rehabilitate individual irrigation schemes - at watershed level - inorder to maximize water use through an increase o fthe overall system efficiency. Large Irrigation Schemes: The selection, detailed analysis and documentation for the procurement o f about 20 large irrigation schemes, to be included in the project, will be the same as for the medium irrigation schemes. However, the rehabilitation o f large irrigation schemes i s more complex and costly. Major objective .is to systematically rehabilitate -at sub-basin level - large irrigation schemes in order to optimize the sustainable use o f water resources in priority watersheds as well as to safeguard national natural and capital assets. Scope of rehabilitation under the Project: A total o f 1,280 irrigation schemes covering approximately 280,000 ha o f irrigated land are proposed for rehabilitation duringthe three year project period, including 1,100 small-scale irrigation schemes covering 110,000 ha, 160medium-sized irrigation schemes covering 120,000 ha, and significant parts o f 20 large irrigation schemes covering 50,000 ha (see Table 2). Due to the expected increase inwater use efficiency andor water availability, it i s expected that the irrigated area after rehabilitationwill be about 25% larger than the irrigated area before rehabilitation, bringingthe total irrigated area to benefit from the Project to an estimated 350,000 ha. Each irrigation scheme (sub-project) shall be identified, selected, promoted, appraised, approved, carried out and monitored inaccordance with procedures and other provisions outlined invarious appendices o f this Technical Annex. A first assessment of irrigation schemes to be potentially rehabilitated under the project is based on the surveys conducted by MIWRE staff, assisted by FAO, since August 2003. Based on the results o f these surveys, an indicative list o f 32 eligible medium irrigation schemes (one in each province, see Table 3), and another list o f 10 large irrigation schemes (two per region, see Table 4) have been prepared, Depending on the availability o f funds, these indicative lists may to be adjusted to the actual situation prevailing once the project has started. Concerning the rehabilitation o f small irrigation schemes, the MIWREdata base, establishedincollaborationwith FA0 duringthe last 12months, provides thousands o f identified canals and karezes, spread all over the country, which require rehabilitation. 54 c C C C C c c 5 6= - - C c C cri C E C L c n cc 6F - C C C N e L m c C ;-" 2 6= - - C c C 3 C C s L C 0 tf d - 0 VI r- 3 i- m - EE:m 3 U 0 0 0 0 4 0 * 8 0 00 d 0 s z- 0 0 0 13 3 0 vr ", 3 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 m 0 % *- 3 3 n v r 0 u w co 10 (u 3 3 3 3 h 0 0 0 0 0 B vr 0 3 n 3 0 0 *, 2 - 0 W b N 2 3 P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 8 8 0 4 8 8 W Q\ W f ht 0 3 3 /------ - 0 z- 0 0 3 0 0 0 8 0 0 N W :* I :- 0 10 m 0 2 m 3 0 m- 0 0 0 0 0 m 0 0 0 0 0 W d 5 03 2 m 0 x 3 0 0 0 3 0 v, m d m I - - - - 1 2 + cd a 2 '2 N2 E 89 e 4 2 .e z 6mE -2 P fki 6 I 3 v) 3 3 0 -3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 8 80 0 0 P N 0 0 8 3 2 N t-4 00 - - -- z- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 8 0 ri vi 2- :- z 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 In N d :- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 W 0 # d - -- 0 0 0 0 0 c'? 0 0 m 0 \o 0- 4 3 8 v1 0 a 8 BM 4 0 r- 00 0 r4 m d 3 3 N N r 4 N N 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 8 8 0 0 0 0 0 8 8 0 0 r.4 8 3 8 - 00 3 W N 5 2 m - -- 0 0 0 0 0 E- 0 z- z- 0 0 0 0 0" :-% 0 0 W rc) In 3 W 0 c9 0 0 0 0 0 0 W d W W # 0 N N W 00 0 0 01 0 0 0 0 0 vr 0 W d vr 3 W W In N N W Q\ 0 0 0 0 N 0 0 r- N # CQ W cd BM 8 zli 3a 3 i- fL 1 '5 .3 zli .e c b - cj 44a 1 pi .3 2 zli 10 W r- 00 m N N 0 N N N W 0 0 8 2 0 0 m 0. W m 3 m m W n E: ~ 0 0 m 0 m 0 R 1 m 3 Nm 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 8 8 0 0 0 8 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 8 0 0 0 0 m lr) 0 0 0 0 lr) 0- 0, w m 13 10 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0- 10 m 8 8 8 3 P N a 2 W 0 8e, 0 0 0 0 0 8 z 0 0 0 8 8 0 0 0 0 00, N 2 Tci In 13 01 W 4, Appendix 5 Afghanistan EmergencyIrrigationRehabilitationProject Scheme Selection and Appraisal Framework Categories of Irrigation Schemes: The project deals with the rehabilitationo f existing irrigation schemes (sub-projects). Depending on their size (in terms o f area under irrigation), their water conveyance system (one or several canals supplied by one water resource) and the estimated rehabilitation cost, the existing irrigation schemes are divided into three broad categories, small, mediumand large: Scheme Category Cost o f Rehabilitation Types o f Irrigation Schemes Small (single water I US$50,000 Karezes source) Springs Canals Medium (watershed) US$50,000 - 300,000 Canals Large (sub-basin) >US$300,000 Canals The rehabilitation o f all irrigation schemes require engineering surveys and design. However, in general, the complexity o f irrigation schemes increases with the size and hence the need for engineering inputalso increases. Selection Criteria for Irrigation Schemes: The existing irrigation system in Afghanistan consists o f a large number o f small, medium and large irrigation schemes, both formal (modem) and informal (traditional). The final selection o f irrigation schemes for rehabilitation under the project must meet the appropriate selection criteria. As agreed with the Government, the following factors are indicative o f their importance and will be used as final scheme selection criteria: 1. Exclusion Criteria: (0 Significant land mine risk (not certified by the Mine Action Center for Afghanistan (MACA) as having low-to-nil risk). (ii) Significant social issues, including (a) social safeguard impacts (e.g. needfor land acquisition); (b) unresolved or potential water rights disputes with other users o f the water source (e.g. in case o f engineering intake construction); (c) unresolved water distribution disputes within the system command area (e. g. with tailenders); or (d) absence of functioning institutionalmaintenance arrangements. (iii) Significantenvironmentalsafeguardissues. 63 (iv) Highprobability oftriggeringriparianissues bythe downstream riparian states. 2. Inclusion Criteria: (i) Large economic impact, as reflected by the low rehabilitation cost, large incremental benefits and large number o f beneficiaries per ha o f irrigatedland. (ii) Agreement by local communities to contribute towards scheme rehabilitation costs and to take over the responsibility for post-rehabilitation operations and maintenance (0 & M) cost. (iii) Balanced geographical distribution inall the five river basins Preparationand AppraisalFramework: The above selection criteria (both the exclusion-type and the inclusion-type) will be applied to all the existing schemes that are proposed for inclusion in the project. In a particular river basin, the irrigation schemes with the greatest economic impact will have a priority over others, especially when the proposed schemes meet all other selection criteria. The Ministry of Irrigation, Water Resources and Environment (MTWRE) must certify in writing that the irrigation schemes proposed for inclusion in the project satisfactorily meet all the selection criteria. Inadditionto the selectioncriteriaoutlined above, the irrigationschemes proposed for inclusion in the project must also undertake detailed analysis (with respect to safeguards assessment, economic impact assessment and community water assessment) to justify their inclusion. This will, however, vary by the type o firrigation schemes, as follows: Additional Analyses Irrigation Schemes Small Medium Large N o Codes Limited Safeguards Assessment Economic Impact Assessment No Yes Yes Community Water Assessment Yes Yes Yes Sub-project proposals for irrigation schemes will include documentation on (a) whether andhow land donations, ifany, have taken place; and (b) whether water rightshave been clarified with down-stream users ifintake construction i s part o f scheme rehabilitation. This i s particularly relevant for small irrigation schemes. The check list on negative environmental and social impacts will also be part o f sub- project proposal. Appraisal and ApprovalProcess: Once the irrigation schemes are selected for rehabilitation under the project, there is a need to canyout the following in order to obtain the clearance from the World Bank to initiate actual rehabilitation. 1. Small Irrigation Schemes: The MTWRE will select each small irrigation scheme for rehabilitation under the project using the selection criteria. For each scheme, there i s a need to clarify water rightsregardingthe source and command area, make an assessment o f community organizations for 64 water management, develop strategy/action plan to strengthen the community organizations, and sign an agreement between the MIWRE and the community for the community to contribute (in the form o f labor, material, cash or in-kmd) towards rehabilitation o f irrigation scheme and to take over the responsibility for all the regular operations and maintenance, including cost, after the rehabilitation work is complete. All the small irrigation schemes, that are expected to be rehabilitated inyear 1 (also for year 2 and year 3), will be grouped into one list. Before the actual rehabilitation begins, this list must be cleared by the World Bank. For each irrigation scheme, there i s also a need to prepare (i) the scope o f work, (ii) rehabilitation design, and (iii) biddingdocuments. The selection of the qualified contractor the for actual rehabilitation will follow the Bank procurement guidelines. A random sample o f completed irrigation schemes are subject to post-reviewby the World Bank during supervision. 2. Medium Irrigation Schemes: Each o f the medium irrigation scheme will be selected by MIWRE for inclusion in the project by following the scheme selection criteria. Each o f the selected scheme will then be subject to detailed additional analysis with respect to (i)environmental and social assessment; (ii) economic impact assessment; (iii)assessment o f community water organizations, and (iv) beneficiary commitment to contribute towards scheme rehabilitation costs. There will also be an agreement (between MIWRE and the community) with an obligation for the local community to contribute (in the form o f labor, material, cash or in-kind)towards rehabilitation o f irrigation scheme and to take over all the regular operations and maintenance activities, including cost, after the rehabilitation i s complete. The rehabilitation package for each irrigation scheme will also include (i)detailed survey; (ii) detailed rehabilitation design work; (iii) detailed scope o f work; and (iv) bidding documents. A qualified contractor will be selected following the World Bank's procurement guidelines. A random sample o f completed schemes will be subject to post-review by the World Bank duringo f supervision. 3. Large Irrigation Schemes: The selection, detailed analysis and documentation for procurement for large irrigation schemes will be the same as for the medium irrigation schemes. However, since the rehabilitationof large irrigation schemes i s more complex and costly, the procurement rules may be slightly different. Furthermore, all the large irrigation schemes will be subject to prior-review bythe World Bank. Inother words, rehabilitation can begin only after the Bank gives a clearance. 65 Appendix 6 Afghanistan: EmergencyIrrigationRehabilitationProject Frameworkfor CommunityWater Organizations Non-formalwater managementsystems Of the total irrigated area o f around 3.3 million hectares, only 10%consist o f formal systems constructed and managed by the state. The remaining 90% consist o f `traditional' or non-formal irrigation systems managed by (and usually also constructed by) communities. Of these, more than 80% are canal irrigation systems with intakes from rivers and streams, about 5% are fed by springs, and 5% are fedby karezes. Traditional canal-based schemes are widely distributed in every province inthe country and range in size from a few hectares in highmountain valleys to extensive networks on the northem plains. Some water sources such as large canals provide water to several villages, while at the same time, many villages have several water sources Operations and maintenance o f traditional and many modern systems are carried out by the local water users (landowners and tenants), typically headed by a mirab or `water master'. The mirab's job i s to control water distribution, perform minor maintenance, and call people together to handle major maintenance or repairs through voluntary work (ashar). The mirab also attempts to adjudicate differences over water use between different water users along the length o f the canal. Maintenance and repairs includes desilting canals and repairing and extending stone and brushintake structures inthe river. The mirab i s selected from within the local farming community, though he is not necessarily a farmer. This form of collaborationthrough what is equivalent to non-formal water users associations and the role of the mirabs are ancient local institutions commonly found all across Afghanistan. On larger systems, the mirab will have one or more assistant mirabs, called chak bashis (inthe North) who undertake more o f the manual and physical tasks o f operations and maintenance. Community participationinirrigationscheme rehabilitation For rehabilitation o f small and medium schemes, the project will rely on the involvement o f the existing institutional fi-amework o f non-formal water user associations and mirabs for the planning and implementation o f irrigation schemes rehabilitation, as well as for the subsequent operations and maintenance o f the schemes. The rehabilitation (and where feasible, improvement) o f irrigation schemes will be demand driven and require the commitment by the beneficiaries to make a small contribution towards the capital costs o f the rehabilitation and be responsible for the subsequent operations and maintenance, including the costs. The process for involvement o fbeneficiaries will be as follows: (i) Information dissemination to potential beneficiary communities on the project, and the requirement for capital cost contribution and responsibility for operations and maintenance. Based on data at MIWRE and FA0 the on existing irrigation schemes in need o f rehabilitation, potential beneficiary communities (e.g. within a district or watershed) will be invited to submit applications for participation inthe project by a certain date. 66 (ii) Applications from potential beneficiary communities (Attachment 1) will be in a standard format with basic information on: (a) the irrigation system (type o f source, prior and present command area, number o f landowners, number o f cultivators, types o f rehabilitation and improvements proposed); (b) existing maintenance arrangements (is there a mirab in the community responsible for maintenance and water distribution, the date and number of people that participatedin the last ashar work to maintain or repair the system); (c) willingness to contribute towards capital costs (cash, labor, materials); and (d) willingness to undertake and cover the costs o f operations and maintenance. (iii)ReviewofapplicationsbyMIWREonthebasisoftheexclusionandinclusioncriteriadefined inAppendix 5 to determine whether the scheme can be included, and its priority inrelation to other eligible schemes. (iv) For schemes that meet the selection criteria, MIWRE will undertake field verification o f the information inthe application from the potential beneficiary community, as well as verification o f its commitment regardingcontribution towards capital costs and O&M. (v) Preliminaryjoint MIWRElcommunityassessment o fthe rehabilitationneeds o f the system with participation o f mirab and farmer representatives (can be simultaneous with the MrWRE field verification). If engineered intake structures are considered as part of the rehabilitation, agreements should be obtained by the community with downstream users o f the water for irrigation. If the community does not have a mirab, agreement should be reached with the beneficiary farmers on a process to establish a water user association. (vi) Detailed design and costing o f scheme rehabilitation (including agreed improvements) by MIWRE. (vii) Endorsement bythe beneficiarycommunity o fproposedrehabilitationplan and costs (including community cost contribution) at community meeting. (viii) Rehabilitation Memorandum of Understanding (Attachment 2) between MIWRE and the beneficiary farmers describing: (a) the agreed rehabilitationwork; (b) the type, amount, andtimingo fcommunity contributiontowards capitalcosts; (c) voluntary land donations (if required and agreed, e.g. for realignment o f canals due to river erosion); (d) post-rehabilitation commandarea andwater allocationto beneficiaries; (e) agreement by downstream water users, if engineered intake structures are included inthe rehabilitationplan; and (0 establishmentkonfirmation o f representatives including a mirab for a water user association. (ix) Implementation o f irrigation scheme rehabilitation plan utilizing, to the extent possible, local labor from the beneficiary community. (x) Inspection o f completed rehabilitation works by beneficiary farmers and handover to these o f operations and maintenance responsibility through a Maintenance Memorandum o f 6 / Understanding (Attachment 3) between MrWRE and the beneficiary community, which describes O&M arrangements (maintenance plan and cost recovery). Community cost contribution A condition for participation in the project is that the farmers benefiting from the rehabilitation o f an irrigation scheme commit to contribute at least 10% o f the capital costs for system rehabilitation (and improvements, if any). The primary rationale for this requirement is, that it constitutes the most direct and effective means to verify whether a non-formal water-user association exists, and to test its functioning through the mobilization o f farmers for voluntary work or other forms o f contributions related to the rehabilitation o f their irrigation scheme. In case a non-formal water-user association does not exist, the requirement o f a capital cost contribution will be a key element in the formation and strengthening o f an institutional framework that can be in place when the rehabilitation work i s completed and the users have to take responsibility for O&M. The forms, amount, and timetable o f this contribution will be agreed in the Rehabilitation MOU. The community capital cost contribution can be in the form o f cash (not likely inpractice), labor, or transport of materials (sand and gravel). If materials such as sand and gravel are available within the area over which the community holds rights to land, they will be assigned a value to be counted against the community capital cost contribution. Depending on the volume o f unshlled work required for the scheme rehabilitation, the community contribution can either consist o f (i)all unskilled labor (if the labor requirement i s limited), (ii) all unshlled labor for specific tasks (e.g. scheme improvements), or (iii) all unshlled labor from the community paid at a lower rate than the existing daily wage rate. The value o f the labor contribution can either be counted as a direct contribution on the capital costs o f scheme rehabilitation, or be made available to the water user association as a maintenance fund at the hand-over o f the rehabilitated system. If communitycontributionconsistsoflabor(eitherunpaidorpaidatalowerrate),itmustbeensured the that all farm households benefiting from the irrigation system rehabilitation are participating. Since a daily wage rate set lower than the existing level i s likely to attract only or primarily laborers from the poorer farming or landless households, the more affluent households, which do not contribute labor, would have to make a contribution inanother form (e.g. cash, food for the laborers, or providing transport of materials, ifthey own tractors). Strengtheningof non-formalwater usersassociations A non-formal water user association will comprise all the farmers (landowners and tenants) receiving water for irrigation under the command area o f a particular schemes selected for rehabilitation. The farmers would be required to nominate a group o f representatives (minimum three, including the mirab and farmers at the tail-end o f the system) to interact with MTWRE. The nomination o frepresentatives can take place either through a meeting o f all the farmers, or, where elected NSP Community Development Councils have been established, though consultation with this forum. The strengthening o f a non-formal water user association can take place through two types o f activities: (i) The first is the direct involvement inthe planningand implementationo fthe rehabilitationo f the irrigation system. This would comprise: (a) the development o fthe rehabilitationplan; (b) mobilization of the community cost contribution; 68 (c) agreement on water allocations including resolution o f existing disputes; and (d) agreement on a maintenance plan or schedule. (ii) The second i s through specifically targeted training inareas where a need for capacity buildinghas beenidentifiedduringthe initial planning o fthe systemrehabilitation. This could comprise: (a) the management and allocation o f irrigation water within the command area; (b) development o fa maintenanceplan, including the rules for costflabor contributions; (c) technical aspects o f improved water management; (d) accounting and book keeping, ifthe O&M will require cash contributions and payments; and (e) Fieldvisits by members o f the non-formal water user associationto other communities withwell functioning mirab andashar institutions where problems and solutions can be discussed with other farmers would be an effective means o f knowledge sharing. A system of random sample monitoring o fthe functioning o fnon-formal water user associations for rehabilitated schemes will be established to check the performance o fthese and to provide follow-up assistance, where necessary. 69 Attachment 1 Ministryof Irrigation,Water ResourcesandEnvironment Applicationfor Assistance to RehabilitateIrrigationScheme Name o f Province: Name o f District Name o f village 1. Irrigationsystem Type o f source (river, karez, spring) Any down-stream community usingsame source Present command area (jerib) 1 Pre-war command area (ierib) I Number o f landowners (zamindar) Number o f farmers (dekan) 2. Type of rehabilitationor improvementsrequested I I Rehabilitation I New Desilting o f canals I Length: I SuDemassaee I Number: I I I Siphon Number: Retaining walls Number: Other (describe) Mirab YesiNo: I IfYes, Name: Date o f last ashar work Number o f farmers participated Maintenance work done 4. What will the community contributetowards rehabilitation costs Cash Labor Materials I Other I s the community preparedto manage and pay for all maintenance costs after rehabilitation: I Yes I 1 N o / Name and signaturedthumbprints o f community representatives name name name Date received by MIWRE: 70 Attachment 2 MinistryofIrrigation,Water Resources andEnvironment RehabilitationMemorandumof Understanding (To be filled in by MIWRE) Name of Province: Name of District: Name of Village: Geo Code (AIMS): BenefitsBeneficiaries Present Planned Command area uerib) Number o f landowners able to irrigate Number o f fanners (dekan) able to irrigate 71 Attachment 2 (Cont'd.) The community agrees that the irrigated area benefiting from rehabilitationunder the project will not be used for poppy cultivation. Onbehalfof community O;VUA)* OnbehalfofMIWRE Name & signaturehhumbprint Name Date Date MIWREOffice Stamp *This may include several representatives of the community or Water Users' Association (WUA). 72 Attachment 3 Ministryof Irrigation,Water Resources andEnvironment MaintenanceMemorandumofUnderstanding (To be filled in by MIWRE) Name of Province: Name of District: Name of Village: Geo Code (AIMS): 1. The following irrigation rehabilitationworks havebeen completed and handedover to the Water User Association of the above village: Benefitsmeneficiaries Present Planned Command area (jerib) Number of Landowners able to irrigate Number of farmers (dekan) able to irrigate 3. Maintenance and cost recovery plan: I II II I 73 Attachment 3 (Cont'd.) Onbehalfof community (WUA)* OnbehalfofMIWRE Name & signature/thumbprint Name o fMIWREOfficial Date Date MNVREOffice Stamp * This may include Mirab, tail-end farmer and other representatives ofthe community or Water Users' Association (WUA). 74 Appendix 7 Afghanistan EmergencyIrrigationRehabilitationProject Environment and Social Safeguards Framework Background Afghanistan i s a rugged, land-locked, mountainous country (more than 50% o f its area o f nearly 65 million ha i s 2000m above mean sea level) with conditions difficult for agriculture even in best of times due to the continental type o f climate. Yet, agriculture i s a key activity in the country and it accounts for over 50% o f country's GDP and employs about 75% o f the population. With an estimated population o f around 25 million, Afghanistan i s among the poorest countries in the world. In the last several decades, the successive wars have taken their toll. Exposure to harsh weather conditions with little maintenance and, sometimes, deliberate destruction have debilitated the irrigation system. The proposed Emergency Imgation Rehabilitation Project seeks to rehabilitate the irrigation sector and help revitalize the agriculture rural economy o f Afghanistan. Project Objectives The main objective o f the project i s that farmers in the project area utilize improved, reliable and equitable irrigation water deliveries to increase agricultural productivity and farm income, improve food security and livelihoods and reduce vulnerability to drought. This objective will be achieved by: (i) rehabilitating and improving existing dilapidated irrigation infrastructure; (ii) restoring and modernizing the hydro-meteorological network for better monitoring, planning, sustainable use and management o f water resources; and (iii) developingthe institutional capacity o f public sector water institutions, existing community water organizations and farmers for operating and maintaining irrigation system in a sustainable manner. This will reduce poverty in the rural areas and accelerate transition to sustainable agriculture and dynamic rural economy inAfghanistan. ProjectDescription The project focuses on the rehabilitation on existing dilapidated irrigation infrastructure, using a river basin management approach. The project has four components: (a) rehabilitation o f formal and informal irrigation schemes; (b) rehabilitation o f hydro-meteorological network; (c) preparation o f feasibility studies and monitoring; and (d) institutional development. Sub-projects under the project will cover parts o f all 5 major river basins inAfghanistan, malung itnational in scope. Potentialadverseimpactsof rehabilitation Most adverse impacts o frehabilitationo f irrigation schemes are restricted to the areas close to the existing infrastructure. However, there are some off-site impacts such as those due to the borrowing o f earth or disposal o f dredged material. Many o f the impacts arise from improper drainage and therefore, the importance o f providing and maintaining adequate drainage cannot be overemphasized. Adverse impacts of existing irrigation facilities can be mostly traced back to ineffective management and maintenance in most cases. With the possible exception o f the loss o f habitat, which may have been created by faulty management in the first place, most o f the adverse impacts o f drainage are likely to be alleviated due to 75 the project activities and may not require additional measures The potential impacts of the proposed activities will encompass the construction and operation phase. 0 Construction Phase: Soil erosion, disposal o f construction spoils, sanitary conditions and health as well as social and cultural conflict risks due to the presence o f migrant construction labor (may not be extensive in light o f the present conditions in Afghanistan and an associated project objective o f providing employment to locals), disruption or destruction o f habitat established close to facilities which are not being properly maintainedor operated. 0 Operation Phase: Pollution by agrochemicals (fertilizer and pesticide), impacts on soils (waterlogging and salinization), changes in ground water table in the vicinity, changes in water quality and risks o f eutrophication, incidence o f water-borne and water-related diseases. Purpose of the Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework Since the activities under the project will concentrate on rehabilitation o f the existing infrastructure, the adverse impacts commonly associated with new schemes - mainly arising from land-take will be very limited. It i s also acknowledged that currently environmental management in Afghanistan i s a constraint. But, since there is potential for adverse impacts, albeit limited, on the environment due to the proposed activities under the project, their mitigation and management i s key to wholesome development o f the areas where irrigation facilities are being rehabilitated. Hence, keepinginview the existing environmental management capacity, as well as the flexibility required as not all investments are known at the time o f project appraisal, a framework approach is adopted. It allows the early identification o f potential adverse impacts, without the requirement o f rigorous analysis through quantification, due to individual sub- projects and also provides broad guidance for their effective mitigation. Consistent with existing national legislation, the objective o f the Framework i s to help ensure that activities under the project will: 0 Protect humanhealth; 0 Prevent or compensate any loss o f livelihood; 0 Prevent environmental degradation as a result o f either individual sub-projects or their cumulative effects; 0 Enhance positive environmental and social outcomes; and 0 Ensure compliance with World Bank safeguardpolicies. General Principles Recognizingthe emergency nature o f the proposed rehabilitationproject, and the related need for providing assistance, while at the same time ensuring due diligence inmanagingpotential environmental and social risks, this Framework i s based on the following principles: (1) The project will support multiple sub-projects, the detailed designs o f which may not be known at appraisal. To ensure the effective application o f the World Bank's safeguard policies, the Framework provides guidance on the approach to be taken during implementation for the selection and design o f sub-projects, and the planning o f mitigation measures; (ii) Allproposedsub-projectswillbescreenedtoensurethattheenvironmentalandsocialrisks can be adequately addressed through the applicationo f standardized guidelines; 76 The proposed emergency project will finance feasibility or pre-feasibility studies for subsequent investments, which will include environmental and social impact assessments, as required by World Bank safeguard policies; Project design and sub-project selection will aim to maintain regional balance, and equity between genders, and ethnic and religious groups, considering variations in population density. Employment opportunities within the projects will be available on an equal basis to all, on the basis o f professional competence, irrespective o f gender, or ethnic or religious group. In all projects which require consultations with local communities or beneficiaries, consultations will be conducted to elicit the views o f both the male and the female population; and Consultation and disclosure requirements will be simplified to meet the special needs o f this project. Prior to approval by the World Bank Board, this Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework will be disclosed inAfghanistan inDari and Pashto, and inthe World Bank Infoshop. Safeguard Screening The provisions o f the safeguards framework will be applied as follows: Sub-project type Definition Screening Average size 100ha. Single source. Medium schemes 11Investment per scheme up to $300,000. 1Codes o fpractice (see Average size 750 ha. S&ll watershed. Attachment 4) Large schemes Investment per scheme above LEA (see Attachment 5) $300,000. Average size 2500 ha. Large watershedsub-basin. Feasibility studies for large II Large new irrigation scheme. IFullEA (see Attachment 6) new irrigation schemes ~ The selection, design, contracting, monitoring and evaluation o f sub-projects will be consistent with the following guidelines: A negative list o f characteristics that would make a proposed sub-project ineligible for support, as indicatedinAttachment 1; Guidelines for land and asset acquisition, entitlements and compensation, presented in Attachment 2; Procedures for the protection o f cultural property, including the chance discovery o f archaeological artifacts, and unrecorded graveyards and burial sites, provided in Attachment 3. Generic codes o f practices for environmental management at design, construction and operation stages, provided inAttachment 4. Formats for limited environmental assessment (LEA) and full environmental impact assessment (EM), available inAttachments 5 and 6, respectively. The requirement that confirmation i s received through the Regional Mine Action Center that areas to be accessed during reconstruction and rehabilitation activities have been demined (see guidelines inAttachment 7). For the applicability o f OP 7.50, a waiver will be sought since the project will not create any new infrastructure and only rehabilitate existing facilities. 77 Mitigationmeasures-Design Sound design will, if not eliminate, at least diminish to the extent possible, most o f the potential adverse impacts o f project activities. Good engineering design will, in most cases, have a positive impact on the environmental conditions in the project area. A cause o f concem are adverse impacts on local ecology, especially where the current situation (impropednon-operation) has led to the creation o f habitat for important flora/fauna species inthe project area. These situations will have to be considered on a case-by- case basis. A pre-design walk-through o f the design team, with specialist environmental input, through the project area will be a highly desirable exercise. Otherwise, local knowledge from other stakeholders such as NGOs' and local residents may be tapped to ascertain that the project does not cause significant damage to any important species. One aspect which deserves attention is the drafting o f the contract documents where environmental protectioncan be built into the project agreements. In addition, the designers must take care of providing adequate drainage to avoid salinization and waterlogging. Appurtenances required to operate the system must be easily maintainable and repairable rather than sophisticated, especially in light o f the existing limited capacity o f the eventual users o f the system. Co-ordination with the line departments, other stakeholders such as NGOs must begin in the design phase itself. This will ensure that the project i s ready for mitigating impacts such as resettlement and health service support, if required. The M&E Unit o f the MrWRE will have to be mobilized at this stage itselfto ensure that the measures envisaged as part o f this framework are implemented. Mitigationmeasures-Construction The emphasis o f the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) i s on construction stage impacts since the operation stage impacts, as has already been stated before, can be minimized, mitigated or compensated by managing the rehabilitated infi-astructure inline with project design parameters. Inorder to minimize the potential adverse impacts o f construction, standard bidding documents would have the following environmental precautionary clauses: 0 The natural landscape should be preserved to the extent possible by conducting operations in a manners that will prevent unnecessary destruction or scarring o f natural surroundings. Except where required for permanent works, quarries, borrow pits, staging and processing areas, dumps, and camps, all trees, saplings, and shrubbery should be protected from unnecessary damage by project related activities. After unavoidable damage, to restore quasi- original conditions where appropriate; 0 Contractor's operations should be so performed as to prevent accidental spillage o f contaminants, debris, or other pollutants, especially into streams or underground water resources. Such pollutants include untreated sewage and sanitary waste, tailings, petroleum products, chemical, biocides, mineral salts, and thermal pollution; 0 Wastewater, including those from aggregate processing and concrete batching, must not enter streams without settling ponds, grave Ifilters, or other process, so as not to impair water quality or harm aquatic life; 0 The contractor should ensure proper disposal o f waste materials and rubbish. If disposal by burial or fire, it should not cause negative impact to either the air, soil or ground water supplies; 0 The contractor should minimize air and water pollution emissions. Dust from the handling or transporting o f aggregates, cement, etc., should be minimized by sprinklingor other methods. 78 Materials, brush or trees should only be burned when the owner permits, under favorable weather conditions; 0 The contractor's facilities, such as warehouse, labor camps, and storage areas, should be planned in advance to decide what the area will look like upon completion of construction. These facilities should be located so as to preserve the natural environment (such as trees and other vegetation) to the maximumextent possible; 0 After project construction, camps and building should either serve as permanent residences and form future communities, if such use can be fore seen and approved, or be torn down and the area restore to its quasi-original condition in order to avoid deterioration into shanty towns; and 0 Borrow pits should be landscaped and planted accordingly to an ecological design to provide some substitute area for lost natural landscapes and habitats. Responsibilitiesfor SafeguardScreeningandMitigation The overall responsibility o f project implementation rests with the Ministry o f Irrigation, Water Resources and Environment (MIWRE), and the FA0 will act as the executing agency for the proposed operations. A designated Safeguards Focal Officer has been identified with responsibility for overseeing the implementation o f the Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework within the Program Coordination Unit (PCU) at the MIWRE.An independent Monitoring and Evaluation unit with, inter alia, environmental and social specialists' inputshas beenproposed within the MIWRE. Duringthe operation stage, the M&E Unit will carry out the monitoring o f the operations also. It will confirm (from anecdotal evidence and, if required, laboratory testing) that the water quality inthe project area i s not adversely impacted due to agrochemicals, soil conditions are conducive for growth o f crops normally grown inthe region, and pathogens and vectors are under control. Incase o f incidence o f water- related or water-transmitted disease, it will co-ordinate with the local health department to ensure that the situation i s brought under control inthe shortest possible time. CapacityBuilding As part o f the capacity buildingthat will be provided for implementationo f the proposed operations, the Safeguards Focal Officer and relevant staff o f MIWREwill also receive training inthe application o f the Safeguard Framework. It i s proposed that site visits be arranged to other countries in the region, on similar projects in progress to provide hands-on training to the staff workmg as focal points in the Ministryas well as at the PCU. Inaddition, for systematic capacity building, and to provide subsequent guidance and review o f the application o f the Framework, MIRWE may contract from social and environmental services specialists. These may be initially housed in the MIWRE in Kabul and occasionally carry out field visits to guide line department officials inthe regions. During supervision of these operations, the World Bank will assess the implementation o f the Framework, and if required, will recommend additional strengthening. ConsultationandDisclosure This Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework was prepared in consultation with the principal NGOs and development partners participating in reconstruction activities in Afghanistan. It has been disclosed by TISA inboth Dari and Pashto, as well as English, and it has also been made available at the 79 World Bank's Infoshop. It is worth noting that TISA intends to make all project documentation publicly available through the Afghan Information Management System (AIMS). The proposed operations will support a number o f feasibility studies for future infrastructure investments, for which World Bank safeguard policies relating to consultation and disclosure will apply, if they are financed by IDA. Inparticular, for environmental Category A and B investments (as defined in World bank Operational Policy 4.01, Environmental Assessment) proposed for future operations, the implementing agency will consult project-affected groups and local non-governmental organizations about the project's environmental and social aspects, and will take their views into account. The executing agency will initiate such consultations as early as possible, and for meaningful consultations, will provide relevant material in a timely manner prior to consultation, in a form and language that are understandable and accessible to the groups being consulted. 80 Attachment 1 NegativeList of Sub-projectAttributes Sub-projects with any o fthe attributes listedbelow will be ineligible for support under the proposed Emergency Irrigation RehabilitationProject. Attributes ofIneligibleSub-projects Involves the significant conversion or degradation o f critical natural habitats. Including, butnot limited to, any activity within: e Ab-i-Estada Waterfowl Sanctuary; Ajar Valley (Proposed) Wildlife Reserve; Dashte-Nawar Waterfowl Sanctuary; Pamir-Buzurg (Proposed) Wildlife Sanctuary; Bande Amir National Park; and e Kole Hashmat Khan (Proposed) Waterfowl Sanctuary. Will significantly damage non-replicable culturalproperty, includingbutnot limited to, any activities that affect the following sites: Monuments o f Herat (including the Friday Mosque, ceramic tile workshop, Musallah complex, FifthMinaret, Gawhar Shahmausoleum, mausoleum o f Ali Sher Navaii, and the Shah Zadehah mausoleum complex); Monuments o fBamiyan Valley (including Fuladi, Kakrak, Shar-I Ghulghular and Shah-i Zuhak); Archaeological site o f Ai Khanum; Site and monuments o f Ghazni; Minaret o f Jam; Mosque o f Haji Piyada/Nu Gunbad, Balkhprovince; Stupa and monastry o f Guldarra; Site and monuments o f Lashkar-i Bazar, Bost; and Archaeological site o f Surkh Kotal. Requires pesticides that fall inWHO classes IA, IB, or 11. Requires involuntary acquisition o f land, or the resettlement or compensation o f more than 200 people. Supports commercial logging or plantations inforested areas. New irrigation scheme or expansion o f scheme requiring increasedwater intake. Construction or rehabilitation o f dam higher than 10meters. 81 Attachment2 Guidelinesfor LandandAsset Acquisition,EntitlementsandCompensation Objectives Land acquisition will be kept to a minimum and no person will be involuntarily displaced under sub- projects financed by the proposed emergency project. Sub-project proposals that would require demolishing houses or acquiring productive land should be carefully reviewed to minimize or avoid their impacts through alternative alignments. Proposals that require more than minor expansion along rights o f way should be reviewed carefully. No land or asset acquisition may take place outside o f these guidelines. A format for LandAcquisition Assessment i s attached as Attachment 2(i). These guidelines provide principles and instructions to compensate affected persons to ensure that all such persons negatively affected, regardless o f their land tenure status, will be assisted to improve, or at least to restore, their livingstandards, income earning or production capacity to pre-project levels. Categorization Based on the number o f persons that may be affected by the project (Project Affected People, PAPs) and the magnitude o f impacts, projects may be categorized as S-1, S-2, or S-3 projects: S-1 projects are those that will involve the resettlement o f more than 200 PAPs and where a full Resettlement Action Plan (RAE') must be produced. Such interventions will be ineligible for support under the proposed emergency project. S-2 projects are those which will involve the resettlement o f less than 200 persons. In such cases, the following documentation i s required: (i) a land acquisition assessment, (ii)the Minutes or record of consultations which assess the compensation claimed and agreement reached, and (iii) a record o f the receipt o f the compensation, or voluntary donation, by those affected (see below). S-3 projects are not expected to have any land acquisition or any other significant adverse social impacts; on the contrary, significant positive social impact and improved livelihoods are expected from such interventions. . ) PAPs are identifiedas persons whose livelihood is directly or indirectly affectedby the project. PAPs deemed eligible for compensation are: (1) those who have formal legal rightsto land, water resources or structureshuildings, including recognized customary and traditional rights; (2) those who do not have such formal legal rightsbut have a claim to usufruct right rootedin customary law; and (3) those whose claim to land and water resources or buildinghtructures do not fall within (1) and (2) above, are eligible to assistance to restore their livelihood. 82 Acquisition ofProductiveAssets and Compensation PAPSare eligible for replacement costs for lost assets as described below: a) Voluntary contributions. In accordance with traditional practices, individuals may elect to voluntarily contribute land or assets andor relocate temporarily or permanently from their land without compensation. b) Contributions against compensation. A contributorlasset loser considered "affected" will be eligible for compensation from the local community or alternatively fi-om the Government. A PAP shall lodge hisher claim for compensation to the local community representativeshhura head and it shall be verified by the implementing agency. The claim shall be lodged within 2 weeks o f completion o f the consultations with the concerned community, and before project implementationbegins. Voluntary contribution, or contribution against compensation, should be documented. The documentation should specify that the landi s free o f any squatters, encroachers or other claims. A format i s attached in Attachment 2(i), which includes a Schedule to be followed to assess any compensation claimed and the agreement reached. CompensationPrinciples The project implementing agencies shall ensure that any o f the following means o f compensation are provided ina timely manner to affected persons: (1) Project affected persons losing access to a portion o f their land or other productive assets with the remaining assets being economically viable are entitled to compensation at replacement cost for that portion o f land or assets lost to them. Compensation for the lost assets will be according to following principles: a. replacement land with an equally productive plot, cash or other equivalent productive assets; b. materials and assistance to fully replace solid structures that will be demolished; c. replacement o f damaged or lost crops and trees, at market value; d. other acceptable in-kindcompensation; and e. incaseo fcashcompensation, the delivery o fcompensation shouldbemade inpublic, i.e. at the community meeting. (2) Project affected persons losing access to a portion o f their land or other economic assets rendering the remainder economically non-viable, will have the options o f compensation for the entire asset by provision o f alternative land, cash or equivalent productive asset, according to the principlesin(1) a-d above. ConsultationProcess The implementing agencies will ensure that all occupants o f land and owners o f assets located in a proposed sub-project area are consulted. There will be gender-separate community meetings for each affected village to inform the local population about their rights to compensation and options available in accordance with these Guidelines. The Minutes o f the community meetings shall reflect the discussions 83 held, agreements reached, and include details o f the agreement, based on the format provided in Attachment 2(ii). The implementing agency shall provide a copy o f the Minutes to affected persons and confirm in discussions with each o f them their requests and preferences for compensation, agreements reached, and any eventual complaint. Copies will be recorded inthe posted project documentation and be available for inspection duringsupervision. Sub-project Approval Inthe event that a sub-project involvesacquisition against compensation, the implementingagency shall: a. not approve the sub-project unless a satisfactory compensation has been agreed between the affected person and the local community; b. not allow works to start untilthe compensation has been delivered ina satisfactory manner to the affected persons; and c. if more than 200 persons are affected and require compensation, the sub-project shall be deemed ineligible for support under the emergency project. Complaints and Grievances All complaints should first be negotiated to reach an agreement at the local community/village level. If this fails, complaints and grievances about these Guidelines, implementation of the agreements recorded in the Community Meeting Minutes or any alleged irregularity in carrying out the project can also be addressed by the affected persons or their representative at the municipal or district level. Ifthis also fails, the complaint may be submitted to the relevant implementing agency for a decision. Verification The Community Meeting Minutes, including agreements o f compensation and evidence o f compensation having been made shall be provided to the Municipality/district, to the supervising engineers, who will maintain a record hereof, and to auditors and socio-economic monitors when they undertake reviews and post-project assessment. This process shall be specified in all relevant project documents, including details o f the relevant authority for complaints at municipal/district or implementing agency level. 84 Attachment2(i) LandAcquisitionAssessmentDataSheet (To be usedto recordinformationon all landto be acquired) 1. Quantities o fland/structures/other assetsrequired: 2. Date to be acquired: 3. Locations: 4. Owners: 5. Current uses: 6. Users: 0 Number o f Customary claimants: 0 Number o f Squatters: 0 Number o f Encroacher: 0 Number o f Owners: 0 Number o f Tenants: 0 Others (specify): Number: 7. H o w land/structures/other assets will be acquired (identify one): 0 Donation 0 Purchase 8. Transfer o ftitle: 0 Ensure these lands/structures/other assets free o f claims or encumbrances. 0 Written proof must be obtained (notarized or witnessed statements) o f the voluntary donation, or acceptance o f the prices paid, from those affected, together with proof of title being vested inthe community, or guarantee o fpublic access, by the title-holder. 9. Describe grievance mechanisms available: 85 Attachment2(ii) Formatto DocumentContributionofAssets The following agreement has been made on....................... day o f................................................ between....................................................... resident o f ............................................................... the Owner) and ............................................................... .(the Recipient). 1. That the Owner holds the transferable right o f ............................................................ .jerib o f landstructure/asset in.................................................................................... 2. That the Owner testifies that the landstructure i s free o f squatters or encroachers and not subject to other claims. 3. That the Owner hereby grants to the Recipient this asset for the construction and development o f .............................. ..for the benefit o f the villagers and the public at large. (Either, in case of donation:) 4. That the Owner will not claim any compensation against the grant o f this asset. (Or, in case of compensation:) 4. That the Owner will receive compensation against the grant o fthis asset as per the attached Schedule. 5. That the Recipient agrees to accept this grant o f asset for the purposes mentioned. 6. That the Recipient shall construct and develop the............................. and take all possible precautions to avoid damage to adjacent landstructure/other assets. 7. That boththe parties agree that the.. ........................ .so constructeddeveloped shall be public premises. 8. That the provisions o f this agreement will come into force fiom the date o f signingo f this deed. Signature o f the Owner: Signature o fthe Recipient: Witnesses: 1. (Signature, name and address) 86 Schedule of Compensationof Asset Requisition Summaryof Unitsto be Compensated AgreedCompensation affectedunithtem a. Urbadagricultural land (m'): b.Houses/structures to be demolished (unitdm'): c. Type o f structure to be demolished (e.g. mud, brick, etc.) Not Applicable. d. Trees or crops affected: e. Water sources affected: Signatures o f local community representatives, shura head: Include record o f any complaints raised by affected persons: Map attached(showing affected areas and replacement areas): 87 Attachment3 Protectionof CulturalProperty Physical culture includes monuments, structures, works o f art, or sites o f "outstanding universal value" from the historical, aesthetic, scientific, ethnological, or anthropological point o f view, including unrecorded graveyards and burial sites. Within this broader definition, cultural property i s defined as sites and structures having archaeological, paleontological, historical, architectural, or religious significance, and natural sites with cultural values. The proposed emergency project i s unlikely to pose a risk o f damaging cultural property, as the sub- projects will consist of small investments for rehabilitating existing irrigation schemes. Further, the negative list o f attributes, which would make a sub-project ineligible for support (Attachment l), includes any activity that would significantly damage non-replicable cultural property. Nevertheless, the following procedures for identification, protection from theft, and treatment o f chance finds should be followed and included in standard bid documents. ChanceFindProcedures Chance find procedures are defined in the law on Maintenance o f Historical and Cultural Monuments (Official Gazette, December 21, 1980), specifying the authorities and responsibilities o f cultural heritage agencies if sites or materials are discovered inthe course o f project implementation. This law establishes that all moveable and immovable historical and cultural artifacts are state property, and further: 1. The responsibility for preservation, maintenance and assessment o f historical and cultural monuments rests with the Archaeological Committee under the Ministry o f Information and Culture, which has representation at provincial level. 2. Whenever chance finds o f cultural or historical artifacts (moveable and immovable) are made the Archaeological Committee should be informed. Should the continuation o f work endanger the historical and cultural artifacts, the project work should be suspended until a solution i s found for the preservation o f these artifacts. 3. If a moveable or immovable historical or cultural artifact i s found in the countryside o f a province, the provincial governor (wali) or district-in-charge (woluswal) should be informed within two weeks, and they shouldinformthe Archaeological Committee. Incase the immovable historical or cultural artifact i s found in a city, the provincial branch o f the Department o f Maintenance o f Historical Values o f the Ministry o f Information and Culture should be informed within two weeks (art. IS). Ifthe find is made within the center, the Archaeological Committee mustbe informed directly within one week (art. 25). 4. Failure to report a chance find within the stipulated time limit will be punished with a fine or imprisonment for a period o f one week or up to one month (art. 72). 5. If someone intentionally damages a historical or cultural artifact, the culprit shall pay compensation in accordance with the value o f the artifact plus be imprisoned for a period o f one month to ten years depending on the gravity o f the crime (art. 71). Incase o f a chance find of moveable or immovable historical or cultural artifact, the implementing agency is responsible for securing the artifact from theft, pilferage and damage untilthe responsibility has been taken over by the relevant authorities as specified above. These procedures must be referred to as standard provisions in construction contracts, when applicable. During project supervision, the Site Engineer shall monitor that the above regulations relating to the treatment o f any chance find encountered are observed. Relevant findings will be recorded in World Bank Project Supervision Reports (PSRs), and Implementation Completion Reports (ICRs) will assess the overall effectiveness o f the project's cultural resources mitigation, management, and capacity buildingactivities, as appropriate. 89 Attachment 4 A Framework for ManagingEnvironmentalImpacts on Irrigation and Drainage as part of Rehabilitation (Component A) in the Emergency Irrigation Rehabilitation Project (to be used alongwithAttachments1 & 3 to the Environment and Social Safepuards Framework) 1.DESIGNS' LGE PotentialImpacts I MitigationMeasure(s) I ImplementationArrangements Identified PrimaryExecution Supervision Hydrology Downstreamwater Maintain flow required for M&EUnit, availability downstream uses Designers MIWRE ~ Floodregime Check for flood recession Designers M&EUnit, agriculture. MIWRE Waterlogging Improve drainage I lining o f Designers M&EUnit, canals MIWRE Soils ~ Increased Salinity Provide adequate drainage Designers M&EUnit, facilities MIWRE Sediment Local erosion, Dust Provide specifications for Designers M&E Unit, appropriate cut and fill MIWRE operations for channels ~ Stream morphology Proper design Designers M&E Unit, and regime change MIWRE Sedimentation Design appropriate structures Designers M&EUnit, to prevent sediment entry MIWRE factoring in,inter alia, uvstream exvanded activities Health ~ Incidence o f diseases, Proper drainage o f the area Designers M&EUnit, such as malaria MIWRE 2. CONSTRUCTIONSTAGE Environmental PotentialImpacts MitigationMeasure(s) ImplementationArrangements Concerns Identified Primary/Execution Supervision Hydrology Downstreamwater Maintain flow required for Engineer availability downstream uses Contractor Pollution Discharges from Provide for proper sanitation Contractor Engineer Construction arrangements (bathing, Campsites toilets, solidwaste management, etc.) 90 Environmental PotentialImpacts MitigationMeasure(s) ImplementationArrangements Concerns Identified PrimaryExecution Supervision Sediment ~ Local erosion, Dust Ensure sufficient channel contractor Engineer section is available for flow during construction Engineer Contractor Spray water on exposed surfaces (material piles, freshlycut slopes, etc.) Engineer Contractor Cover the material during transportation Streammorphology Careful construction with a Contractor Engineer andregime change view to limitchange to stream morphology and regime change to the minimum Minimisedrainage ofwater Contractor Engineer bodies acting as habitat Provide special structures or Contractor Engineer facilitate altemate routes Health 1 Incidence o f diseases, Proper drainage o f the area Contractor Engineer such as malaria Socio- economic Migration - Provision o f all amenities in Contractor Engineer Construction phase constructioncamp sites to and permanent reduce stress on already settlement stretched infrastructure Environmental PotentialImpacts MitigationMeasure(s) ImplementationArrangements Concerns Identified PrimaryExecution Supervision I I Appropriate operation of Community Water M&E Unit, availability dams Organization MIWRE Appropriate operation o f Community Water IIM&E Unit, dams Increase efficiency o f operation o f the system Organization Match supply with requirement o f water users M&EUnit, MIWRE 91 c MitigationMeasure(s) ImplementationArrangements Identified Primary/Execution Supervision Soils I Increased Salinity Management techniques that Community Water M&E Unit, can be employed include: Organization MIWRE leaching, altering irrigation methods and schedules, installing sub-surface drainage (?), changing tillage techniques, adjusting cropping patterns, and adding soil ameliorates (costly). Saline drainage Avoid salt concentration Community Water M&E Unit, increase by providing 10- Organization MIWRE 20% extra water. ifavailable Sediment Stream morphology Systematic operation o f Community Water M&EUnit, and regime change sediment exclusion Organization MIWRE structures, if any. Ecology Drainage o f water Protect water bodies acting as Community Water M&EUnit, bodies habitat Organization MIWRE Barrier to migration Ensure that special structures Community Water M&EUnit, or facilitate alternate routes Organization MIWRE are not damaged Health Use of water channels Allow partial use, ifrisks are Community Water M&EUnit, as wastewater drains not very high Organization MIWRE Incidence o f diseases, Maintain proper drainage o f Community Water M&EUnit, such as malaria the area Organization MIWRE Periodic flushing o f the Community Water M&EUnit, channels Organization MIWRE Liaison with health M&EUnit, M&EUnit, authorities o n early warning MIWRE MIWRE sign communication Socio- economic Migration - Expand other infrastructure NGO, MIWRE M&E Unit, Construction phase withrehabilitation o f MIWRE andpermanent irrigation to accommodate the settlement likely influx ofnew settlers 92 Attachment5 Formatfor LimitedEnvironmentalAssessment (LEA) For the EmergencyIrrigationRehabilitationProject(EIRP) Context ofLEAs The LEAs to be carried out for individual schemes to be rehabilitated as part o f the EIRP will draw upon Attachment 4 o f the Environmental and Social Safeguards Management Framework. They will guide the process o f assessing the potential impacts and examining candidate mitigation measures for each environmental concern. This format i s a guide to the reporting o f the assessment carried out as per those matrices. It will provide documentary evidence o f environmental considerations indecision-makingat the sub-project level and streamline the processing o f the schemes duringimplementation. It will also act as a reference for executing mitigation and management measures selected duringthe assessment. Outlineof an LEA Description of theproject area This section will include concise description o f the project area, its inhabitants, their current condition, existing irrigation infi-astructure- lakes/ ponds/ canals/ karez etc. Ifpossible, describe current agricultural practices (application of fertilizers, pesticides, etc.) Project Interventions This will include various improvements considered under the project. It will include a rationale for selection o f a particular treatment over others (ifalternatives were considered). A concise overview o f the benefits will also be provided. Existing Environmental Scenario (draw on site visits and secondary sources) Biophysical Environment Topography - slope Soil - Structure, Salinity Water -quality and quantity Flora and Fauna within the study area (include terrestrial and aquatic) Socio-Economic Environment Income levels Amenities available -water supply, etc. Health and Hygiene Role o f Women 93 Impacts Anticipated (draw on site visits, secondary sources and Attachment 4) Biophysical Environment Topography changes -landform, erosion Soil structure -moisture retention capacity, stability, increasedsalinity Water -qualitative changes due to increasedsalinity, use o f chemicals Flora and fauna -loss o f habitat, impedingmigration Socio-economic Impacts Changes inincome - distributionand timing Changes inamenities -impact o f construction period increased population, long-term Demographic changes due to improvedirrigation Health and Hygiene -risk of increasedspread of disease, etc. MitigationMeasuresandImplementationResponsibilities(Use Attachment4) Stage of the project Anticipated Impact SelectedMitigation Implementation Environmental Measure Responsibility attribute BudgetaryEstimates Stage ofthe project 1 Mitigationmeasure 1 Quantity / Time input I Amount 94 Attachment6 GenericTerms of Referencefor a fullEnvironmentalAssessment Introduction Since the Loya Jirga in 2002, a new Afghanistan i s being built by the concerted efforts o f the Afghan people. The Government o f Afghanistan (GOA)intends to upgrade and expand its irrigation and drainage infrastructure to enhance the livelihood earning capacity o f its people sustainably. For achieving this objective, it has decided to take up several large irrigation schemes for up gradation and several new schemes have also been proposed. GOAwants that the proposed development occurs with due regard for the environmental and social concerns associated with such development. GOA'Sapex body on the subject, Ministry o f Irrigation, Water Resources and Environment (MIWRE), wishes to engage the services o f a consultant to carry out the Environmental Impact Assessment o f large / new schemes during the project preparation stage to ensure that these key concerns are addressed early inproject development. While the MIWRE i s the nodal ministry for the project, inputs are also expected from the Ministry o f Agriculture and Animal Husbandry and Ministry o f Rehabilitationand Rural Development. Project Background The Government o f Afghanistan i s to avail IDA credit for the rehabilitation o f its irrigation infrastructure spread across the country. The proposed multi-component Emergency Irrigation Rehabilitation Project (EIRP) aims to improve irrigation infrastructure using a river-basin approach. One component o f this project i s also financing preparation o f feasibility studies for large irrigation schemes which may be taken up inthe future. As part o f the EIRP, detailed Environmental Impact Assessments are to be carried out for candidate largehew projects identified, to feed into the overall project preparation. The XYZ project i s being prepared as part o f this component. {Provide a plan of the area that will be affected either indirectly or directly. Basic data should be given on existing andproposed irrigation and drainage in the area and the catchments characteristics, ifavailable. 1 Objectives This study is being carried out to ensure that environmental implications o f the proposed XYZ project have been identified, analyzed and clearly communicated to the decision makers. Inorder to achieve this target, the following objectives have been set: a. To prepare inventory o f the biophysical and socio-economic environmental attributes inthe study area; b. To involve the local population inproject preparation through active consultations which could also assist inidentifying the attributes important to them; c. To identify and assess the magnitude and significance o f impacts due to the proposed activities on the attributes identified; d. To consider a range o f proposals should be considered and if so whether they would be less environmentally damaging; e. To propose avoidance, mitigation and enhancement measures for adverse and positive impacts; f. To assess the current capacity for environmental management to develop institutional arrangements for this and subsequent (like) projects; and g. To prepare an environmental management plan to ensure implementation o f the management measures selected from the ones proposed, along with budgetary allocation (to feed into the overall project cost estimates) and institutional responsibility. 95 EnvironmentalAssessment Requirements The Environmental Assessment shall be guided by the requirements o f OP4.01 and other relevant safeguard policies o fthe WorldBank such as OP4.04, etc. Scope ofWork The current information has led to the development o f the following tasks, which may be modified with consent o f the MIWREifnew information comes to light duringthe course o f the study (e.g. the presence o f sensitive receptors not known when the TORi s finalized). Task I. Description o f the Project. General design and extent o f irrigation and drainage works (specifications o f dam and reservoir, size o f command area, etc.); size o f catchments area; operation and maintenance o f irrigations works. Task 2. Description o f the Environment. Assemble, evaluate and present baseline data on the relevant environmental characteristics o f the study area. Include information on any changes anticipated before the project commences. Physical environment: geology; topography; soils; climate and meteorology; ambient air quality; surface and ground- water hydrology; existing sources o f air emissions; existing water pollution discharges; andreceiving water quality. Biological environment: flora; fauna; rare or endangered species; sensitive habitats, including parks or preserves, significant natural sites, etc.; species o f commercial importance; and species with potential to become nuisances, vectors or dangerous. Socio-cultural environment: land use (including current crops and cropping patterns); land tenure and landtitling; present water supply and water uses (including current distribution o f water resources ifirrigation systems already exist inarea); control over allocation o f resource use rights. Task 3. Legislative and Regulatory Considerations. Describe the pertinent regulations and standards governing environmental quality, health and safety, protection o f sensitive areas, protection o f endangered species, siting, land use control, etc., at international, national, ifany. Task4. Determinationo fthe PotentialImpactso fthe Project. Potentialimpacts to be assessedinclude: Project location: resettlement o f people; loss o f forest land; loss o f agricultural land (cropping and grazing); impact on flora and fauna; impact on historic and cultural sites; effects on water resources outside and inside command area. Project Design: disruption o f hydrology; drainage problems; design o f dams and other structures; crossings for people and animals. Construction Works: soil erosion; construction spoils (disposal of); sanitary conditions and health risks associated with construction camp and workers coming into area; social and cultural conflicts between importedworkers and localpeople. 96 (d) .Projectchanges Operation: pollution by agrochemicals; impacts on soils (waterlogging, salinization, etc.); inground water levels inside and outside command area; changes in surface water quality and risks o f eutrophication; incidence o f water-borne and water-related diseases. Tusk 5. Analysis of Alternatives to the Project. Describe alternatives that were examined inthe course of developing the project and identify other alternatives which would achieve the same objectives. The concept o f alternatives extends to siting, design, technology selection, construction techniques and phasing, and operating and maintenance procedures. Compare alternatives in terms o f potential environmental impacts; capital and operating costs; suitability under local conditions; and institutional, training, and monitoring requirements. When describing the impacts, indicate which are irreversible or unavoidable and which can be mitigated. To the extent possible, quantify the costs and benefits o f each alternative, incorporating the estimated costs o f any associated mitigating measures. Include the alternative o f not constructing the project, inorder to demonstrate environmental conditions without it. Tusk 6. Development of Environmental Management Plan, with focus on three generic areas: Mitigation measures, institutional strengthening and training, and monitoring. The emphasis on each o f these areas depends on the needs inthe specific project context, as identifiedby the EA itself. 0 Mitigation o f environmental impact: Recommend feasible and cost-effective measures to prevent or reduce significant negative impacts to acceptable levels. Estimate the impacts and costs of those measures. Consider compensation to affected parties for impacts which cannot be mitigated. The plan should include proposed work programs, budget estimates, schedules, staffing and training requirements, and other necessary support services to implement the mitigating measures. 0 Institutional strengthening and training: Identification o f institutional needs to implement environmental assessment recommendations. Review the authority and capability o f institutions at local, provincial/regional, and national levels and recommend steps to strengthen or expand them so that the management and monitoring plans in the environmental assessment can be implemented. The recommendations may extend to new laws and regulations, new agencies or agency functions, intersectoral arrangements, management procedures and training, staffing, operation and maintenance training, budgeting, and financial support. 0 Monitoring: Prepare detailed arrangements for monitoring implementation o f mitigating measures and the impacts of the project during construction and operation. Include in the plan an estimate o f capital and operating costs and a description o f other inputs(such as training and institutional strengthening) neededto carry it out. Tusk 7. Assist in Inter-Agency Coordination and PublicNGO Participation. Assist in coordinating the environmental assessment with other government agencies, in obtaining the views o f local NGO's and affected groups, and inkeeping records of meetings and other activities, communications, and comments and their disposition. ReportingRequirements (I) Inception Report: The Consultant will submit an Inception report confirming the methodology to be adopted for the study, the deployment schedule o f personnel, a schedule o f site visits to be carried out and a reporting schedule, within a fixed time fi-om the date of beginning of the 97 assignment. The consultant may want to carry out a reconnaissance survey before submitting the inception report. (11) Environmental Impact Assessment: The EA report should include the following items (not necessarily inthe order shown): Executivesummary. Concisely discusses significant findings and recommended actions. Policy, legal, and administrativeframework. Discusses the policy, legal, and administrative framework within which the EA i s carried out. Explains the environmental requirements o f any co-financiers. Identifies relevant international environmental agreements to which the country i s a party. Project description. Concisely describes the project and its geographic, ecological, social, and temporal context, including any offsite investments that may be required (e.g., dedicated pipelines, access roads, power plants, water supply, housing, and raw material and product storage facilities). Indicates the need for any resettlement plan or indigenous peoples development plan {see also subpara. (h)(v) below}. Normally includes a map showing the project site and the project's area of influence. Baseline data. Assesses the dimensions o f the study area and describes relevant physical, biological, and socioeconomic conditions, including any changes anticipated before the project commences. Also takes into account current and proposed development activities within the project area but not directly connected to the project. Data should be relevant to decisions about project location, design, operation, or mitigatory measures. The section indicates the accuracy, reliability, and sources o f the data. Environmental impacts. Predicts and assesses the project's likely positive and negative impacts, inquantitative terms to the extent possible. Identifies mitigation measures and any residual negative impacts that cannot be mitigated. Explores opportunities for environmental enhancement. Identifies and estimates the extent and quality o f available data, key data gaps, and uncertainties associated with predictions, and specifies topics that do not require further attention. Analysis of alternatives. Systematically compares feasible altematives to the project site, technology, design, and operation-including the "without project" situation-in terms o f their potential environmental impacts; the feasibility o f mitigating these impacts; their capital and recurrent costs; their suitability under local conditions; and their institutional, training, and monitoring requirements. For each o f the altematives, quantifies the environmental impacts to the extent possible, and attaches economic values where feasible. States the basis for selecting the particular project design proposed and justifies recommended emission levels and approaches to pollution prevention and abatement. Environmental management plan (EMP). Covers mitigation measures, monitoring, and institutional strengthening; see outline (in111)below. (h) Appendixes 98 (i)ListofEAreportprepares-individuals and organizations. (ii)References-written materials both published and unpublished, used in study preparation. (iii)Recordofinteragencyandconsultationmeetings,includingconsultationsforobtaining the informed views o f the affected people and local nongovemmental organizations (NGOs). The record specifies any means other than consultations (e.g., surveys) that were usedto obtain the views o f affected groups and local NGOs. (iv) Tables presentingthe relevant datareferredto or summarized inthe maintext. (v) List o f associated reports (e.g., resettlement plan or indigenous peoples development plan). (111) Environmental Management Plan: The consultant will submit an environmentalmanagement plan (inline withAnnex C ofOP4.01) whichwill includethe following components. Mitigation The EMP identifies feasible and cost-effective measures that may reduce potentially significant adverse environmental impacts to acceptable levels. The plan includes compensatory measures if mitigation measures are not feasible, cost-effective, or sufficient. Monitoring Environmental monitoring duringproject implementation provides information about key environmental aspects o f the project, particularly the environmental impacts of the project and the effectiveness o f mitigation measures. Such information enables the borrower and the Bank to evaluate the success o f mitigation as part o f project supervision, and allows corrective action to be taken when needed. Therefore, the EMP identifies monitoring objectives and specifies the type o f monitoring, with linkages to the impacts assessedinthe EAreport and the mitigation measures described inthe EMP. Capacity Development and Training To support timely and effective implementation o f environmental project components and mitigation measures, the EMP draws on the EA'S assessment o f the existence, role, and capability o f environmental units on site or at the agency and ministry level. If necessary, the EMP recommends the establishment or expansion o f such units, and the training o f staff, to allow implementation o f EA recommendations. Specifically, the EMP provides a specific description o f institutional arrangements-who i s responsible for carrying out the mitigatory and monitoring measures (e.g., for operation, supervision, enforcement, monitoring o f implementation, remedial action, financing, reporting, and staff training). To strengthen environmental management capability inthe agencies responsible for implementation, most EMPs cover one or more o f the following additional topics: (a) technical assistance programs, (b) procurement o f equipment and supplies, and (c) organizational changes. Implementation Schedule and Cost Estimates For all three aspects (mitigation, monitoring, and capacity development), the EMP provides (a) an implementation schedule for measures that must be carried out as part o f the project, showing phasing and coordination with overall project implementation plans; and (b) the capital and recurrent cost estimates and sources of funds for implementing the EMP. These figures are also integrated into the total project cost tables. Integration of EMP with Project The borrower's decision to proceedwith a project, and the Bank's decision to support it, are predicated inpart on the expectation that the EMP will be executed effectively. Consequently, the Bank expects the plan to be specific in its 99 description o f the individual mitigation and monitoring measures and its assignment o f institutional responsibilities, and it must be integrated into the project's overall planning, design, budget, and implementation. Such integration i s achieved by establishing the EMP within the project/contract documents so that the plan will receive funding and supervision along with the other components. Reporting Schedule No. Title ofReport Duewithin from No. of Time for comment date ofbeginningof Copies fromM&E Unit, assignment MIWRE/WB I InceptionReport 1month 5 15 days I1 EnvironmentalImpactAssessment 9 months 10 1month I11 EnvironmentalManagementPlan 12months 10 15 days ConsultingTeam The consultingteam shall include the following key experts inaddition to any support staff that the consultant may decide. Other Information The consultant are advised to refer to the following inaddition to any other resources that they may deem fit: 1. Water Resources and Irrigation inAfghanistan -Medium Term Development Framework 2. Comprehensive Needs Assessment for the Environment -Afghanistan 3. Environmental ImpactAssessment o fImgation andDrainage Projects -A FA0Publication 4. Afghanistan-Post Conflict Environmental Assessment -A UNEP Publication Inaddition, the consultant mayrefer to the various safeguards policies o fthe WorldBankwhich are available at http://lnweb I8.worldbank.or~/ESSD/sdvext.nsf/52BvDocName/SafeauardPolicies 100 Attachment7 Proceduresfor Mine RiskManagementin World Bank-FundedProjectsin Afghanistan Background: The following procedures are designed to respond to the risks caused by the presence o f mines in Afghanistan, inthe context of: 0 ~ommunityrehabilitation / construction works to be identified and implemented by the communities themselves (for small projects o f up to $100,000 each); 0 Small and medium-size works to be identified by local authorities and implemented by local contractors (for projects up to $5m each); 0 Works to be implemented directly by Government departments/agencies, without use o f contractors; 0 Large works to be implementedby contractors (for projects above $5m); General comment applying to all following procedures: All risk assessment and clearance tasks shall be implemented in coordination with the Mine Action Center for Afghanistan (MACA). These procedures may need to be amended inthe future depending on evolving circumstances. Procedurefor Community-ManagedWorks Applicability: This procedure applies to community rehabilitatiodconstction works to be identified and implementedby the communities themselves (for small projects o f upto $100,000 each). Overall approach: The communities should be responsible for making sure that the projects they propose are not in mine-contaminated areas, or have been cleared by M A C A (or a mine action organization accredited by MACA). Rationale: Communities are best placed to know about mined areas in their vicinity, and have a strong incentive to report them accurately as they will carry out the works themselves. Procedure: 1. Communities are required to submit a reply to a questionnaire regarding the suspected presence of mines in the area where Bank-funded community-managed projects will be implemented. This questionnaire should be formally endorsed by the Mine Action Program for Afghanistan(MAPA). It will be a mandatory attachment to the project submission by the communities and should be signed by community representatives and the external project facilitator. External project facilitators will receive training fiom MAPA. Financing agreements with the communities should make clear that communities are solely liable incase o f a mine-related accident. 2. Ifthe community certifies that there is no known mine contamination in the area, the ministry responsible for the selection o f projects should check with MACA whether any different observation is reportedon MACA's data base. 101 o If MACA's information is the same, the project can go ahead for selection. The community takes the full responsibility for the assessment, and extemal organizations cannot be made liable incase of an accident. o IfMACA's information is different, the project should not go ahead for selection as long as MACA's and community's statements have not beenreconciled. 3. Ifthe community suspects mine contamination inthe area, o If the community has included an assessmenthlearance task in the project agreed to be implemented by M A C A (or by a mine action organization accredited by MACA), the project can go ahead for selection. o Ifthe community has not includedan assessmenthlearance task inthe project, the project should not go ahead for selection as long as this has not been corrected. o Mine clearance tasks must be implementedby MACA or by a mine action organization accredited by MACA. Communities will be penalized (subsequent funding by World- Bank funded projects shall be reduced or cancelled) if they elect to clear mines on their Own. Procedurefor Small andMedium-sizeWorks Contracted Out Applicability: This procedure applies to small- and medium-size works to be identified by local authorities andimplementedby local contractors (for projects up to $5m each). Overall approach: MACA (or a mine action organization accredited by MACA) should provide detailed information on the mine-related risks (either based onpreviously done and updated general survey or on a new general survey) before projects are considered for selection. Only project sites assessedto have a nil- to-low risk would be eligible for selection, unless they have been demined by MACA or by a mine action organization accredited by MACA. Rationale: Neither local authorities nor local contractors have the capacity to assess the mine-related risks ina systematic way, while they mayhave incentivesto underestimatethem. Procedure: 1, Prior to puttingup a project for selection, a general survey shouldbe carriedout by MACA (or a mine action organization accredited by MACA) to assess mine-related risks in the area o f the project (this shouldinclude checkmginformation available inthe MACA data base). 2. IfMACA provides information suggesting a nil-to-low riskin the project area, the project can go ahead for selection. 3. The contract between the responsible ministry and the contractor will include a clause stating that incaseofanaccident, legalliability wouldbefully andsolelybomebythe contractor. 4. IfMACA assesses a potentially highrisk inthe area (whether due to the presence of mines or uncertainty), 102 o Ifthe project includes an assessmentlclearance task agreed to be implementedby M A C A (or by a mine action organization accredited by MACA), it can go ahead for selection based on agreed funding modalities (clearance may be funded either under a contract with a Bank-funded project or under existing donor agreements with the mine action organization); o If the project does not include an assessment/clearance task, it should not go ahead for selection as long as this has not been corrected. Procedure for Works to be implementeddirectly by Government DepartmentdAgencies, without use of contractors Applicability: This procedure applies to works to be implemented directly by Government departments/agencies, without use o f contractors. Overall approach: M A C A (or a mine action organization accredited by MACA) should provide detailed information on the mine-related risks (either based onpreviously done and updated general survey or on a new general survey) before works or installation o f gooddmaterials are carried out in any given area. Work would only be allowed to proceed in areas assessedto have a nil-to-low risk, unless they have been deminedby a mine action organization accredited by M A C A . Rationale: Govemment departments and agencies responsible for providing services currently do not have the capacity to assess the mine-related risks in a systematic way, and currently follow a process o f consultingwith MACAprior to carrying out activities. Procedure: 1. Prior to carrying out work, the Government department/agency will consult with MACA to assess mine-related risks in the area (this should include checkmg information available in the MACA data base). If not already done, a general survey should be carried out by MACA (or by a mine action organization accredited by MACA) to assess mine-related risks inthe area. 2. IfMACAprovides detailed information onmine-related risks which suggest a nil-to-low risk in the proposed area, the work can proceed. The Government would be solely liable in case o f a mine- related accident. 3. If information provided by MACA cannot support the assessment of a nil-to-low risk in the proposed area (whether due to the presence o f mines or uncertainty), works should not go ahead before M A C A (or a mine action organization accredited by MACA) carries out the necessary further assessment and/or clearance for risks to be downgraded to nil-to-low, based on agreed fundingmodalities (clearance may be funded either under a contract with a Bank-funded project or under existing donor agreements with the mine actionorganization). Procedure for Large Works Using Contractors Applicability: This procedure applies to large works to be implemented by large contractors (projects above $5m). Overall approach: The main contractor should be responsible for dealing with mine-related risks, in coordination with the UNMine Action Center. 103 Procedure: 1. As part o f the preparation o f the bidding documents, a general survey should be carried out by M A C A (or a mine action organization accredited by MACA) on all the areas where contractors may have to work (broadly defined). This survey should provide detailed information on mine- related risks in the various areas allowing for an un-ambiguous identification o f areas that have a nil-to-low risk o f mine/UXO contamination and areas where the risk i s either higher or unknown. The survey shouldbe financed out o f the preparation costs o f the biddingdocuments. 2. All survey information should be communicated to the bidders (with sufficient legalcaveats so that it does not entail any liability), as information for the planning o f their activities (e.g., location o f campsites, access roads to quarries). 3. Depending on the nature and location o f the project and on the available risk assessment, two different options can be used. Option 1 Mine-clearance activities are part of the general contract - a. Based on the general survey results, a specific budget provision for mine action during construction i s set aside as a separate provisional sum in the tender documents for the general contract. b. As a separately identified item in their bid, the bidders include a provision for a further detailed mine assessment and clearance duringconstruction. c. On the instruction o f the Supervision Engineer and drawing on the specific provisional sum for mine action in the contract, the contractor uses one o f several nominated sub-contractors (or a mine action organization accredited by MACA) to be rapidly available on call, to carry out assessment prior to initiation o f physical works inpotentially contaminated areas, and to conduct clearance tasks as he finds may be needed. The Contractor may also hire an intemational specialist to assist him in preparing and supervising these tasks. The Contractor i s free to chose which o f the accredited sub- contractors to use, and he i s fully responsible for the quality o f the works and i s solely liable in case of accident after an area has been demined. d. To avoid an "over-use" o f the budget provision, the Contractor is required to inform the Supervision Engineer in writing (with a clear justification of the works to be carried out) well in advance o f mobilizing the mine-clearing team. The Supervision Engineer has the capacity to object to such works. Option 2 Mine-clearance activities are carried out under a separate contract - a. Specific, separately-awarded contracts are issued for further surveying andor clearing o f areas with a not-nil-to-low risk (under the supervision o f the Engineer) by specialized contractors (or a mine action organization accredited by MACA). The definition o f the areas to be further surveyed / cleared should be limited to those areas where any contractor would have to work, and should not include areas such as camp sites and quarriedmaterial sites which are to be identified by the Contractor during and after bidding o f the works. As a result o f these further surveys and possibly clearance works, mine-related risk in the entire contract area i s downgraded to nil-to-low. 104 b. The contract with the general Contractor specifies the extent o fthe portion ofthe construction site o f which the Contractor i s to be given possession from time to time, clearly indicating restrictions o f access to areas where the mine riski s not nil-to-low. It also indicates the target dates at which these areas will be accessible. Following receipt of the notice to commence works from the Engineer, the Contractor can start work inall other areas. c. The general Contractor i s invited to include in its bid an amount for mine-security, to cover any additional survey / clearance he may feel necessary to undertake the works. 4. Incase ofanaccident, aBoardofInquiryis assembledbyMACAto investigate onthe causesof the accident and determine liabilities. Large penalties should be applied on the Contractor if the Board determines that the accident resulted fiom a breach o f safety rules. 5. All parties involved inthis process are requiredto closely coordinate with MACA and to provide the Govemment, local communities, MACA, as well as any interested party the full available information on mine-related risks that may reasonably be required(e.g., maps o f identified minefields, assessmentsfor specific areas). 105 Appendix 8 Afghanistan EmergencyIrrigationRehabilitationProject Framework for Hydro-meteorologicalNetwork Introduction Water Resources. The Central mountain ranges o f Hindukush,Baba and Sefid KuhinAfghanistan serve as internal and external water source for the country and its neighbors. Afghanistan has an arid to semi- arid continental climate with low annual average precipitation o f less than 300 mm. Precipitation in- creases with elevation, occurs from October to May with peaks inMarch and April, and i s stored inform o f snow at elevations above 1,500 m. Above 4,500 m, glaciers are covering some 4,000 km2o f land. The available renewable water resources o f the country are estimated to be in the order o f 60,000 million m3, o f which 45,000 million m3i s surface water and 15,000 million m3groundwater. River flow increases in spring, culminating inMay to July due to snow melt, and recedes to its base flow inOctober/November. Major floods occur in MarchJApril, when intensive rainfall coincides with early snow melt caused by rising temperatures. Four years o f drought (1999-2002) have significantly depleted alluvial aquifers decreasing groundwater levels and base flows o frivers and streams to a historic low. Hydro-meteorological observation. In order to make best use o f the country's water resources and ensure their sustainable management, the collection and analysis o f hydrological and meteorological data i s essential . The basis for this i s an observation network o f hydrological (river gauge) and meteorological ("weather") stations where the most important parameters, determining spatial and temporal availability and variability o f water, are measured. The analyzed data are used for the identificationandpreparationo f water resources projects, such as irrigation scheme rehabilitation, potable water supply and hydropower development. Justification. The need to ensure proper design o f the projects and sustainable use o f the water resources has been identified to be crucial for achieving the restoration o f imgated agriculture. Hence, hydrological and meteorological data are required for proper planning. In addition, regular annual floods, the difficulties encounteredinquantifying their negative impact and the necessary mitigation measures during the recent drought have emphasized these needs. Hydrological activities in Afghanistan ceased between 1978-1980. Historical data are, therefore, only available until 1978, some until 1980, but they are not likely to be representative for the current conditions due to possible climatic changes. Current Status of Data Collection and Availability A certain number of observation stations was installedinthe 1940s .More stations were installedlater on until the Seventies. The technology useduntil the late Seventies for operating the observation network was that o f the Fifties and Sixties. Nevertheless, a dense system o f simple hydrological measurement stations, combined with meteorological stations, was maintained for more than 30 years. At 167 hydrological stations, water flow was measured up to 1978, and historical data are published up to that date. The hydrological network was managed by the Hydrology Department o f the Ministry o f Irrigation and Power. The meteorological network was and i s managed by the Meteorology Department o f the Ministry 106 o f Aviation and Transport. In addition, an agro-meteorological network was and i s managed by the Ministry o f Agriculture, assisted by the Meteorology Department o f the Ministry o f Aviation and Transport. Available historic data were recently digitized to be used for some preliminary assessment o f the water resources, adjusted for considering the lower available amount o f water in the country during the past 25 years. Among the 167 stations, 50 were located in the Indus Basin, 55 in the Sistan (HelmandArghandab) Basin, 19 in the basin o f the westward flowing rivers (Har-i Rud and others), 19 in the basin o f the northward flowing rivers ("blind rivers") and 24 inthe Amu river basin. Typical equipment and supplies for the hydrological stations were items such as water level recorder (Stevens A-35 Model), current meter, pigmy meter, bridge bomm, D-49 sampler + cable suspension reel, DH-48 wading sampler, DH-59 hand line crossing cable, Stevens recording charts, reel, stop watch, tag line, enameled staff gauge, car puller, sounding weight o f 30, 50, 75, and 100 lbs, tool box, life jackets, measurement sheets, recorder ink, current meter oil, float 23, thermometer, snow survey equipment, rain gauge comalone, and sleeping bag. It i s important to note that not all o f these items were available at the stations, as most o f the equipment was stored in the regional offices o f the Ministry o f Irrigation and Power, and used when the teams were dispatched for various measurement exercises. Inaddition, eachregional office inKunduz, Kandahar, Kabul, andHerat was equipped with a laboratory suitable for the analysis o f sediment samples taken from rivers and streams for the purpose o f quantifying their bed and wash load. Equipment and tools used in these laboratories were such items as an electric oven, sample bottles, vacuum pump, sensitive electrical scales, sediment cup, PHmeter, scale for sample bottles, filtration paper, box for sediment bottles, electric markers, pepit, thermometer, filtration regulator, sand for regulator, brushes for cleaning the sample bottles, calculator, scotch tape, conductivity meter, and flame photometer. The list for the 167 hydrological stations in Afghanistan i s provided in Table 4. In addition, 11 more hydrological stations are supposed to exist but are not included in the list provided by the Ministry o f Imgation, Water Resources and Environment (MIWRE). They are listed below (Table 1) and their (former) existence and potential use needs to be verified inthe field. Table 1: HydrologicalStations Not Included inMIWRE's List 1 No. lName of River Location IBasin 1 Lat. I Long. 1 1 168 I Nahar river near Zarghun Shahar I 1 I 32.50 I 68.30 1 I 169 I Farahriver near zawayn I 3 1 31.42 I 61.35 1 I 170 I Ghor river near Chimbagh I 3 1 33.05 I 63.23 1 I 171 1 Adraskan river above Human Saberi I 3 1 31.54 1 61.15 1 I 172 1 La1river near Dowlatvar I 3 1 34.30 I 65.40 I I 173 1 Gulranriver near Tornhundi 1 3 I 35.23 1 62.02 I I 174 I Raweniabriver near Yalur I 5 I 37.38 1 70.17 I I 175 I KufAb river near Anhram 1 5 I 38.04 1 70.26 I 176 Jaway river near Mughaz 5 38.25 70.52 177 Tang Shawa river near Dara-i-Shir 5 37.59 71.15 178 Wakhan river near ...st 5 37.01 72.41 107 Hydro-meteorological observation network design Data Requirement and Network Objectives The objectives o f the proposed hydro-meteorological observation network i s to provide accurate data for analysis, such as Water resources assessment (inone o f the most important headwater areas o f Central Asia); Water resources management (sustainable and equitable water use); Watershed management (integrated and participatory); Drought mitigation planning (preparedness and monitoring); Design o f irrigation systems, dams, hydropower and (road) bridge projects (water yield and variability, drought and flood frequencies) ; Optimization o freservoir operation (water availability, sedimentation, and flood forecasting); Groundwater table fluctuations (aquifer recharge and depletion); Snow cover and glacier assessment (forecasting o f water availability and floods); and Monitoring o f trends caused by climate and land-use changes. Water resources assessmentand monitoring of climatic change. Adequate knowledge o f the available water resources i s the basis (i) for adequate planning o f development projects inthe water, agriculture and power sectors; (ii) for an equitable distribution o f the available resources to the potential users; and (iii) for understanding and predicting the consequences o f water management decisions. The historical climatic (meteorological) and stream flow (hydrological) records are not necessarily representative for the current hydro-meteorological conditions. The recent drought has made it clear that possible climatic changes may seriously affect water resources availability, which therefore should be continuously monitored. Surface water monitoring i s also essential for groundwater management as the base flow of rivers represents the drainage o f aquifers inboth karstifiedrocks and porous media (alluvial aquifers). Water resources management, water abstraction and drought mitigation. The availability of data on both surface water and groundwater resources will provide a basis for sound decisions in water management, inparticular on water abstractions for irrigation purposes. Further development o f irrigated land - extension o f irrigated areas and construction o f dams for water storage - will necessarily increase overall water use. Even small-scale irrigation fi-om smaller tributaries and springs may reduce base flows o f the larger streams and rivers, and eventually affect negatively water availability o f beneficiaries downstream. Inthis context, water resources monitoring i s an important tool to ensure sustainability and equity (upstream-downstream) o f water distribution as well environmental protection. Drought contingency planning will be facilitated by providing near-real time data on water resources depletion. Early warning will be possible as soon as forecasting models have been developed based on collected and analysed data. Irrigation scheme rehabilitation and construction. Irrigated agriculture i s crucial for agricultural production in the country and, therefore, water management i s a highpriority for efficient water use and the extension o f the irrigated areas. Data on stream flow and snow pack in Afghanistan allow for short- term irrigation management, long-term irrigation planning, optimal reservoir operation and early warning o f droughts and floods. Medium and large dam projects, flood and flow forecasting. There are several excellent locations for medium to large dam construction projects in Afghanistan for irrigation purposes, flood retention, hydropower generation and potable water storage. Irrespective o f the time horizon for the implementation 108 o f these projects, it is important to start data collection in time. The cost-benefit ratio o f data collection and analysis for this type o f project i s excellent, as considerable investments are involved. Dam projects always need data on water yield, expected water losses (evaporation and percolation), design floods and sedimentation. When longer time series and/or hydrological models are available, inflow time series can be simulated to optimise reservoir design and operation. Inflow forecasting i s an indispensable tool to optimise reservoir operation. Drought risks can be identifiedat an early stage, while water use restrictions are not necessary when the forecasting model predicts sufficientreserves. Hydropower development. Several suitable and economically feasible hydropower generation sites have been identified in the country, including large dams, medium-size dams and micro-hydropower schemes. The major perennial rivers have a good potential for medium-size run-of-river schemes, or for large schemes in combination with the construction o f high dams, especially on the Kabul river and its main tributaries such as the Kunar and Panjsher rivers in the hdus basin, but also on the Kokcha and Kunduz rivers inthe Amu Darya basin, and on the Helmand river inthe Sistan (HelmandArghandab) basin. Mini and micro hydropower schemes are an interesting altemative to diesel generation in remote mountain areas, where a grid connection is not feasible. Data required for hydropower development are flow duration curves (calculated from daily discharges o f several years) and flood frequencies o f different recurrence intervals. A tele-transmission inflow forecasting system can also be used for hydropower generation forecasting. Drinking Water Supply. A significant part o f the country's potable water supply comes from surface waters, particular inrural areas, where there i s limited or no access to groundwater. The water quantities used for drinking purposes are small compared to the total available discharge volume, but water quality monitoring i s essential. Water quality i s generally good in the upper drainage basins, because large parts o f Afghanistan are located at the headwaters, and in the past 25 years there has been very little use o f chemicals in agnculture. The main issue i s turbidity o f the water (wash load), while there i s hardly any saline surface water. Small-scale irrigation scheme rehabilitationkonstruction, watershed management planning and small dam construction. For these activities, similar data as described above are needed, such as water yield and availability, water requirements (evapotranspiration) and flood frequencies . International Aspects. Wherever there is a water sharing agreement with neighboring countries, such as with Iran in the case o f the Helmand river, monitoring o f outflows i s essential to ensure that the agreed quantities o f water are released. It i s equally important to assess and monitor those trans-boundary rivers, which are not yet subject to a bi-lateral agreement, such as, for example, the Kabul river and Amu Darya. Whereas the Kabul river flow i s an important tributary o f the Indus river and hence its use i s crucial for both Afghanistan and Pakistan, the share o f Amu Darya allocated provisionally to Afghanistan i s hardly made use of. RehabilitationNeeds Though only a few hydrological stations have been visited by the Bank mission, MIWRE staff confirms, that all stations are out o f order, and their water level recorders looted and staff gauges damaged or removed. With a few exceptions, such as change o f river course or accumulation o f large amount o f sediments, the existing gauging sites can be rehabilitated and used again inthe future. The reconstruction of the historical gauging stations i s essential inorder to establish correlations with the available long-term data series and new measurements reflectingpossible changes inflow volume and pattem. In a mountain area like Afghanistan, a relatively dense observation network o f hydro-meteorological stations i s required in order to appraise the variability o f water resources. Precipitation and temperature 109 usually increases with elevation, but also depends on the exposure o f slopes (sheltered versus exposed valleys). Stream flow varies according to the amount o f snow melt and the hydro-geological properties o f river valleys. Wind velocity various greatly from region to region and sometimes increases evaporation significantly, such as the 120 day wind (bad-e sad-o-bist ruz) in the Har-i Rud basin. Recommended density o f stations measuring different hydro-meteorological parameters in Afghanistan i s reported in Table 2. Calculation was done on the basis o f the total area o f Afghanistan o f 650,000 kmz,where 60% or 390,000 kmzare mountains and the remaining 40% or 260,000 kmzare plains and other flat areas. Table 2: RecommendedDensityof Hydro-MeteorologicalStationsinAfghanistan Recommended Density Resulting number Existing stations Proposed Category of (area per station in km2) under the Stations Mountain0 Plains, Hilly or Project us Terrain Undulating Terrain Stream flow 1,000 1,875 391+139=530 167 160 Sediment transport 6,700 12,500 58+21 = 79 5 25 Precipitation: Recording 2,500 5,750 156+45 =201 30 Non-recording 250 575 1,565+453 = 2,018 The above analysis shows that the existing number o f hydrological stations was not adequate given the territory o f the country. This i s evident from the lack o f data, for example, in the Amu river basin. Afghanistan currently does not know the contribution o f the Wakhan, Pamir and other rivers originating in or flowing through Badakhshan to the Amu Basin. Given the emergency character o f producing reliable hydro-meteorological data as soon a feasible, it i s intended to rehabilitate a total of 160 key hydrological stations/posts, and to equip a total o f 30 meteorological stations with updated, modern measurement technology. The number o f 160 includes a large part o f the historical 167 stations, but may also new sites filling the gaps for planned reservoirs and irrigation schemes. The 30 meteorological stations include six key stations ineach o f the five major river basins. It i s also intendedto re-establish the four laboratories for sediment analysis and add a fifth one in Mazar-i Sharif or Maimana covering the northward flowing river basin. Thus, sediment sampling and analysis are included inthe rehabilitation of the hydro-meteorological observation network. Reliable stream flow data are a precondition for the interpretation of sediment data. A data tele-transmission system i s needed for stations that are not accessible throughout the year, such as snow stations, and for real-time flood forecasting. The latter i s crucial for Afghanistan's rivers o f torrential character causing annual flood damages o f considerable magnitude. Technology andEquipment Under the current conditions inAfghanistan, the equipment to be installed should be simple and reliable. However, low-tech or mechanical technology does not automatically guarantee the acquisition o f more reliable data. According to Hydrology Department staff o f the MIWRE, most o f the older technologies were more sensitive to good maintenance and regular supply o f consumables than modem recording systems with dataloggers. Digitizing o f strip charts i s tedious work and it i s a source o f errors, as i s 110 manual copying of observers' records. Manual gauge readings are insufficient especially in smaller watersheds where times o f response are short. Traditional gauges with a float well cause considerable construction cost and often suffer from sedimentation problems, just to cite a few examples. However, as for the new technology using computers for data analysis, MIWRE staff must be trained to acquire adequate skills in this field. It is, therefore, intended to chose a robust but not necessarily a simple technology. A comparisono f simple and moderntechnologies i s providedinTable 3. Table 3: Simple versus Modern Technology of Measuring Equipment Item I Simple Technology Modern Technology Less dependency on supplies and Better data collection frequency. qualified personnel. Easy data read-out and processing. Advantages Well-established technology, known Upgrade for tele-transmission reliability o f instruments. possible. Dependency on the reliability o f the More training needs. observer. Higher installationcost. Workload o f manual digitizing o f data, Disadvantages Localrepair may not be possible in delays indata processing. case o f failure. Sources o f error by manual data processing. 4s the project will set standards for a national hydro-meteorological observation network in Afghanistan, Gquipment and data analyses has to comply with international standards. To ensure optimum reliability o f data collection, a double data acquisition system i s envisaged: (i) state-of-the-art automatic data collection with data loggers; and (ii) manualreadingsby observers (who is required anyway for the safety and daily basic maintenance o f the station). The manual readings will serve as backup if the recording system failed. Care has been taken to use few different technologies only, in order to reduce training requirements, to simplify the management o f spare parts, and to make sure that instruments out o f function can be replaced quickly. The following issues were considered when selecting the equipment for the hydro-meteorological observation network: 0 Reliability and robustness, 0 Level o f maintenance requirements (maintenance-free as far as possible), 0 Duration of functioning without attendance, 0 Availability o f spare parts, 0 Autonomous energy supply, 0 Standardization (restriction to few types o f equipment and suppliers), Security (risk o f theft associated with the installation o f solar panels due to their commercial value), and cost. Hydrological Stations Each hydrological station will have a Staff Gauge mounted close to the section chosen for discharge measurements. When procuring staff gauges, attention should be given to the quality ingeneral and to the quality o f paidenamel, in particular. A total o f 40 staff gauges are required, their individual length 111 dependingon the range o f water level fluctuation o f the respective gauging site. Depending on the geo- morphological conditions o f the individual gauging sites, different water level recorders can be taken into consideration, each one having its advantages and disadvantages, such as: e Float system (with strip-chart recorder or shaft encoder): Well-known system, analogue operation possible; highconstruction cost o f the gauging well, often sedimentation problems in gauging wells during floods, ice formation problems possible; if equipped with a strip- chart recorder: Time-consuming digitisation o f charts, regular supply o f charts and pens required, problems with both humidityand very dry air, time errors o f mechanical clocks. e Pressure transducer (submerged installation): Flexible installation, low cost, portable system, suitable for ephemeral streams; the data logger i s protected from heat in the water; low energy consumption, built-inbattery i s sufficient for many years of operation; relatively sensitive to humidity (condensation) and temperature fluctuations, reliable temperature compensation and long-term stability o f the sensor not always guaranteed; the probe i s inaccessible at high water levels if any problem (e.g. sediment accumulation or sensor problems) occurs. e Bubble-in principle: Only the low-cost pressure tube i s inside the water, length i s adjustable by the user, moving to other locations relatively easy; regular purging by air used for measurement, high-pressure purging i s easily possible by disconnecting the tube; long-term stability ensured by automatic zero-point correction; logistical problems of classical bubble- in gauges (supply o f gas bottles and energy supply) are solved by use of modern, maintenance-free mini compressors with low energy demand; limited range o f operation (max. water level 10 meters above orifice) except if a storage tank i s provided; care must be taken that the mouthpiece i s installed in such a way as to avoid pressure effects during currents. e Radar or ultrasonic water level measurement: No contact with water, no problems with sediments or debris accumulation, moving to other locations relatively easy; both types o f sensors need to be installed on a bridge or extension arm (jib) for vertical measurement, sensor i s not protected in a gauge house nor in the water; relatively new technology, relatively highcost. The bubble-in principle offers most advantages as a general system to be introducedinAfghanistan: Ease and flexibility o f installation(no gauge well, no bridge or jib required for installation), long-term stability of the sensors, accessibility and protected installation (outside o f the water) o f the instrument in a gauge house, the possibility o f purgingthe system in order to remove sediments, and cost effectiveness are the most important reasons for proposingthis system. Energy supply i s from a 12 V DC battery, either with a solar panel or simply by recharging the battery approximately every 4 months. Ordinary car batteries can be used when the original battery type i s not available. For temporay stations pressure transducers with integrated data loggers are recommended. No gauge house i s required ifthe pressureprobe i s installedina protective tube with a lockedcap. A separate power supply unit is not required as energy consumptionis low enough for long-term battery operation. Long- term stability and accessibility are less important for this type o f temporary installations in seasonal streams. Cableways have to be installed wherever accurate measurements from a bridge are not possible. Inmany cases, there are no suitable bridges for discharge measurements near the existing gauging sites: Ifa bridge existed, often the cross-section under the bridge i s too irregular (narrow, turbulent flow, disturbed by rock outcrops or piers Cableway spans are estimated to be between 50 meters and 200 meters. Specifications 112 must include all parts except the posts on both sides. Cableway spans will be chosen to accommodate approximately a 100-year flood. The tension o f the track cable must be adjustable to the precise span to account for temperature variations. As temperature ranges are extreme in the country, a turnbuckle tensioning system i s not suitable for long cableway spans. Tensioning by weights should be specified as this system is flexible, self-adjusting, and relatively cheap (weights can be produced locally). Simple, semi-mobile cableways can be used for temporary installations on smaller streams (cableway spans up to 45 meters). The posts together with the pulley blocks and cables would remain in place for the whole measuring period, while the winch i s portable. The total cost o f such a mobile cableway system i s about 50% o f the cost o f a stationary cableway. Current meter equipment i s required in sufficient quantity for each o f the five regional centers. Intotal, 30 current meter sets for wading and suspended measurements, respectively are proposed to be procured. Both types o f sets have to be compatible for two reasons, namely one, for flexible use o f the current meters in the field (no need to carry two current meter sets if different types o f measurements will be taken) and two, for exchangeability o f spare parts: Any current meter can be replaced when it i s damaged, or out o f order for maintenance or calibration purposes. The heavy sinker weights o f up to 100kg can be kept at the gauging site where they are used. Additionally, some 15 mini-current meters are intended to be used for discharge measurements o f springs and irrigation canals, and three portable winches andjibs for discharge measurements from bridges or from boats. For the later purpose, in areas where cableways are not feasible to be installed, a total o f five boats, one per regional centre, will be procured. Manual data transfer by technical staff o f MNVRE (Field Assistant Hydrologists), at least during the first three years o f network operation, will ensure reliable data acquisition. This does not cause additional operations cost as regular visits to the gauging sites are required anyway (i) for discharge measurements; (ii) thecontroloftheoverallfunctionofthehydrologicalstation(sedimentationproblems, battery for status); and (iii)for the payment o f the observers. The use o f notebook computers i s not feasible for this task. Ordinary notebooks are sensitive to dust, humidity, shocks, bright sunlight (monitor visibility), and therefore not suitable for day-to-day all-season use inthe field. Other problems are the long start-up time, high energy consumption (short operating period), and weight. Robust field computers do exist but are extremely expensive and heavy. It i s proposed to use dedicated field storage devices (interfaces) for data read-out and transport to the office. These devices should be procured from the same supplier as the data loggers (water levelrecorders) to ensure hardware and software compatibility. Tele-Transmission Equipment Because o f the remote locations and the innovative character o f any tele-transmission system, it i s recommended to chose a well-established system, where all components have been tested to be compatible and suitable for reliable long-term operation. The SNOTEL system using meteor burst technology, operated in the Western United States since 1979, is such a system. In the USA, more than 700 snow stations are currently installed, and a similar system for flood warning and reservoir inflow forecasting i s operated inPalustan. The meteor burst technology uses the ionised gas trail from sand-sized meteor particles that bumup inthe atmosphere (height between 80 km and 120 km) to relay radio signals back to earth. Radio signals are bounced o f f these gas trails and are reflected back to earth. The system operates in the low VHF frequency band (40 to 50 MHz). The master station transmits a continuous signal. When a meteor particle appears in the proper location, it reflects that signal to a receiving remote station (probe signal), which inturnreflects a signal back along the same pathto the master station. The tele-transmission system proposed consists o f 30 snow stations, 20 meteorological stations, and 10 hydrological stations. The remote stations are connected to the data loggers o f either a snow station or a meteorological station or a hydrological station. Maximum transmission distance is about 1600 km, sufficient for any location in Afghanistan. Two sets o f antennas will be needed at the master station as 113 each antenna covers a sector o f 60 degrees only. Apart from this restriction, the master station will be capable o f communicating with any number o f remote stations. Additional remote stations within these sectors can be added without any hardware modificationsrequiredto the master station. The remote stations will report not only measuring data but also status and maintenance data (battery voltage, transmit power, antenna status, noise levels) to the master station on a periodic basis. The system i s also capable o f sending text messagesbetween the master station and the remote stations and vice versa (by-directional communication). Data transmission i s not continuous, but data transfer takes place in frequently sent packages with an average transmission rate about 100 Bd. A remote stations needs a 6 mhighmast with a 40 W solar panel (approximately 60 x 120 cm) and a 3- element yagi antenna. The master station, featuring antennas mounted on 16 m highmasts, i s installed in a building with adequate ventilation and temperature control. It requires continuous 220 V A C power supply. Data will be routedto the operator's office byradio ina line-of-sight mode. The installation costs o f a meteor burst system are relatively high (three times the amount o f a satellite basedtransmission system), but there are no runningcosts for communication. Snow stations constitute, together with the tele-transmission system, the essential elements o f any flow forecasting system. The basic equipment o f a snow station consists o f the following items: (i) an air temperaturehumidity sensor (essential for snowmelt rates); (ii) a precipitation gauge for measurement o f rainfall and the water equivalent o f snow; and (iii) a snow pillow that records the total weight (the accumulated water equivalent) o f the snow pack. Other (meteorological) sensors may be added, particularly where the precipitation gauging density i s low, and access difficult. The precipitation gauge should either be equipped with tipping buckets and an antifreeze overflow system or with a pressure transducer (storage type gauge). Precipitation gauges using the weighing principle are costly and compensation o f wind impact i s not yet reliable enough for installation at remote locations. Trials with weighing rain gauges should be made at well maintained stations, not at remote sites. Meteorological Stations. There i s little left from the historical agro-meteorological network. FA0 and ICARDA have recently installed about a dozens o f automatic weather stations, which are also equipped for rainfall recording. This i s a rather modest amount o f stations, and the project will support the installation o f 30 meteorological stations capable o f measuring the most important climatic parameters including rainfall intensity. A total o f 30 automatic weather stations, six for each major river basin, i s considered to be a minimumfor the country. The automatic ("total") weather stations would include the following equipment: Power supply, Data logger, Hydrograph (relative humidity), Precipitation(with heater insome cases), Class A evaporation pan, Air temperature with solar radiation shield on mast, Earthtemperature at different depths, Anemometer (windspeed), Electronic cabinet, and a 10mmast. Rain Recorders.. From a hydrological point o f view, the most important shortcoming o f the past (and present) system is, that none o f the existing types o f rain recorders i s capable to measure the water equivalent o f snowfall correctly. Rain gauges usingthe weighing principle are capable o f measuring the water equivalent (= weight) o f snow just as rain but this type o f rain gauges i s expensive and it has been reported that untilvery recently wind effects have been causing measurement errors. Tipping-bucket rain 114 gauges can be equipped with an overflow system filled with an antifreeze solution. It i s recommended to wait for the experiences to be made with the rain recorders to be procured for the above-mentioned snow stations, before additional rainrecorders are ordered. Rain Totalizer ("manual rain gauge". The network o f existing rain totalizers should be completed by adding a certain number o f stations in mountain areas. Suitable locations are villages at higher altitudes (above 2,000 m ad). It i s recommended to install rain totalizers at the observer's homes with clear instructions on how to measure snowfall by tahng the rain gauge into the house or by adding a known quantity o f hot water. It is proposed to procure rain gauges that are particularly suitable for measuring snowfall, i.e. with a larger diameter (min. collecting area 500 cm*), and with sufficient depth (vertical cylinder walls above the funnel) to accommodate snow. Rain totalizers should also be installed at each hydrological station as there are no additional costs involved if the gauge observer takes the rainfall readings as well. Software. Wherever data loggers are involved, i.e. at the hydrological stations (bubble-in principle and compact pressure probes) and at the snow stations, specific software i s required for communication, control, configuration and raw data management. Software for hydrological data processing, analysis and database management has also to be procured taking into account the variety o f measurement devices used for the hydro-meteorological observation network. Weather Radar and Upper Air Station. At this point, only one o f each weather radar and upper air station i s planned. Laboratory for sediment analyses. A detailed list o f materials and equipment necessary to operate in an efficient and effective manner the five laboratories will be preparedby MIWREstaff, inconsultation with the international Hydrologist, before any procurement will be initiated. Network Sustainability Sustainability o f the network and long-term quality o f the data acquired will depend on the availability o f funds and o f qualified and motivated personnel for operation. Most o fthe runningcost are not caused by the engagement o f measuring instruments but by operational expenditures for transport (cars), remuneration o f observers, decent salaries for qualified staff etc. Even the most basic network will fail if these funds are not made available for a sufficient long period o f operation. Any network will cease to operate, or produce very unreliable data as soon as, (i) the qualified technical field staff i s no longer available; (ii)observers are not paid regularly; and (iii) the necessary logistics (car, international procurement of spare parts) i s no longer available. TechnicalBackstopping. Technical problems with the hydrometric equipment should be addressed through support contracts with the respective suppliers. Hotline I e-mail support should be provided and backstopping missions shouldbe offered, if required. General technology transfer, usually free o f charge, can be obtained through the HOMS (Hydrological Operational Multi-purpose System): Descriptions o f hydrological instruments, technical manuals, computer programs and other materials are made available through HOMS by the Hydrological Services o f member countries o f WMO. On the international level, WMO supports operational hydrology and services while UNESCO (International Hydrological Program) rather concentrates on research and educational activities. It i s recommended to try to integrate the hydrological observation program inAfghanistan into a WMO program. 115 InstitutionalCooperationWith NeighboringCountries All the major river basins inAfghanistan are shared between Afghanistan and its neighbors. It is obvious that exchange o f hydrological information and common resources management are desirable. The Hydrological Service o f Afghanistan will first have to be (re-)established as an institutional, legal entity before we can think o f establishing cooperation structures. The hydrological parameters will be measured individually in and by each country. As long as the measurement methods applied comply with intemational standards, it i s not necessary to apply the same technologies or using the same equipment. Standards will have to be set later on for data exchange and tele-transmission for forecasting purposes. Installation,OperationandMaintenance An operational hydrological service needs three categories o fpersonnel, namely professional hydrologists (holding a university degree), hydrological technicians and observers. In the current situation in Afghanistan number o f professional hydrologists are very limited, and this level o f training cannot be achieved by short-term training measures. However, efforts should be made to train staff with university degrees inrelated fields (irrigation, geology, meteorology, civil engineering) by short courses, workshops and seminars to be held by intemational consultants. Tasks for hydrological technicians include: (i) take discharge measurements; (ii) maintain stations; (iii)collect/download data; (iv) establish and update rating curves; and (v) handle raw data. Observers are responsible for each station and for taking manual (control) readings. In Afghanistan, this task has traditionally been done by the local teachers, who are looking for supplemental income. Laboratory technicians are required to collect water samples from various parts o f the river basins for physical analysis. Initial training on equipment and its operation and maintenance should be organized in conjunction with the installation and commissioning o f the equipment, and preferably provided by the supplier. InstitutionalArrangements Inaccordance to the Ministry's plan for river basin management, five regional offices are proposed. A hydro-meteorological unit would be an integral part o f each regional office. It i s proposed that each hydrological unit would include three hydrologist, six technicians, and each observation station would have an observer. Given the distance and difficulty o f reaching some locations to be covered by the technicians and the hydrologists in each river basin, the establishment o f a sub-unit i s considered, that i s transferring some staff to province centers. The center in Kabul, in addition to being a regional center would also be the national depository place for all hydrological databases in Afghanistan. Therefore, in addition to the proposed staff under a regional center, it would also have an additional 4-5 personnel for data management and analysis. 116 .-E B z Y L a I I - I I I T 1 T s 5 c 4 * g'3B nn. W E ! j L .- ic 1~ L d I I m 2 Appendix 9 Afghanistan EmergencyIrrigationRehabilitationProject PotentialProjectsfor FeasibilityStudies A partial and preliminary list o f projects selected by MIWRE for feasibility or pre-feasibility studies i s discussed below (also see Table 1). However, this list may change during project implementation, as more information becomes available. Gatt IrrigationProject (Indus Basin): Located on the Logar river, a major tributary o f Kabul river, it will (i)provide water for the irrigation o f about 10,000 ha in Kabul Province, (ii)recharge the groundwater aquifers in and around the city o f Kabul, and (iii) provide the necessary environmentalbase flow for the city. The components o f the project include a small reservoir, diversion structures and a new irrigation canal. An essential positive impact i s expected to be an improvement or at least stabilization o f groundwater levels inand around Kabul City, where a population o f three million has to be supplied with potable water. Kama Irrigation and Hydrpower Project (Indus Basin ): This project is located in Nangahar on Kunar River, another major tributary of Kabul river. The purpose of the project is to provide reliable water resources for irrigation o f 12,000 ha o f existing and new land (9,000 existing and 3,000 new) situated on the left bank below the confluence o f Kunar and Kabul river inthe Nangahar Province. Project components are a diversion dam, a lined conveyance canal feeding the existing traditional canals that currently are experiencing difficulties with water extraction from the river, lateral canals, drainage ditches, and a run-of-the-river hydropower plant with 45 MW capacity. The Kunar river, originating in Pamir Mountains at over 7,000 maltitude, has one o f the highest and continuously available discharges in the country. Nangahar i s the second most populatedprovince in the country, with large areas o f fertile soils along the Kabul river, that produce three crops per year when adequately watered. Chamkani Irrigation and Hydropower Project (Indus Basin): The project is located in Chamkani District o f Paktia Province on river Chamkani, which flows Souteast towards the Indus river. Its purpose i s to store water for flood protection purposes along the Chamkani river, provide a reliable source o f water for irrigation purposes, and supply the Chamkani District with dnnlung water and electricity. Olambagh Irrigation and Hydropower Project (Helmand Basin): This project is located in the Urozgan Province on Helmand river. Water storage is to be provided for the purpose o f flood protection, drought mitigation and sediment management o f the Helmandriver downstream o f the proposeddam site. The proposed dam will regulate annual floods, provide electricity for the Southwest provinces of Nimroz and Helmand, decrease sedimentation o f the Kalakai reservoir situated downstream o f the proposed dam site thus increase the latter's life expectancy, and even mitigate negative drought impacts in the basin. Beneficiaries include the population in the two southwestern provinces o f Helmand and Nimroz, totaling 1.185 million people. 124 I 0 0 0 8 0 0, 3 M N W 3$ +- I s*K - I 0 N I ' 0 0 0- I W 0 z- 0 0 8 0 0 0 8 i m 3 ~ .- aY H?. El g?5 -2 Y --I---- a 3E 6 Bakhshabad Irrigation and Hydropower Project (Har-i Rud Basin): A feasibility study of this project was carriedout in 1976. The objectiveofthe projectthen was to stabilize the population inthe region that was moving out. The purpose of the project was to build a dam on Farah Rud and to provide irrigation water to 30,000 ha of existingfarmland. The plannedreservoirwas also intendedto supply the entire populationof FarahProvince with drinking water. Additionally, ahydropowerplant of 20 MW installedcapacity would have made electricity availablethroughout the Province. Inlight of the current socio-economic and climatic conditions, the feasibility study shouldbe revisedandnew justification for the projectprovided. Project on Northern flowing bind rivers (Northern Basin): Potential project has not yet been selected. Reconnaissance studies by MIWRE are inprogress. At least one project will be selected for preparingthe feasibility study, most probablyHash-dahNahr inBalkhprovince. Kelagai Irrigation and Hydropower Project (Amu Darya Basin): This project is located on the Kunduz river inthe Amu river basin in Baghlanprovince. Its purpose is to improve water supply for 56,000 ha of existingfertile irrigatedland that does not receive sufficient water during dry years, and to develop an additionalarea of 25,000 ha of land situated alongthe Kunduz river downstreamof the proposed dam, which was plannedto be constructed about 11kmupstreamof Pul-e-Khumri city. The stored water would have ensured sufficient drinking water and electricity supply for almost all of Baghlanandpart ofKunduzProvince.The proposedscheme includedthe followingworks: (i) A dam with a height of 80 m and a crest length of 665 m; (ii) Spillways and a hydropower station, with an installed capacity of up to 50 MW; (iii)A reservoir with a life storage of 800 million m3;(iv) Headworkswith off-take regulator; and (v) Secondary structures and other subsidiarystructures. The total cost of construction was estimated in the 1970s at US$ 45.4 million plus 2,069.8 million Afghanis, however, without including costs related to the resettlement of people from the reservoir zone and to the design and construction of irrigation systems for the 81,000 ha of land that would receivenew or improvedirrigation water supply. Irrigation Development and HydropowerProject on KokchaRiver( Amu Darya Basin): During the 1970s, a dam locatedonthe border of Kunduz and Takhar Provinceon Kokchariver was planned for the provision of irrigation water and for hydro-power generation, with the assistance from the Soviet Union. The objectives of the planned project were as follows: (i) irrigation of 12,120 ha of new land situatedonthe right bankof the Rwer Kokcha; (ii) improvementofwater supply to 7,740 ha existing and irrigated land located inthe command area of the Nawabad(Zulm) canal; (iii) securing sufficient water supply throughout the growing period to the left-bank Nar-e-Archi Canal and improvement of water supply to 25,400 ha of already irrigated land within the command area of this canal; (iv) increase of potential for future irrigation of 5,300 ha of new land in the Nowabad massif and about 12,000 ha of fallow land with irrigation canals but now unuseddue to the lack of water in the Nari-ArchiCanal; and (v) generation of electricity with an installed capacity of 10-20 MW. A preliminary cost estimate of the proposed multi-purposedamproject inthe early 197Os, excluding the hydropower station, was US$33.43 million plus 2181.2 million Afghanis. Constructionworks begun in 1980, and about 60% ofthe actual dam is completed. Eventually,the projectwas haltedduring the late eighties with the collapse ofthe Soviet Union. 126 Appendix 10 Afghanistan EmergencyIrrigationRehabilitationProject Monitoringand EvaluationFramework Concept: The monitoring and evaluation (M& E) framework is designed to measure different aspects of project performance during implementation. This i s essential to assess progress, exercise control and identify likely implementationproblems. The monitoring and evaluation activities would provide independentand continuous feedback to the implementingagencieson the project's performance and the impact o f various project components on a regular basis so that corrective action could be undertakenona timely manner. The monitoring indicators could be physical, economic or financial. As an example, key indicators would include project planning; programming and budgeting; performance of the consultants and contractors; effectiveness of operations; delivery o f water, irrigation and drainage services; and participation o f farmers and local communities. The M & E framework consists o f (i) inputmonitoring; (ii) monitoring; (iii) output outcome monitoring; and (iv) impact evaluation. Input Monitoring: Input monitoring will deal with monitoring critical inputs during project implementation, in term of their appropriateness, quality, timeliness and cost. Examples include procurement of goods, consultants and contractors. Output Monitoring: Output monitoring will deal with monitoring the completion o f various project schemes, sub- projects, training programs, studies and other project activities interms their appropriateness, quality, timeliness and cost. Example include rehabilitation o f irrigation schemes, installation o f hydro- meteorological stations and completion o f feasibility studies. OutcomeMonitoring: The real impact and benefits o f a project to the ultimate beneficiaries depend not just on project inputs and outputs but most importantly on the project outcomes. Outcome monitoring will deal with monitoring project development objectives and key outcomes o f the project. Examples that are specific to this project include (i)increase in area under assured irrigation (quantity); (ii) improvement in timely delivery of irrigation water (quality); and (iii) reduction in water losses inthe irrigation schemes (efficiency). ImpactEvaluation: Impact evaluation will deal with measuring the project impact on agricultural production and farmers' income. The objective o f impact evaluation would be to measure the success o f project 127 implementation in terms o f project development objectives and to assess its physical, agricultural, economic, environmental and social impact. Example o f likely project impact evaluation studies are (i) changes in input use, crop yields, cropping pattern and agricultural production; (ii) impact on rural income and unemployment; (iii) impact on surface and ground water supplies and quality; (iv) impact on water use and equity inwater distribution; (v) performance o f irrigation schemes and community activities (such as Mirab and Ashar); and (vi) overall benefits and economic impact o fthe project. Data Collectionand Analysis: Inputs, output and outcome monitoring, and impact evaluation will require data collection and data analysis on a regular basis. Baseline surveys need to be completed within six months o f the start o f the project. Duringproject implementation, baseline survey data would be compared with the new data to monitor, measure and evaluate the progress made towards achieving project development objectives. Organizational Responsibility: The implementation o f the M& E framework will be the responsibility o f the M& E Unit in the Ministry o f Irrigation, Water Resources and Environment. M&E Unit will not be part o f the Program CoordinationUnit (PCU) but the M&E staff will work closely with the PCU staff. StaffingNeeds: Highquality and motivated staff, with specific skills, is essential to implement the M & E framework. The likely staffing needs are: 1. TeamLeader (International) 2. Irrigation Engineer & Hydrologist 3. Agriculture Economist 4. Agriculturalist 5. Social Scientist 6. Environment Specialist 7. Computer Specialist 8. Data Collection Staff The generic terms o freference (TORS)are given inAttachment 1. EstimatedCost: The estimated cost for the M & E team consists o f (i) staffing cost; (ii) cost; (iii) travel communicationiinternet cost; (iv) operational cost; (v) survey cost; and (vi) cost related to printing reports. 128 Attachment 1 Terms of Reference For TOR for Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant I.Introduction Background. Agriculture is the most dominant sector inthe Afghan economy. It accounts for over 50% of GDP and most o f the exports. Over 75% of Afghans, who live in the rural areas, depend on agriculture as their main source o f livelihood. Most o f them are below the poverty line. The main issue facing the Afghans is how to transform the poorly performing subsistence agricultural sector into a modern, dynamic and sustainable agriculture economy that provides food security, generates farm income, reduces vulnerability andexpands livelihood opportunities. Lack o f assured and timely water supply at the farm-level through the existing irrigation system appears to be one o f the most critical constraints to food production, agricultural growth and rural development. This problem has worsened inthe last 23 years of conflict, neglect, floods and drought. In2002, the actual area under irrigation was only about 33% of the irrigation level in 1993 (the best available information). Furthermore, the years of conflict, lack o f any meaningful maintenance and war damage has contributed to deterioration o f irrigation infrastructure. As a result, the present dilapidated irrigation system is working at only about 25% of its efficiency, the norm is about 40% - 60%. Important to note that only about 10% o f the total irrigation infrastructure is formal andthe rest 90% i s traditional system that was always maintained by the farmers and the farming communities. However, the formal irrigation systemwas maintained by government as the farmers would not have the means to maintain the sophisticated infrastructure. In maintaining the system, the Afghanistan farmers traditionally have a community system indistribution o f water that has been functioning well over the centuries, and strengthening o f the system to include water management and other agriculture advisory services wouldbenecessary. In addition, at present, Afghanistan uses only about 30% of the total estimated water resources (both surface and ground water) available inthe country. Almost 99% o f this water is used for irrigation. In addition to watering the crops, the irrigation system is also a source o f dnnlung water supply for humansand livestock inthe rural areas. Among other problems to be faced is the lack of accurate and up-to-date hydrological information (the latest information i s 25 years old) for proper planning, development and use o f national water resources. In 1978, 167hydrological stations existed onmajor rivers o f Afghanistan, a number that was not sufficient for accurate estimate of the water resources of the country. All of these stations have since been damaged or destroyed. In addition, any initiative for sustainable managementand use of water resources inthe country would require accurate measurementso f water resources inthe system, without whch proper planningandmanagementwould not be possible. Project Objectives. The overall objective of the project i s to provide farmers inthe project areas with improved, reliable and equitable irrigation water deliveries to increaseagricultural productivity and farm income, improve food security and livelihoods and reduce vulnerability to drought. The objective would be achieved by (i) rehabilitating and improving existing dilapidated irrigation infrastructure; (ii) restoring and modernizing the hydro-meteorological network for better monitoring, planningand management o f water resources, including contingency planning for drought and flood; and (iii) developing the capacity of public sector water institutions, enhancing role of community water organizations and farmers for operating and maintaining irrigation system in a sustainable manner. This will reduce 129 poverty in the rural areas and accelerate transition to sustainable agriculture and dynamic rural economy inAfghanistan. Project Description& Components. The project would be covering rehabilitation o f small, medium and large schemes all over Afghanistan, and would be implemented on an emergency basis over a period o f three years. The project would also finance rehabilitation o f the hydrological observation network for the country as the system has not been functioning over the past 25 years and no data on water resources o f the country exist to plan and manage water resources. The project would also finance capacity building of the entities involved inwater resources management. Project components are: A. Rehabilitationo f irrigation schemes B. Rehabilitationo f the hydro-meteorological network C. Preparationo ffeasibility studies and monitoring D. Institutional development 11. Scopeof Services Descriptionof Assignment The Mmistry o f Irrigation, Water Resources and Environment will engage a consulting firm or an independent organization, following World Bank Guidelines, to carry out monitoring and evaluation o f project impacts. The main objectives o f this exercise are to evaluate the success in meeting the project objectives, and to assess its physical, agricultural, social, financial/fiscal, and economic impact. The project impact evaluation would also provide independent and continuous feedback to the implementing agencies on the project's performance and the impact o f its various components, so that, corrective action or fine tuning could be undertaken in a timely manner. The M& E reports would include, butnot be limited to, monitoring and evaluating the following: PhysicalAspects: 0 change inwater supply, equity in distribution, and timeliness in delivery due to improvements o fwatercourses, rehabilitation o f canals, andother irrigation infiastructure; 0 change in water supply, equity in distribution, and timeliness in delivery due to strengthening andformation o fWUA; 0 efficacy ofproject interventions --canal and watercourse rehabilitationiimprovement;and 0 changesinsystem maintenance regime andimpact on the sustainability o fthe system. AgriculturalAspects: 0 the impact on cropping patterns, intensities, yields, andshifts towards hgher value crops; 0 the changes inthe use o f agricultural inputs; 0 comparison o f agricultural productivity o f farms inside andoutside the project area; and 0 the impact o fvarious project interventions physical, sociological, andmanagerial on agricultural production, cropping patterns, intensities, andyields. SociologicalAspects: 0 Case studies and random monitoring o f strengthened or re-established `traditional' non-formal WUNParticipatoryCommunityOrganizationwouldbecarriedoutto assess: a. their effectiveness andsustainability prospects; 130 b. the equity and timeliness o f water distribution amongst members o f WUAs and cost sharingandO&M arrangements; c. the successor failure o fWUAs inO&M o f the irrigation system for the benefit o f all its members; d. the impact on small farmers and contribution to poverty alleviation, impact on tenants, and landless; e. the size, composition and representativeness (small and large farmers, head and tail enders) o fWUA benefiting from the project interventions; 0 the effectiveness o f the project's approach to community mobilization and the appropriateness, and timeliness (or otherwise) o fthe delivery o fthe project's incentives; 0 the performance o f the community mobilization consultantstgroups establishmg viable WAS; and 0 the impact o f strengthened or re-established management structures on water use and the consequences for water supply reliability for tail-end users, and the sustainability o f the system. FinancialandFiscalAspects: 0 the impact onthe gross andnet farmincomes o f WUA farmers; 0 the capacity o f farmers to pay their share o f the costs o f O&M, watercourse improvement, and canalrehabilitation; 0 financial sustainability ofthe system. EconomicAspects: 0 estimation o fthe project's overall economic rate o f retum (ERR) on "before and after" basis; 0 assessment o f O&M costs with and without project specifically in FO's managed areas and resulting returns due to increase inO&M efficiency; 0 assessment o f prospects o f long term sustainability of the system inthe "with" and "without" project scenarios; and 0 assessmento fthe secondary impact o fthe project on economic activity inthe project area. Methodologyfor the Reports The M&E consultants would be responsible for developing a data base for appropriate key indicators o f the project's impact. They would, augment the data base, as necessary, through field observations and studies. The M&Econsultants would develop their own methodology for monitoring and evaluating the impact o f various project components. T h ~ swill include design, development, testing, and operationalizing a system for monitoring and evaluating the project impact. TeamCompositionandInputs The consultants team would provide services in various fields over the duration o f project implementation period. An indicative team composition is given below: TeamLeader Agri. Economist IrrigationEngineer Hydrologist Sociologist'hthropologist Environmental Specialist Computeddataprocessing Analyst 131 OutputsandReportingSchedule The consultants will prepare the following reports, inter alia: a. An inceptionreport withmtwo months o fcommencing the assignment; b. a baselinelbenchmark report within six months o fcommencing the assignment; c. bi-annual reports by cropping season; d. quarterly reports on the performance o f WUAs based on selected case studies as well as random monitoring; e. quarterly summary reports; f. special reports as maybe necessary from time to time on specific assignments; g. a preliminary project impact evaluation report to be issuedbefore the Cre&t Closing date. 111. ConsultantSelectionandEvaluationCriteria The consultants would be selected using guidelines for Selection and Employment o f Consultants by World Bank Borrowers, January, 1997, revised September, 1997, January 1999, and May 2002. PCU would prepare a short-list o f six fm or joint ventures o f fm,geographically distributed by inviting expression o f interest. The invitation for expression o f interest would be published inthe UNnewsletter DevelopmentBusiness and local newspapers and copies would be sent to all Embassies inKabul. The PCU would recruit the Monitoring and Evaluation Consultants. Firms involved inProject Implementation would not be eligible the assignment. Each national and intemational fm would be allowedto participate only inonejoint venture. EvaluationCriteriafor Short-Listing. Inpreparing a short-list, o f firms the following criteria would be used: Leadfirm's experience inconsultancy 25 points Management o f irrigation systems 30 points Experience inMonitoring andEvaluation 30 points Project implementationExperience 15points Evaluation of Technical and Financial Proposals. The techmcal and financial proposals would be invited from the short-listed firms at the same time (two envelop system). In evaluating proposals from the consulting firms, 85 percent weight would be given to the technical proposal and 15 percent to the financial. The technical proposals would be opened first and evaluated by the evaluation committee. On completion o f the technical evaluation, the financial proposal would be opened and evaluated. Both evaluations (technical and financial) would be combined and the firm with the highest score would be recommended for the award. The evaluation report andrecommendation would be sent to IDA for review andclearance. The evaluation criteria would consist of 0 firms' experience 5 points; work programand approach 20 points; e proposedstaff 60points; TeamLeader 20 points Key staff (specified inLOI) 40 points e financial proposal 15points. 132 Any sub-criteria for evaluation of staff, firm experience, etc. would be announcedinthe LOI. The f i d j o i n t ventures scoring a minimumof 60 points intechnical evaluation would be consideredfor contract. Inevaluating financial proposals, the total cost of those staff for which, social cost, overhead cost, or fees are chargedwould be comparedamongaltemative proposals. 133 Appendix 11 Afghanistan EmergencyIrrigationRehabilitationProject Draft Terms of Reference for EngineeringDesign, ConstructionSupervision and ProjectManagement Consultants Background Agriculture is the most dominant sector in the Afghan economy. It accounts for over 50% o f GDP and most of the exports. Close to 80% of Afghans, who live in the rural areas, depend on agriculture as their main source o f livelihood. Most of them are below the poverty line. The main issue facing the Afghans is how to transform the poorly performing subsistence agricultural sector into a modern, dynamic and sustainable agriculture economy that provides food security, generates farm income, reduces vulnerability and expands livelihood opportunities. Lack o f assuredand timely water supply at the farm-level through the existing irrigation system appears to be one o f the most critical constraints to food production, agricultural growth and rural development. This problem has worsened inthe last 23 years of conflict, neglect, floods and drought. The years of conflict, lack of any meaningful maintenanceandwar damagehas contributed to the deterioration o f irrigation infrastructure. As a result, the present irrigation system i s worlung at only about 25% of its efficiency, the potential being 40% - 60%. About 10% o f the total irrigation infrastructure is formal and the rest 90% is traditional that was always maintained by the farmers and the farming communities. Strengthening of the community water management organizations is essential for the sustainability o f irrigation system. However, the formal irrigation system was maintained by the government since the farmers do not have the means to maintain sophisticated irrigation infrastructure. At present, Afghanistan uses only about 30% of the total estimated national water resources (both surface and ground water) available in the country. Almost 99% o f this water is used for irrigation. In addition to watering the crops, the irrigation system is also a source o f drinkingwater supply for humans andlivestock inthe ruralareas. Among other problems to be faced i s the lack o f accurate and up-to-date hydrological information (the latest information i s 25 years old) for proper planning, development and use o f national water resources. In 1978, 167 hydrological stations existed on major rivers o fAfghanistan, a numberthat at the time was not sufficient for accurateestimate of the water resourcesof the country. Sustainablemanagementand use o f water resources inthe country requires accuratemeasurementsof nationalwater resources. Project Objectives The overall development objective o f the project is to provide farmers in the project areas with improved, reliable and equitable irrigation water deliveries to increase agricultural productivity and farm income, improve food security and livelihoods and reduce vulnerability to drought. The objective would be acheved by (i) rehabilitating and improving existing dilapidated irrigation infrastructure; (ii)restoringand modernizingthe hydro-meteorological network for better monitoring, planning and management o f national water resources; and (iii) developing the capacity o f public 134 sector water institutions, enhancing role o f community water organizations and f m e r s for operating and maintaining irrigation system in a sustainable manner. This will reduce poverty inthe rural areas and accelerate transition to sustainable agriculture and dynamic rural economy inAfghanistan. Project Components To achieve the project development objectives, the project would include four components and would be implemented on an emergency basis over a period o f three years: A. Rehabilitation o f irrigation schemes; B. Rehabilitation o fthe hydro-meteorological network; C. Preparation o f feasibility studies andmonitoring; and D. Institutional Development. Scope of Services The proposed institutional structure for project implementation is given inAttachment 1.The scope o f services to be provided by FAO, which is subject to continuous discussion, for implementing the "Emergency Irrigation Rehabilitation Project" and developing institutional capacity for implementingthe irrigation sector rehabilitation program, are summarized below: 1. Rehabilitation of Irrigation Schemes: The tasks include carrying out detailed surveys and design, contract bidding and contract award, management and supervision and construction supervision o f civil works, and will include performing the role o f the "engineer" in contract management. The consultant will provide the following services relatedto this component: (i) Identification and selection o f schemes for rehabilitation based on the agreed selection criteria (both exclusion and inclusion criteria), including preparation o f t e c h c a l and economic, environmental and social evaluation o f the schemes andbest practice in the profession. This would cover all preparatory works, cost estimates, benefits, preparation o f scheme profile, preparation, feasibility and design report. Ths would also include concluding an agreement with community water organizations to contribute part o f the rehabilitation costs and to be responsible for the O&M, after rehabilitation is completed. (ii) Carrying out detailed surveys and design o f the schemes, evaluation o f alternative options for rehabilitation, selection o f best option, estimation o f quantities o f construction, preparation o f detailed drawings and biddingdocuments in accordance to the World Bank standard biddingdocuments and procurement guidelines. (iii) Construction supervision and contract management, making changes inthe design, if required, approval o f contractors payment certifications, and carrying out the role o f project manager andor engineer inaccordance with the World Bank standard bidding documents. These services would include, but not limited to, supervising the contractor; certifying monthly payments to contractor(s), valuing and issuing variations to contracts; awarding extension o f time and valuing the compensation events; developing and implementing an effective construction supervision and quality control regime; and ensuring timely completion o f works; and recommending design modifications on site. (iv) Assisting the management with preparation o f quarterly and annual progress reports and relevant sections o f the implementation completion report; assisting management in preparing and processing withdrawal applications for works; and facilitating annual audits by furnishingtechnical data and financial information required by the auditors. 135 2. Rehabilitation of Hydro-meteorological Network: This will include: (i) completion o f the design o f the hydrological network; (ii) preparation o fbiddingiprocurement documents; (iii) management of the procurement o f goods, and services; (iv) completing the installation o f the hydro-met stations; (v) provision o f training to the hydro-met staff; and (vi) establishment o f data collection, storage and dissemination system. 3. Feasibility Studies and Monitoring: This will include identification o f large irrigation schemes for feasibility or pre-feasibility studies as well as possible strategic studies; the preparation o f terms o f reference; procurement and recruitment o f appropriate consultants for undertaking these studies, andmonitoring andevaluation for the project; and supervision and quality assurance. 4. Institutional Strengthening: An important aspect o f the project is to build capacity o f the MIWRE. The capacity buildingcomponent includes rehabilitationo f premises of the Ministry in Kabul and in selected regional centers to be established ineach o f the five river basins, equip the Ministry withcomputers and other modem office equipment, both inthe center and inthe selected affiliated regional offices. Inaddition, for development o f humanresources capacity, an extensive training program will be funded based on a training needs assessment. The training would be provided to engineers, hydrologists, procurement specialists, financial management specialists, managers and the administrative staff. In addition to this, this will include support to MIWRE in establishing a design office, surveying teams, construction supervision teams, establishing a financial management system for the project, establishing a procurement unit inthe MIWRE, and monitoring and evaluation. Inaddition, recruitment o f auditors for carrying out project audit. 5. Project Management: This includes assistance to MIWRE and its Program Coordination Unit (PCU) for (i) procurement planning and processing and ensuring compliance with the World Bank procurement guidelines at all stages (receipt o f bids, evaluation and award of contracts); (ii) managing procurement process for procurement o f goods, works and services required under the project ;(iii)maintenance o f consolidated project accounts and arrangingfor timely annual audits; (iv) preparation o f consolidated annual work plans for all project components; (v) preparation o f annual budgetary requests; (vi) establishment o f a MIS, and preparation o f periodic progress reports and project implementation completion report; (vii) preparation and implementation o f training programs; (viii) recruitment o f auditors for carrying out project audit; (ix) preparation o f detailed terms-of-reference for studies and consultant recruitment (x) preparation o f project supervision plans for the Government. These services would be provided by the consultant with inputs from Accounting, Procurement and Financial Management Specialists. The consultant is expected to produce quarterly reports on the progress o f the project, including physical activities, procurement andfinancial management. These reports must follow the Bank formats. 6. Additional Capacity to Implement the Irrigation Sector Program: FA0 has surveyed approximately 12,000 small, medium and large irrigation schemes all over the country. Many o f these schemes require varying degrees o f rehabilitation. T h s initial information lays the foundation for the next step i.e. selection o f priority schemes for rehabilitation, comprehensive surveys, complete engineering designs and detailed analysis with respect to economic, social and environmental impacts as well as plans for strengthening community water organizations to ensure sustainability. This work would be handled, with full support from FAO, by the central office inKabul as well as by the regional offices located infive river basins o f Afghanistan. FA0 must make sure that these central and regional offices are fully equipped and have the human resourcelinstitutional capacity to carryout the expanding work program to rehabilitate the irrigation schemes all over the country. As the survey and design work expands, FA0 must also develop a system whereby private firms (local as well as international) are given the service contracts to carryout the survey/design/analytical work such that it does not become a constraint for expanding the actual rehabilitation program for the irrigation sector o fAfghanistan. 136 Main steps and Timeline The mainsteps and the proposed timeline for hiringFA0 is given inAttachment 2. Terms of Referencefor IndividualInternationalTeam Members The draft terms o f reference for international experts, including (i)water resources and irrigation specialist; (ii)hydrologist; (iii)procurement specialist; and (iv) financial management specialist are provided in Attachment 3. These consultants will make part o f FAO's international team o f specialists. In addition, FA0 needs to include a very experienced professional team leader and institutional development specialists. While these specialist must be professionally competent in their own fields of expertise, they must also have extensive experience inimplementing World Bank- funded projects, particularly inAsia. 137 Attachment 1: ProposedInstitutionalStructurefor ProjectImplementation Ministry ofIrrigation,Water Resourcesand Environment(MIWRE) Project SteeringCommittee ProgramCoordinationUnit(PCU) MIWRE-Kabul Chairman: Ministerof MIWRE Engineering Design, Construction Supervision and Project Secretary: PCU Director Management, including Financial, Procurement, Disbursement, Members: and InstitutionalDevelopment Staff 0 MOF PCUDirector 0 MIWRE Technical Specialists MAAH Procurement Specialist Head, Regional Financial Management Specialist Coordination Committee Institutional Development Specialist 0 Wilayat MIWRE Office Manager, InterpretersiSupport Staff Authorities F A 0 i I Regional Regional Regional Regional Regional Coordination Coordination Coordination Coordination Coordination Committee Committee Committee Committee Committee Western Basin Sistan Basin Amu Basin RegionalOffice RegionalOffice RegionalOffice Regional Office RegionalOffice Mazar-eSharif Herat Khandahar Jalalabad Kunduz PCU Deputy * PCU Deputy * PCU Deputy * PCU Deputy * PCU Deputy Director/Senior Director/Senior Director/Senior DirectoriSenior Director/Senior Irrigation Engineer IrrigationEngineer IrrigationEngineer Irrigation Engineer IrrigationEngineer * IrrigationEngineer IrrigationEngineer * IrrigationEngineer Irrigation Engineer * IrrigationEngineer * Hydrologist * Hydrologist * Hydrologist * Hydrologist * Hydrologist * Agriculturalist * Agriculturalist 'Agriculturalist Agriculturalist Agriculturalist * Procurement * Procurement * Procurement Procurement * Procurement Specialist Specialist Specialist Specialist Specialist 1 * Office Manager 'OfficeManager Office Manager Office Manager * Office Manaser * Accountant * Accountant 'Accountant * Accountant Accountant - SupportStaff * supportstaff supportstaff support staff support staff * FA0 * FA0 'FA0 FA0 'FA0 * MlWREwould also like to establish Regional Offices inBamyan and Paktia. 138 Attachment 2: Main Steps and Timelines ActiodStep 1Action taken by I Targetdate 1. 1 MIWRErequestto the Bank for FA0contract 1MIWRE I September 27,2003 2. Bank no objection for a TA contract with FA0 Bank October 04,2003 MIWREto issue aletterto FA0for intensionto 3. contract andpreparinga technical and financial MIWRE October 05,2003 FA0to prepare aproposal inconsultationto I 1 MIWRE FA0 October 31,2003 5' MIWRE's evaluation of the proposal and send the proposal to the Bank, along with its comments MIWRE November 16,2003 Bank's review and evaluation of the proposal and I 1 commentsiclearance Bank November 30,2003 to prepare a draft contract andsubmission to 1 MIWREandthe Bank FA0 December 15,2003 MIWREiBankno-objection to signingthe 1 11 contract MIWREiBank December 31,2003 Signing o f the contract between MIWREand 1 1 9' 11FA0 MIWRE/FAO January 08,2004 1 1 10. Advance payment to the FA0 MIWRE January 15,2004 1 11. FA0to complete teammobilization 1 1 FA0 1 January 31,2004 1 1 12. Start project implementation FAOJMIWRE February 1,2004 139 Attachment 3 Terms of Reference for Individual InternationalTeamMembers I.InternationalWaterResourcesandIrrigationSpecialist Responsibilities 1. Work directly with the Heads o f Departments o f Hydrology, Planning, Design, Quality Control to undertake survey, screen sub-projects, undertake feasibilities, prepare designs, and tender documents to start implementation o f the EIRP. In each task, the Consultant should be developing the capacities o f the Department Heads and their engineers; 2. Working with the locally recruited consultants and Ministry staff, ensure that all financial and logistic activities required to prepare and appraise sub-projects as scheduled, are implemented according to World Bank standards and all participants understandthese processes and standards; 3. Train national MIWRE staff on-the-job in all relevant project preparation and implementation activities, including the design o f hydraulic structures in irrigation systems; 4. Based on agreed criteria, select the irrigation schemes to be rehabilitated duringthe first project year, canyout surveys and prepare the design and tender documents for the schemes usingthe World Bank's procurement guidelines; 5. Prepare a standard set o f technical specifications for works to be carried out such as (standard design, civil engineering works, earthworks, etc., interim payments, supervision, certificate o f completion); 6. In collaboration with procurement specialist, develop a system o fprocurement for local contractors for small, medium, and large works i.e. pre-qualification of contractors; advertising and bidding using World Banks procurement guidelines (the procedures should clearly indicate the evaluation criteria and award requirements in terms o f bid security, performance bond, advancedpayment amounts, etc.); 7. Prepare, together with MIWRE, a system o f contract supervision o f the works, and train local staff in field work supervision, contract supervision and quality control (training should also cover development o f standard supervision reports, which will include photographs and a filing system for all document; supervision will also cover a post construction period to ensure that works carried out do perform through the maintenance period); 8. Work with other international consultants and the national EIRP project staff in reporting on all preparation and implementationaspects ofthe EIRP; 9. Prepare implementation plan for rehabilitation o f irrigation schemes for the whole project and detailed planfor year 1o f the project; 10. Prepare detailed reports on field assignments, monthly andquarterly progress reports; 11. Within the present Terms o f Reference, carry out other duties, as requested by the MIWREand/or the WorldBank. 140 Qualification MinimumM. Sc. inIrrigation Engineering and, at least 15 years of experience inthe design and implementation o f water resources and irrigation projects (traditional and modern surface irrigation schemes, hydro-meteorological observation networks, and flood protection works) in semi-arid regions; proven records o f organizing and managing large-scale rehabilitation and recovery measures in various aspects of water resources and irrigation project implementation, preferably in the Middle East; fluency in English (speaking and reporting), Pashtu or Dari desirable. Duty Station Kabul, with travel to Herat, Kandahar, Mazar-i Sharif, Jalalabad, Kunduz and other regions. 11. InternationalHydrologist Responsibilities 1. Work directly with the Heads of Departments of Hydrology, Planning, Design, Quality Control to plan in detail the hydro-meteorological project component of the EIRP. Whatever task the consultant is going to carry out inpursuingthe EIRP's objectives, the consultant should be developing the capacities o f the Department Heads and their respective engineers; 2. Advise and assist the Government Authorities, especially the Minister of MIWRE, in the preparation o f all necessary documents required to successfully initiate the rehabilitation ofthe hydro-meteorological observation network; 3. Collaborate with MIWRE's Advisors (ADB, GTZ, EU, UNEP), and evaluate the findings, conclusions andrecommendationsmadebythe ADB Hydrologist; 4. Review the primary network of 144 hydro-meteorological stations that were in existence before 1980, and determine the key primary stations that need to be implemented as part of the preparedhydro-meteorological network; 5. Ensure that all previous and existing hydrological and (ago-)meteorological stations to berehabilitated have beenvisitedbynationalor international professional staff; 6. Ensurethat all data and informationo fthe former hydrological stations as well as of the recently installed ones are collected, analyzed and properly stored in an adequate data base; 7. Supervise the topographical survey o f all stationsto be rehabilitated; 8. Design in detail the hydro-meteorological observation network taking into considerationthe framework for rehabilitationprovidedby the EIRP; 9. Prepare technical specifications for all equipment and materials required to rehabilitate the hydro-meteorological observation network (use state-of-the-art technology but ensurerobustnessandpracticability o fthe equipment to be procured); 10. Select potential sites for the installation of the planned snow stations and rainfall recorders 11. Prepare and conduct in each one of the five regional MIWRE Offices (Kabul, Herat, Kandahar, Mazar-i Sharif and Kunduz) a one week training course in hydro- meteorology; 12. Conduct workshops and training courses design, construction, operation and maintenance o fhydro-meteorologicalstations; 13. Conceptualize a precipitation (rainfall and snow melt)/ runoff model for the purpose o f water availability forecasting; 141 14. Prepare a briefand concise note on the requirements (staff, transport, equipment, mate- rial, cash) o f an efficient and effective operation and management o f the hydro-meteo- rological observation network (ensure also the procurement o f the requesteditems); 15. Collaborate with other Government Agencies engaged in hydro-meteorological data collection and analysis. 16. Prepare implementation plan for the rehabilitation o f hydro-meteorological network duringthe project anda detailed planfor year 1ofthe project; 17. Prepare detailed report on field assignments and monthly and quarterly progress reports; 18. Within the present Terms o f Reference, carry out any other duties as requested by the MIWREand/or the World Bank. Qualification MinimumM. Sc. in Hydrology, with strong background in hydraulic engineering and precipitationi runoff modeling. At least 15 years practical experience in performing the tasks described above (except for snow surveys) in semi-arid regions, preferably in the Middle East, fluency in English (speaking and reporting), Dari or Pashtu desirable. Duty Station Kabul, with travel to Herat, Kandahar, Mazar-i Sharif, Jalalabad, Kunduz and other regions. 111. InternationalProcurementSpecialist Responsibilities In accordance with the Terms of Reference (TOR), the following group o f tasks will be the primaryresponsibilityofthe Procurement Specialist: 1. Provide Day-to-Day Active Technical Support and Advice to the PCU in the Field of Procurement,Contract Managementand Administration. The Intemational Procurement Specialist will occupy an active position in MIWRE and will provide day to day advice and support to the PCU. It is recommended that the TA staff should retain independent consultant status, rather than having in-line positions within MIWRE. For example, they should not be delegated to stand in for the Project Coordinator in the latter's absence, ina way that would involve them in administrative matters or that might imply that they have authority to make commitments to other consultants or contractors on behalf o f the MIWRE. Use CurrentProcurementGuidelines, Monitor andVerify Procurementin all Sections. The Consultant will monitor procurement in all sections and in all institutions to verify compliance with current procurement guidelines, standards and procedures. Mistakes in following such procedures and guidelines are a common cause o f delayed implementation o f projects. The Consultant's main focus will be on-going monitoring so that procedural mistakes are avoided or, failing that, to permit prompt corrective actionbefore any mistake causes overall schedule slippage. The consultant will have to maintain liaison with the Government's central procurement Consultant, which is presently Crown Agents at the AACA. The Consultant will also ensure that the MIWREoffice has the current procurement guidelines ofthe WorldBank (WB). 142 2. Review, Check, and Monitor Procurement Circles and Establish Check List(s) of the Processand Timinginthe MinistryandInstitutions. As described inSection below, the Consultant will set up a master schedule o fthe entire MIWRE Project Database. A summary version will be produced to show all the key milestones and main activities that must be accomplished for implementation o f all its components, highlightingthe activities that are the responsibility o f MIWRE. The master schedule will be accompanied by checklists for each major milestone indicating all sub-tasks required and approvals needed. The Consultant will monitor procurement against these checklists and schedule and will ensure the correctness and completeness o f all submissions to be made to the World Bank. 3. Prepare Monthly and Quarterly Progress Reports for the PCU, Including Comparison BetweenPlannedand Actual Progress inPhysicaland FinancialTerms and Identificationof Delaysand Recommendationsfor RemedialActions. The Consultant will prepare the monthly and quarterly progress reports for the project in a format approved by MIWRE. This report will also be in conformance to the requirement o f the World Bankto recordprogress andevents, which have taken place onthe project. This will be one o fthe important management reports from MIWRE's viewpoint. The report will compare actual performance o fproject work, as measuredagainst the latest approved project plan. The Consultant will also prepare a critical action report, if needed. This report will be an exception report to alert the concerned party o f decisions and corrective actions taken by the Consultant to control the project and present major actions and alternatives for approval. This tool will concentrate the attention o f and assists MIWRE on the decisions and choices w h c h must be made to keep the project on course. The monthly report will contain detailed schedule information, progress, problems, resolutions, compliance, deviations and status onthe project activities for the month. Additional programs will be utilized by the Consultant to be able to do a fair comparison between planned and actual progress in physical and financial terms and identification o f delays and recommendations for remedial actions. Some o f these programs are: a. TrendProgram. The primary objective o f the trend program will be to track and control the agreed-upon project scope, quality, cost, and schedule. The trend program will also be used as the mechanism, which conveys an understanding o f the project evolution, as well as preventing cost and schedule surprises. Specifically, the trend program will allow MIWREto: optimize design; consider cost-saving alternatives; identify changes in the scope, improve quality, and services; take corrective actions before design deviations are irrevocably included inthe project. b. Forecasting. A project forecast is a periodic reassessment o f a project's scope, cost, and schedule. Project forecasting is an integral part o f the PCS. The extent o f the forecasting effort is dependent on project size, complexity, and scope. The objectives o f a project forecast will be to: evaluate the current status o f project cost and schedule; determine the critical items for management review and action; identification o f delay and proposed remedial action recommended; andprovide a sound basis for future project control. 4. Monitor Progress of Contracts Implementation to Ensure That it Abides by the Stipulated Standards,Proceduresand PlannedProcurementTimetable The Consultant will monitor progress o f contract implementation to ensure that i t abides by the stipulated standards, procedures and planned procurement timetable. Furthermore, the Consultant 143 will develop a set o f administrative procedures for the project which will assist MIWRE in monitoring and addressing cost, schedule, technical design, and procurement timetable. The Consultant's familiarity with basic procurement procedures of the Government o f Afghanistan, familiaritywith the World Bank's project, and the procurement and disbursement procedures and requirements o f the World Bank credit/loans will be the basis for the development o f these procedures. Following a review and comparison of the various documents and reporting requirements, the Consultant will propose a system o f procedures for review with MIWRE. Inworkshops with the Ministry staff, and other stakeholders, the Consultant will establish the reporting and frequency requirements, and work toward creating specific project level documents that contain the necessary information for each agency (MIWRE, World Bank) that can be exported in the individually desired formats. The key to this approach i s to build from the individual reporting processes and minimize development o f new procedures, while integrating the information into a coherent overview at the specific project level. Representative areas requiring monitoring procedures are summarized in the following sections. a. Project Schedule: The early development o f an integrated project procurement schedule is a key element that ensures good project implementation. Ths schedule needs to be developed to the greatest detail practical for the quality o f information used as input. Critical information to be considered is the size o f contract packages, status o f work done at the initiation o f the contract, outstanding technical issues or commitments, and impacts o f potential variances. Other issues include the form, scope, and status o f the design contracts. The Consultant will begin by working with the MIWRE team members and the staff from the MIWRE (design, and construction engineers) to identify information needed in order to establish a baseline procurement and project-specific schedule. Special considerations will be made for the uncertainties associated with various elements o fthe specific project, which will be assessedfor their potential schedule impacts. At all times, emphasis will be given to ensure conformance o f technical and contractual items with the already stipulated standards and procedures. The Consultant will work with the MIWRE to assimilate the information and assist in creating a draft project master schedule, which will serve as a planning tool over the life o f the project. The format o f the schedules will be tailored to the needs o f the MIWRE, usingPrimavera, Timberline andor MicrosoftTM project scheduling software, dependent on their needs. b. Project Budget: Another key element o f the project control process is development and continual refinement and monitoring o f the project's budget. Using proven techniques, including the trend program, early identification o f scope changes, and regular cost forecasting, the Consultant will be able to assist MIWREto hold and monitor the various participants accountable and identify early-on potential budget variations. Recognizing these exposures early to provide time for effective solutions is a cornerstone o f control principles. Consultant will also assist MIWREinpreparation o f the reports inaccordance with the World Bank format for review. c. Technical Procedures: From a technical procedures perspective, the Consultant will work together with the MIWREto monitor existing standards, specifications, procedures, 144 and criteria or assist in creating project-specific documents as necessary. Special emphasis will be given to ensure that IDA's procurement standards and procedures were followed by all Sections and Institutions that benefit from IDA's credits. While the interest inmaintaining the autonomy o f existing standards i s recognized, some project-level documents may need to be developed, depending on the final design and construction package division. The Consultant's approach is to review existing and required documents with the MIWRE to determine the most cost-effective means to develop project standards, specifications, and procedures while adhering to the IDA procurement guidelines. d. Contract Management: The Consultant will be focused to ensure constant monitoring and smooth contract management and implementation. Cost and schedule control will be monitored by ensuring that the development o f optimum scope definition was achieved in all design and construction packages. Adherence to the stipulated standards and procedures and planned procurement timetable will be monitored through constant dialogue and communication with all concerned parties. 5. Preparation of Specific Procurement Documents, i.e. Tender Documents, Terms of Reference and Request for Proposals for New Projects as M a y Be Required b y the Ministry If,and as, requested by the MIWRE,the Consultant will prepare intheir entirety, or assist with the preparation of, pre qualification documents and invitations for short listing, bid documents, terms o f reference and requests for proposals. Ifrequired the consultant will, as an additional service, make available back-up t e c h c a l staff to prepare terms o f reference for specialized services. It is expected that tender documents for construction services, particularly technical specifications and bills o f quantities, will be prepared by the consultants engaged for design and or implementation services, and that the Consultant's role will be primarily inassisting in the review o f such documents. The specific procurement documents, i.e. tender documents, terms o f reference and request for proposals for new projects, are prepared to clearly define the scope o f work for each contract. The Consultant will prepare, or ensure that other responsible consultants produce, documents o f hgh quality, which will be consistent with international standards, donor's procurement guidelines andproject policies. Particular attention will be paid to ensure that the procurement documents for each contract clearly identify both work scope and schedule interfaces. Inaddition, the documents will be structured so that the combined scopes o f work for individualcontracts encompass the overall project, ifneeded. This is accomplished by in- depth review and approval cycles conducted by each department andor group within the MIWRE. The Consultant will develop the commercial content o f the procurement documents for each contract package. The procurement documents will be based on project-developed master documents tailored to the unique requirements o f each contract. The project master procurement documents will include the procurement invitation, instructions, form o f proposal, form o f contract, general conditions, special conditions, and forms o f security. Tailored areas within the form o f proposal typically include design approach plan, detailing technical submittal for proposal data; workload data; key personnel resumes; and requirements for proposed work plans and schedules. 145 The special conditions will be typically tailored to identify work schedules and milestone dates, warranty requirements, reporting requirements, interfaces with others, work rules, laydown areas, insurance conditions, manufacturer's representative conditions, equipment performance guarantees, and specific liquidated damages. The price and payment section will be tailored in accordance with the donor's procurement guidelines and standards & procedures, to detail the limits o f disbursement provisions for mobilization, demobilization, material and equipment deliveries, work progress and shop performance testing and commissioning. The procedure for withdrawal o f the proceeds o f the loan will be stipulated, including direct disbursements if permissible and authorized. Retention requirements and terms of reduction o f securities consistent with the technical requirements will be established. In addition to price, the procurement documents specify any factors to be taken into account in evaluating procurements, and determine how such factors will be quantified or otherwise evaluated. If procurements based on alternative designs, materials, completion schedules, financing and payment terms are permitted, conditions for their acceptability and the method o f their evaluation will be expressly stated and at all times will be in conformance to the donor's current procurement guidelines. 6. Participate in the Evaluation for Pre-qualification of the Contractors, Expression of Interest for Short Listing, Tenders and Proposal and in Preparingthe Corresponding Report As requested by MIWRE,the Consultant willparticipate as an evaluation committee member or in an oversight role in the evaluation o f contractors' pre-qualification submissions, consultants' expressions of interest inbeing short-listed, proposals and tenders. 7. PrepareProcurementPlanfor the Project inorder to expediteproject implementation The Consultant will prepare procurement plan for the whole project as well as a detailed procurement planfor activities to be implemented inyear 1o fthe project. Qualification International Procurement Specialist with extensive actual experience in implementing World Bank funded projects and extensive knowledge o f World Bankprocurement procedures and guidelines. Duty Station Kabul, with travel to Herat, Kandahar, Mazar-i Sharif, Jalalabad, Kunduz and other regions. 146 IV. International Financial Management Specialist Responsibilities In order to achieve the above objective, the Financial Management Specialist working through the MIWREwill carryout, inter alia, the following tasks: 1. Retroactive Financing: Liaise with the Ministry o f Finance to make payments for expenditure to be incurred duringthe retroactive financing period. Ensure that all project payments, to be made out o f funds allocated from the GOAbudget, are properly recorded and accounted in MIWRE's own accounting system as well as in the records o f the Ministryo f Finance, andperiodically reconcile the two records. Ensure that adequate supporting documents are available for review by World Bank missions and the auditor. 2. Financial Management of the Project: Carryout necessary groundwork to prepare MIWRE staff for financial management o f the project. This will include, but not be limited to: 0 Setting up a simple application (spreadsheet or a database application) for recording all financial transactions o f the project using the coding system o f the Grant Management Unit (GMU). 0 Opening the Special Dollar Account for the project at the D aAfghanistan Bank (DAB); 0 Following-up with DABon operationalzing the Special Dollar Account; 0 Liaising with the Ministry o f FinanceIGMU and the FM Agent to ensure that project payments are promptly made; Provide guidance and training on financial management to the relevant MIWRE staff assigned to the project so as to build capacity within the MIWREfor implementation o f the project. 3. Project Financial and Management Accounting System: Ensure that accounting records are kept up to date, are reliable andare maintained according to GOAaccounting practices. Ensure that all financial and physical data relating to the project are promptly recorded, periodically verified with external sources (Da Afghanistan Bank statements, quarterly statements from the UN Agencies, records o f the GMU, etc.), and consolidated at the MIWRE. 4. Internal Controls: Ensure that GOApolicies and procedures are followed, the control system i s effective, and the accounting system is reliable. Ensure that corrective actions are taken promptly to remedy weak internal controls and report to the Minister o f MIWRE any circumvention o f the system or practices that will impede efficient andeffective use o f project resources. 5. Financial Reporting and Performance Monitoring: Consolidate project information based on reports received from MIWRE on a monthly basis, and prepare periodic financial statements and project progress reports. Compare actual physical and financial progress against the budgeted progress and report variances to the Minister to facilitate timely implementation o f remedial action 147 Report, periodically, to the World Bank (based on the Financial Monitoring Report format) and to Government Agencies on the financial andphysical progressof the project. 6. Disbursementsfrom the Grant Accounts: Ensurethat withdrawals from the IDA credit or any Grants are made only to meet expenses in connections with the project as they are actually incurred. Monitor the utilization o f the advance from the Special Dollar Account, in close coordinationwith the GMU. Liaise with the World Bank on disbursements and financial management issues. Ensure that adequate supporting documents are retained for project expenses and are available for review by World Bankmissions. Ensure that project complies with the financial and other legal covenants specified in the Grant Agreements and report promptly to the Ministerincase of non-compliance therewith. 7. Budgetingand Forecasting: Prepare annual work programs, with detailed estimates of the amount o fphysical work to be completed duringthe year for eachprovince. Prepare detailed annual budgets and the level o f financing required for carrying out the activities identifiedinthe annual workprogram ineachprovince. 8. Audit Reports: Liaise with the Auditor General's Department (AGD) for the timing of the audit. Inclose coordination with the GMU, prepare and submit project financial statementsfor audit within three months after the endo f each fiscal year. Respondto questions raised by the AGD duringthe audit process. Submit audit reports to the World Bank within six months after the end o f each fiscal year. Ensure that corrective actions are taken to rectify deficiencies reported by the AGD. Qualification: Financial Management Specialist should be sufficiently well qualified and experienced in financial management to be able to manage project finances, prepare essential financial management reports, and to monitor project progress. The consultant should hold an advanced degree in accounting or finance, or be a member o f a recognized professional accounting body (CPA, ACCA, etc.). Interms of practical experience, consultant should have, as a minimum, five years experience in preparing accounts, managing finances, andusingmanagementinformation system. Additionally, the consultant should have strong analytical, administrative, and computer skills. Experience in worlung on development projects and knowledge o f World Bank procedures is desired and would be a distinct advantage. Duty Station Kabul, with travel to Herat, Kandahar, Mazar-i Sharif, Jalalabad, Kunduz and other regions. 148