Water

ADB conducted a series of consultations to secure feedback from multiple stakeholders in conjunction with the comprehensive review of its water policy implementation. This report is the outcome of the Kazakhstan consultation.

• Objectives
• Process
• Participants' Observations on Key Issues
• Participants
• Full Report

• A new Water Code was adopted in 2003, strengthening the policy and legal framework for implementing water sector and sub-sector reforms. However, the Committee for Water Resources (CWR), the key agency charged with implementing the Code, lacks status and authority as well as capacity to coordinate efforts among the different sectors and levels of government and stakeholder groups.
• A Law on Rural Consumer Cooperation has been implemented, institutionalizing community participation and collective water use and management of irrigation services.

• A national IWRM plan has been developed and river basin councils have been established. Effective implementation of IWRM is expected to be a long term process, spanning 20 years and requiring a significant commitment from central government and all relevant ministries.
• The discharge capacity of the Syr Darya River in the Kazakhstan part of the Aral Sea has been increased with the implementation of the Syr Darya Control and Northern Aral Sea Project financed by the World Bank.
• Central Asian countries have agreed on sustainable development priorities at the sub-regional level.

• Irrigation coverage has increased with the implementation of the National Rural Development Program.
• A Water Supply Sector Program for 2002-2010 was adopted in 2002, and significant funds are allocated annually for its implementation.
• A potable water program, the Drinking Water Sector Program, was developed and implemented three years ago.