The EDB proposed consolidating efforts to overcome water stress in Central Asia. This became known on June 27. EDB Chairman of the Board Nikolay Podguzov shared possible ways to resolve this issue.
The countries of Central Asia are facing serious challenges, one of which is overcoming water shortages, the leadership of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) noted at a business forum organized by the bank, Sputnik.Kazakhstan reports.
“The region loses almost 40% of water when irrigated lands, loses up to 55% in networks when drinking water is supplied, 13% of the population of Central Asia does not have access to safe drinking water. The region is in the zone of water stress, in three years in the inertial scenario it may enter a phase of chronic water shortage,” Podguzov said.
According to the Chairman of the Board of the EDB, in recent years, the authorities of the Central Asian countries have begun to take practical steps to solve this problem. Kazakhstan, for example, announced the digitalization of 3,500 km of irrigation networks, the construction of 20 reservoirs, and the installation of real-time water meters in waterways. Measures to save water are also being taken in Uzbekistan.
According to Podguzov, it is necessary to eliminate the problem of water shortage for irrigation in the amount of 5-12 cubic kilometers, provide access to drinking water for 10 million people and unleash the hydro potential of the region.
“No major international development bank can single-handedly build a multi-billion dollar infrastructure facility, whether it is a hydroelectric power plant or a transport hub. Cooperation in the capital market is necessary. Cooperation between international development banks is especially useful where long-term international efforts are needed,” he stressed.
The EDB’s strategy envisages investing almost $11 billion in the economies of its member states until 2026, since it is impossible to respond to challenges without joining forces.
Recall that water shortage is one of the main threats to the whole of Central Asia, including Kazakhstan. The day before, it also became known that following the negotiations between the two countries, Kyrgyzstan will increase the supply of water to the republic along the Shu and Talas rivers.
Earlier, the Eurasian Development Bank presented 10 steps aimed at solving problems with water resources in the region. The EDB and Astana also agreed to join forces to attract water investment. At the same time, according to experts, the Global Water Strategy for 2022-2027 promoted by the United States may become a source of additional disagreements in the region.
Read more about the water crisis in Central Asia and the risks associated with it in the Eurasia.Expert article.
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Central Asia faces chronic water shortages if nothing is done – EDB | Eurasia expert
