More than 8,000 large multi-purpose water infrastructures (MPWIs) around the world contribute to economic development, as well as water, food and energy security. MPWIs encompass all human-made water systems including dams, dykes, reservoirs and associated irrigation canals and water supply networks. Focused on the Shardara MPWI located in Low Syr-Darya Basin, South Kazakhstan and Kyzyl-Orda oblasts (provinces) of Kazakhstan, this case study, Strengthening Shardara Multi-Purpose Water Infrastructure in Kazakhstan, looks at the choice and design of MPWI investment strategies that ensure a high economic return on investments and potential bankability. The study is based on application of a computer model and incorperates lessons learned from 15 additional MPWIs.
Independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991 presented the republics of Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, with severe challenges for land management with ensuing economic, social, and environmental crises.
In this study the Total Economic Value (TEV) framework was applied.