Urban development experts, private sector specialists, key government officials, representatives of oblast (provincial) administrations, and experts from international financial institutions gathered today in Astana for a two-day workshop to discuss Kazakhstan’s urban water supply and sanitation infrastructure needs.
The workshop, which will focus on the infrastructure investment needs and financing modalities of the sector, is jointly organized by the Ministry of Investment and Development, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
“ADB is currently preparing its Kazakhstan Country Partnership Strategy for 2017-2021 and is keen to include water supply and sanitation as one of the priority sectors for operations to assist the government ensure safe and sustainable water supply across the country’s oblasts,” said Giovanni Capannelli, ADB’s Country Director for Kazakhstan.
On the second day of the workshop, oblast administrations’ representatives will present their infrastructure investment plans for ADB’s and EBRD’s consideration. The workshop includes focused discussions on project financing modality, ranging from sovereign operations to private sector investment, and blended financing schemes — where public sector money are leveraged to attract private sector investment.
“ADB has a strong experience in the urban and water supply sector. We have been supporting our developing member countries in transforming their water sector operations through technical assistance and investments. The workshop shares good international practice in sector operations and knowledge solutions showcasing the roadmap for undertaking transformations for utilities that can support modernization of Kazakhstan’s urban water supply and sanitation services. Mr. Ek Sonn Chan, Secretary of State, Royal Kingdom of Cambodia will be the keynote speaker to share the remarkable transformation of Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority,” said Yong Ye, ADB’s Director of the Central and West Asia Regions Urban Development and Water Division.
