EcoLur
The World Bank is offering public representatives to meet and discuss Qaghtsrashen project. Laura E. Bailey, World Bank Country Manager for Armenia, has replied to the letter of the public representatives, where they expressed their concerns with the discussion organized by “Water Economy” PIU in narrow ranges on 22 January, where its hour was changed from the one in the agenda. The reply of the World Bank says,
“Dear Civil Society Representatives,
In response to your letter submited to the World Bank Yerevan Office on February 3, and published on Hetq.am and shared on social media on February 5, I would like to provide the following clarifications.
I have followed closely the developments around the Kaghtsrashen Gravity Irrigation Scheme under the Irrigation System Enhancement Project (ISEP) financed by the World Bank. In the course of the last year, the Water Sector Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of the State Committee of Water Economy, on behalf of the Government, held numerous meetings and public discussions with a wide range of the parties concerned. I greatly appreciate the contributions of the participants at these meetings; their questions and feedback are taken very seriously.
The World Bank has welcomed an open dialogue with all interested parties around the Kaghtsrashen scheme and will continue to do so. The World Bank takes the concerns raised by any of our partners seriously, and we will continue working with all partners to make sure that the expected outcomes under the ISEP benefit the water users of the twelve communities in Ararat marz without imposing negative consequences for the Garni community. I assure you that, as with all activities supported by the World Bank, the rationale for this project has been fully and carefully considered and that indeed technical alternatives have been explored (e.g. alternative locations for the weir). Moreover, we work diligently here in Armenia to ensure that all World Bank policies and practices are strictly followed.
My hope throughout the last year was that this active exchange, meetings, discussions, articles, both positive and negative, would bring the sides closer together. I see now that some of the questions which have been responded to and clarified earlier, are still of a concern to you. As such, I welcome your request for a meeting with us. I have already asked the Project team, led by Winston Yu, Senior Water Resources specialist, to hold a meeting with your group during the proposed visit to Yerevan next month. We will be happy to discuss your specific proposals. The World Bank Yerevan Office will reach out to you as soon as possible to find mutually convenient time for the meeting.
Finally, regarding the Enviromental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) meeting held on January 22 in Yerevan, I understand that for technical reasons the discussion was held in two parts, and that this means the technical presentation was indeed delivered twice. The final minutes for this consultation will include both parts of the discussion, being careful not to leave out any intervention.
I hope that this effort will provide further clarifications on the Kaghtsrashen scheme and help to build a consensus regarding this critical project for Armenia’s agricultural sector and rural communities.
Sincerely,
Laura E. Bailey
Country Manager for Armenia
Europe and Central Asia Region
The World Bank”
February 22, 2016 at 18:16