The “Improvement of the Irrigation Systems” project was implemented in the framework of the loan agreement signed between the Republic of Armenia and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The total costs of the project was $37.5 million, of which $30 million was founded through loans, and $7.5 million through co-financing by the Republic of Armenia. The program also included and additional financing loan agreement titled “Additional Financing for the Improvement of the Irrigation Systems Project” valued at $2 million. 

The program consists of three components:

COMPONENT 1: IRRIGATION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT

• Subcomponent 1.1: Replacement of mechanical irrigation with gravity-fed systems.
• Subcomponent 1.2: Improvement of the condition of discharge canals and other canals transporting mechanical irrigation water.

COMPONENT 2: MANAGEMENT INFORMATION

• Subcomponent 2.1: Technical studies.
• Subcomponent 2.2: Installation of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.

COMPONENT 3: PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND WUA SUPPORT TEAM

• Subcomponent 3.1: Program management.
• Subcomponent 3.2: Water Users Association (WUA) Support Team.

 

The program was implemented between 2015 and 2019, resulting in the following:

 

1.     Construction of 4 gravity-fed irrigation systems:

·       Meghri Gravity Fed Irrigation System

·       Geghardalich Gravity Fed Irrigation System

·       Baghramyan-Norakert Gravity Fed Irrigation System

·       Kaghtsrashen Gravity Fed Irrigation System

 

2.     Restoration of 14 irrigation discharge canals:

Achajur, Metsamor (Tandzut-Ghamshulu), discharge canal of the Kara-Kala four-stage pumping station in Noyemberyan, Kaghtsrashen, Avshar-Aygevan, Armash pumping station, Arazap, Zovk, Argina, Aralanj, Jrashen-Azat, Zeytun-Haghtanak.

 

3.     Restoration of 3 on-farm irrigation systems:

·       Baghramyan-Norakert on-farm irrigation network

·       Garni on-farm irrigation system

·       Hatsavan on-farm irrigation system

 

4.     Proper technical and architectural supervision of the construction works, as well as consulting services, were duly ensured within the framework of the project.

 

5.     Technical studies, needs assessments, and technical audits were carried out:

A total of 83 metering devices compatible with SCADA system were provided to WUAs and “Jrar” CJSC. Specifically, WUAs received 31 ultrasonic level meters and 4 flow meters, while “Jrar” CJSC received 39 ultrasonic level meter an 9 radar level meters.

 

6.     Assistance and support aimed at capacity building for the executive and management bodies of the WUAs were provided, specifically in the form of trainings, experience exchange, and software development.

 

7.     Normal and effective operations were ensured for the organization implementing proper program management, as well as for the WUA Support Team included within.