DIRECTORATE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM POWER PLANS TO BUILD SEVERAL 40-60 MW HPSS

In 2009, the Directorate for Development of Small and Medium Power in Kyrgyzstan intends to build several hydroelectric power stations with total capacity of 40 to 60 megawatts, its director Felix Kulov told at a press-conference.

According to him, the total capacity of newly built hydroelectric power stations can be up to 80 megawatts, but “everything depends on the suppliers of equipment”. “Now addressing these issues becomes difficult due to the economic crisis”, Felix Kulov said .

He believes that the construction of small and medium-sized hydroelectric power stations will help the republic to deal with energy crisis. Also, according to Felix Kulov, the country can solve the energy crisis with the help of measures that the Ministry of Industry and Energy is to take to reduce losses in the industry by 10 percent, and through establishing of joint-stock management companies.

Source: CARNet, 14.01.2009

DRAFT COUNTRY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR 2009-2011 PRESENTED TO KR PARLIAMENT

The draft Country Development Strategy for 2009-2011 was presented to deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh 8 January, 2009.

The project represents a strategic vision for the development of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2011 and is an updated version of the country's development strategy for 2007-2010. The reason for the changes and additions, as the government explain, was “the message of the KR President dated 10 January 2008, the initiative to form the New Economic Policy (NEP), the worsening global trends, the impact of the global crisis on the economy of our country and the macroeconomic situation in 2007”.

The text of the Strategy states that it “identifies the development directions and the country activity to raise the living standard of citizens through constant growth of the economy, fighting unemployment and poverty, providing high and stable income and access to a wide range of social services”.

However, the paper noted that “ tomorrow's public administration will feature: independence and responsibility, efficient use of resources, bold and creative solutions, support of initiatives and innovation, enhancing the capacity of human resources, competence and outlook”.

The Government also emphasizes that «for the first time in the country the paper for the next three years, considered not only the achievements but also the challenges and risks that will really affect the development of the country, including energy and food security, and others”.

Recall that a separate unit in the strategic direction of the document included “Improving the quality of the environment”, which set such priorities as ensuring environmental security and comprehensive security for the population and territory from natural disasters.

The document was discussed in September 2008 by general public. The comments and suggestions to CDS made by the ministries and departments, the businesses, non-governmental organizations and the donor community made up nearly 80 percent of the total number of proposals. As a result, the finalized draft strategy introduced to the Jogorku Kenesh.

Source: CARNet, 14.01.2009

WORLD BANK IN KAZAKHSTAN ANNOUNCES GRANT COMPETITION FOR NGOS

The World Bank Country Office in Kazakhstan is pleased to announce launch of the grant competition under the Civil Society Social Development Fund (formerly known as World Bank Small Grants Program, further on - CSF) for the total amount of US$ 45,000 for nonprofit, nongovernmental, nonacademic organizations of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Any institution involved in development broadly defined may apply for a grant. Usually individual grant cannot exceed US$ 5,000. Applications are accepted in the World Bank Offices in Almaty and Astana till March 16, 2009.

Activities supported by the CSF are intended to promote dialogue and dissemination of information, and enhance partnerships with key players in support of the development process. In 2009, the CSF will support projects focusing on engagement of population in the development processes. Priority will be given to projects implemented in the rural areas. Special attention will be paid to projects aimed at building capacity of civil society organizations in identification of potential projects, project management, and leveraging funds. The CSF does not provide financing for political activities of any scope and level.

Series of seminars will be conducted for potential CSF grant competition participants in several Kazakh cities in February aimed at increased understanding of the CSF goals and purposes by the target audiences. Dates, time, and venues of these seminars will be communicated through the World Bank internet site. Additional information on the CSF selection criteria, guidelines for participation, and application package can be found at http://www.worldbank.org.kz/or obtained in the World Bank Offices in Astana and Almaty.

The Civil Society Social Development Fund, which operated as the WB Small Grants program till 2007, was created in 1983. While working in Kazakhstan from 1998 to 2008 the CSF has supported 74 projects for the total amount of US$ 333,000.

Source: CARNet, 14.01.2009