Multinational - Baro-Akobo-Sobat multipurpose water resources development study project

The present project is a technical assistance from the African Water Facility (AWF) and the NEPAD Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility (NEPAD-IPPF) to the Eastern Nile Countries (Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia) for conducting the preparation study of the Baro-Akobo-Sobat (BAS) Multipurpose Water Resources Development. The BAS project has been formulated to address underdevelopment and to utilize water resources as an engine for socio-economic development of the region. The BAS project targets an area emerging from conflict (on the South Sudanese part) and lagging behind other regions (even on the Ethiopian side) in all socio-economic development indicators. The project encompasses activities structured into four output areas, namely: (1) Development of an integrated water resources management and development plan for the BAS sub-basin based on a comprehensive assessment of options through a Strategic Social and Environmental Assessment (SSEA) ; (2) Identification of investment packages and feasibility study of selected priority investment projects with win-win benefits and that build trust and confidence among the Eastern Nile countries; (3) Project identification of medium and long-term multi-purpose development projects (water supply and sanitation, hydropower, irrigation, navigation, flood control); and (4) Stakeholder consultation and engagement including engagement of potential financing agencies as well as the private sector in resource mobilization for implementation of short-term projects and for project preparation of medium and long-term projects. The project will be implemented over a period of 36 months and participate in fostering climate variability resilience in a neighboring region. The total cost of the project is estimated at €3,050,000, made up mainly of consultancy services for undertaking the study.