A Concept Note

On
Water Supply Network Project through Water Pumping
System
In
Nili Center of Daikundi Province
By
Aga Khan Foundation – Bamyan Region

Date: September-2023
 Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan

1. Project Summary
Project Tittle Construction of Water Supply Network through Solar-Powered Water Pumping System
Location Nili, Daikundi Province
AKF contribution 528,399 USD
Duration 1 year
Beneficiaries 10500 Residents including family members, students, employees, prayers, market, and
hotels` customers.
Overall Objective The overall objective of the Water Supply Network Project is ‘to provide sufficient
drinking water and enhance living conditions of communities through properly
provision of safe-drinking water supply system from the Lazeer Bridge to Nili City
benefitting 10500 people as direct beneficiaries.

2. Overview of the Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan

Aga Khan Foundation AKF (Afg) has over 20 years of experience implementing rural development interventions in
Afghanistan. We work across six thematic focus areas: Agriculture & Food Security (including Rural Infrastructure),
Economic Inclusion, Education, Early Childhood Development, Health, and Civil Society and Governance. We bring
together human, financial, and technical resources to some of the poorest and most isolated and marginalized
communities in Afghanistan to improve their quality of life. We approach Gender as cross-cutting, working toward
women’s equality in all thematic focus areas. As a direct implementer, we use a holistic approach, concentrating
multiple thematic interventions in a multi-input area development (MIAD) approach. At the same time, we align our
work with that of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, including the Afghanistan National Peace
and Development Framework (ANPDF) and relevant National Priority Programs (NPPs).

3. Project Relevance
Afghanistan National Development Strategy
The project is relevant to the Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework (2017 – 2021) development
strategy, pillar 3 on ‘economic and social development’ by increasing access of rural communities to safe drinking
water and sanitation in rural and urban areas. The mission will be achieved by ‘rural water supply and sanitation
program’ with high priority to the provision of rural water supply and sanitation projects1.
Afghanistan Water Law
According to the Article six and nineteen of Afghanistan Water Law that indicate the use of water for drinking
purposes “Water resources may be used according to the provisions of this law with due consideration for the
praiseworthy customs and traditions of the people to meet the needs for drinking water, livelihood, agriculture,
industry, public services, energy production,” there is no prohibition to implement the project.
Sustainable Development Goals
The project is aimed at improving health status of communities by increasing access of safe drinking water that
corresponds to United Nations’ sustainable development goal number 6, ‘ensure access to water and sanitation for
all’2. AKF (Afg) has extensive experience promoting hygiene and sanitation practices and standards at household and
community level through social campaigns, establishing health and hygiene groups and implementing infrastructure
projects to upgrade or construct water supply network, pipe schemes and latrines in schools and public places in the

1
Afghanistan National Development Strategy, Pillar 3: Economic and Social Development, p.9
2Sustainable Development Goal, Knowledge Platform, ‘ensure access to water and sanitation for all’,
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/topics/foodagriculture, accessed on June 28, 2019

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communities. Therefore, this project will complement AKF’s efforts in aligning its development initiatives with
sustainable development goals ensuring extended communities’ benefit in the region.

4. Social and Environmental Assessment

As it is clear that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process or a method in which the effects of a project
or its operation on the environment are investigated and predicted so that when the project is carried out, according
to the knowledge of the existing situation and the type of effects, the work or operation can be carried out in such a
way as to have the least impact on the environment. Therefore, Environmental Impact Assessment of Nili Water
Supply Network is explained as follows:
1) Impacts of project on physical Environment
A major part of the activities of this project is the digging of the pipeline route to transfer water from the sea
route to the settlement area (Nili City). The width of the excavation will not exceed 20 cm. Therefore, it does
not destroy the rock, the mountain. There are no water resources in the way of implementing the project that
will be affected by the implementation of various activities of this project. No environmental pollution such
as air pollution will be created during the excavation of the pipeline route. Because digging will not exceed
20 cm in width. This project doesn’t create any kind of noise pollution. During the implementation of the
project, there is no soil destruction because the land will not be largely excavated. The pipe path is filled after
digging and after installing the pipe, which then returns to its original state and has no environmental effects.
2) Impacts of project Social Environment.
Since this project is for public benefit, it does not create any negative social effects. The social effects of this
project are not only negative, but also bring more cohesion to the city's residents. Because the implementation
of this project will make water available in the city, and the availability of water will increase trade and social
cohesion. In the last three years, various diseases in the city of Nili due to the lack of safe drinking water has
increased far more than in the neighboring villages and districts, which can be a terrible alarm for people,
especially children and women, and in the near future. The vulnerable part of the society, which includes
children and women, will suffer more, but the implementation of this project will lead to the provision of
healthy water, which will ultimately reduce the spread of diseases in the city and create a disease-free society.
Due to the lack of clean water, the number of students in private schools and institutes has decreased, but
with the implementation of this project, the number of students and institutes will also increase. Therefore, it
can be clearly stated that the negative social effects of this project are completely zero.
3) Impacts of project on Economic Environment
The implementation of this project will not only provide drinking water for the residents of the town, but it
will also cause a number of people to use the available water to prepare their family gardens and greenhouses
and even use it to irrigate fruit trees, which will create employment. in the long term it creates employment
for people. But the bad effects of this project on the economy and job creation are completely zero, and more
importantly its implementation will cause tremendous employment in society and reduce the unemployment
rate to an extent.
4) Cultural Environment
The implementation of this project will not only have any negative effects on the cultural environment such
as recreational places, religious places, scientific places, historical monuments, and conservation places, but
it will also cause the growth of all of them and give new spirit to public places.
5) Impacts of project on biological environment
The implementation of this project will have extremely important effects on plants and animals. Because due
to the lack of water in recent years, many fruitful trees have been destroyed, and people have not been able
to create a family garden in their home area for access to vegetables in recent years. Due to the lack of enough
water, many trees in the alleys have dried up in recent years. The implementation of this project will once

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again make the residents of Nili city, especially women, have access to vegetables and once again provide
enough water for the trees in the alleys and houses.
Therefore, the implementation of this project will not have any negative effects on the biological environment,
but it will cause the growth and strengthening of this part of the environment.

5. Project Context
The Solar Water Pump Project aims to address the
pressing issues caused by climate change, particularly
drought, in Nili city, Daikundi Province. Nili is an
extremely vulnerable province with severe water
shortage, poor soil quality, and frequent droughts,
avalanches, and floods. These environmental challenges
have had devastating effects on agriculture,
infrastructure, and food security, leading to significant
economic, social, security, and cultural hardships for
hundreds of thousands of residents.
This year, the impact of climate change on water
resources, agriculture, and livestock in Nili has been
particularly severe and alarming compared to previous
years. Rainfall has decreased by an estimated 40-50% compared to previous years, resulting in the depletion of water
sources that were once abundant. This year's dry conditions are expected to persist throughout the spring and summer,
exacerbating the challenges faced by the local economy, security, and the survival of fruit trees, such as almonds and
apples, as well as non-fruit-bearing plants. Additionally, pastures and forests, which are vital economic resources for
livestock, are also at risk.
The decline in rainfall is significant, with approximately 300 mm in 2015, 200 mm in 2016, and a further 40%
reduction this year, indicating a substantial and alarming decrease. The drought has already caused significant losses
for farmers in the agriculture sector and continues to have negative effects across all sectors, including social security,
leading to increased migration.
A survey conducted by the Department of Environmental Protection and Agriculture revealed that approximately 35
Kariz springs have dried up in the center of Daikundi, with Nili city, the provincial capital, being particularly
vulnerable. Groundwater levels in the city have sharply declined, and investigations indicate an annual decrease of
60-100 cm in underground water levels.
Governmental and non-governmental organizations heavily rely on and consume most of the underground water in
Nili city. Consequently, residents in the surrounding rural areas suffer from inadequate access to drinking water and
insufficient water for agricultural purposes. The underground water levels have decreased by nearly 70% compared
to the previous year (2016), resulting in numerous challenges for the population. The scarcity of water poses a
significant risk to infrastructure and economic growth and has led to the outbreak of waterborne diseases due to the
lack of safe drinking water.
Furthermore, the drought has had several other adverse effects on the residents of Daikundi, including increased
migration of Nili city residents to nearby areas and villages, a rise in diarrhea and other water-related diseases,
abandonment of homes by Nili city residents, the drying up of springs and green areas due to water scarcity, higher
mortality rates due to drought-related diseases, and widespread disillusionment and frustration among citizens due to
the lack of drinking water.
Given the gravity of these problems, implementing the Solar Water Pump Project in Nili city with establishing of
1500 water points is crucial to alleviate the water crisis, mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, and improve
the living conditions of estimated 10500 people residing in the city.

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6. Project Description
The proposed solution for addressing shortage of safe-
drinking water is the implementation of a Solar-Powered
Water Pumping System Project with establishing of 1500
water points in the Nili City. This System will involve the
transfer of water from Lazeer Bridge to Nili city over a
distance of 7200 meters, with an elevation gain of 409
meters. It is estimated that two water sources will be
established along with two water reservoirs to save water
and distribute to the city.
To achieve this, the project will include the supply and
installation of 360 bases of 400-watt monocrystalline solar
panels. These solar panels, manufactured in England, come
with a warranty period of 20 years, ensuring long-term
reliability and performance. The solar panels will harness solar energy to power the water pumping system, providing
a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution.
The project will also involve the provision of water by supplying and installing two water pumps with a two-inch
water capacity each. These pumps need a power capacity of 15-20 kilowatts and will be capable of throwing water to
a minimum height of 200 meters. They will have a pumping capacity of 10-15 cubic meters per hour, effectively
meeting the water demand of Nili city. The water pumps will come with a one-year warranty to ensure their proper
functioning and maintenance.
The final component of the project is the transfer of water to Nili city. Two water pumps will be installed with volume
of two-inch water each to facilitate the efficient and continuous supply of water from the source from Lazeer Bridge
to Nili city. These pipelines will enable the delivery of four-inch water, which is a sufficient volume of water to meet
the needs of the population and mitigate the water scarcity issues faced by the residents.
By implementing this comprehensive solar water pumping system, the project aims to alleviate the water shortage in
Nili city and improve the living conditions of the affected population. The use of solar energy as a renewable power
source ensures a sustainable and cost-effective solution, while the warranty periods provided for the solar panels and
water pump ensure the long-term reliability and functionality of the system. The below chart indicates the estimation
of our calculations on the amount of water needed for the residents of Nili Center of Daikundi Province.
The estimation of water amount needed for every individual is calculated based on the minimum need per individual
and based on the engineering team survey in the field considering MRRD manual.

No Sector Number of population Individual Demands Total Demands

institutions (L/day) (L/day)
1 Mosque 4 800 5 4000
2 School and institute 11 2150 5 10750
3 Residents of Nili in 657 4600 30 138000
the four Phases
4 Governmental 33 950 5 4750
Organizations
5 NGOs 25 500 5 2500
6 Market and Hotels 38 1500 5 7500
General Total 768 10500 55 167500

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7. Project Theory of Change:

Goal
To provide safe-drinking water for 10500 residents in Nili city with a sustainable and reliable water supply, improving
living conditions and promoting environmental sustainability.

Immediate Outcome 1: Enhanced Access to Sustainable Immediate Outcome 2: Improved Living Conditions and
Water Supply Sustainability

Output 3:
Output 2: Output 3: Output 1: Output 2: Renewable solar
Output 1: energy utilized,
Solar Water Pump Water provided Increased access to Reduced
Sustainable safe- reducing
System established through the clean and reliable waterborne
drinking water dependence on
with a capacity of efficient operation water for drinking, diseases due to the
supplied for 10500 fossil fuels and
10-15 cubic meters of the solar water cooking, and availability of safe
residents contributing to
per hour pumping system sanitation purposes drinking water
environmental
sustainability

Project Goal: The main goal of the Solar Water Pumping System Project is to provide safe-drinking water for 10500
residents in Nili city with a sustainable and reliable water supply, improving living conditions and promoting
environmental sustainability.
Immediate Outcome 1: Enhanced Access to Sustainable Water Supply.

• Output 1.1: Sustainable safe-drinking water supplied for 10500 residents. This output involves procuring
and installing 360 bases of 400-watt monocrystalline solar panels. The solar-powered water pumping system
provides a sustainable and uninterrupted water supply through two water sources and two water reservoirs to
distribute water to Nili city residents.
• Output 2.1: Solar-Powered Water Pump System established with a capacity of 10-15 cubic meters
water per hour. This output involves procuring and installing two water pumps with a capacity of two-inch
water each with a need of a power capacity of 15-20 kilowatts. The water pumps will be designed to efficiently
lift and deliver water to a minimum height of 200 meters, overcoming the elevation challenges in the terrain.
It will have a pumping capacity of 10-15 cubic meters per hour, ensuring an adequate water (4 inch) supply
to the entire city.
• Output 3.1: Water provided through the efficient operation of the solar-powered water pumping
system. This output focuses on the operation and maintenance of the solar water pumping system. The system
will utilize the energy generated by the solar panels to power the two pumps with two-inch water capacity
each, ensuring the efficient extraction and transfer of water from the source at Lazeer Bridge to Nili city. The
system will be designed and operated to provide a continuous and reliable water supply to meet the needs of
the residents.

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Immediate Outcome 2: Improved Living Conditions and Sustainability.

• Output 1.2: Increased access to clean and reliable water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation purposes.
This output aims to provide the residents of Nili city with increased access to clean and reliable water for
their daily needs. The solar water pumping system will ensure a continuous supply of safe drinking water,
improving health and hygiene conditions. It will also support cooking and sanitation activities, enhancing the
overall well-being of the community.
• Output 2.2: Reduced waterborne diseases due to the availability of safe drinking water. This output
aims to address the health risks associated with waterborne diseases. By providing a sustainable and clean
water supply, the project will contribute to a reduction in waterborne illnesses, such as diarrhea and water-
related infections. Access to safe drinking water will promote better health outcomes and improve the overall
quality of life for the residents of Nili city.
• Output 3.2: Renewable solar energy utilized, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and contributing to
environmental sustainability. This output highlights the project's contribution to environmental
sustainability. By utilizing renewable solar energy to power the water pumping system, the project reduces
reliance on fossil fuels and associated greenhouse gas emissions. It promotes the use of clean energy sources,
aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change and reduce the environmental footprint of water
management systems.

8. Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

Our Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Unit will have the responsibility of the M&E plan. The
monitoring arrangements in the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan in this project involve systematic tracking of the
Solar-Powered Water Pump Project's progress, effectiveness, and impact. The M&E plan will outline the following
components including the monitoring type that will be employed in the plan is a combination of process monitoring
and impact monitoring. Process monitoring focuses on tracking the implementation of project activities, such as
regular site visits, inspections, and monitoring of water flow and quality. Impact monitoring, on the other hand,
assesses the project's outcomes and impact on access to water, health, and livelihoods. And the Monitoring team in
this project includes Project Staff: The project staff members will be responsible for day-to-day monitoring activities,
such as conducting site visits, inspections, and data collection, Community Members: Community participation is
crucial in monitoring the project's impact. Community members can provide valuable feedback through surveys,
interviews, and participatory monitoring approaches. The monitoring and evaluation plan therefore aims to assess the
progress, effectiveness, and impact of the Solar-Powered Water Pump Project in achieving its goals and desired
outcomes. The plan will include a set of indicators to measure the project's performance and impact. The below steps
will be taken to implement the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan.
1. Data Collection: The plan will outline the data collection methods and tools to gather relevant information
for monitoring and evaluation. This includes Regular site visits and inspections to assess the condition and
operation of the solar panels, water pump, and pipeline, Monitoring the water flow and quality at various
points within Nili city, Surveys, and interviews with community members to gather feedback on the project's
impact and benefits.
2. Timeline and Frequency: The plan will define the timeline and frequency of monitoring and evaluation
activities. This includes Regular monitoring visits throughout the project implementation phase to track
progress and address any operational issues, Baseline data collection before project initiation, Mid-term, and
end-term evaluations to assess the project's outcomes and impact.
3. Responsible Parties: The plan will identify the stakeholders responsible for implementing the monitoring and
evaluation activities. This includes project staff, technical experts, community members, and external
evaluators.
4. Evaluation Criteria: The plan will establish the criteria against which the project's success and impact will be
evaluated. This includes Achievement of the project's immediate and intermediate outcomes, Effectiveness

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and efficiency of the solar water pumping system, Improvement in access to water, health, and livelihood
outcomes and Sustainability of the project in terms of maintenance, community ownership, and long-term
impact.
By implementing this monitoring and evaluation plan, the project stakeholders can systematically track the project's
progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure accountability and transparency in achieving the project's goals
and desired outcomes.

9. Project Implementation Mechanism:

The Project Implementation Strategy for the Solar-Powered Water Pump Project involves several key phases and
activities to ensure its successful implementation. The strategy begins with the Project Preparation Phase, where a
comprehensive assessment of water needs, existing infrastructure, and community requirements in Nili city is
conducted. This assessment helps to identify the specific needs and challenges that the project aims to address.
Engaging with relevant stakeholders, including community members, local authorities, and technical experts, is an
essential part of this phase to gather input and ensure their active participation in the project.
Following the assessment and stakeholder engagement, a detailed project plan is developed. This plan includes
budgeting, procurement, and implementation timelines to provide a roadmap for the project's execution. As part of
the plan, necessary permits, approvals, and agreements are secured to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
and to establish clear guidelines for the installation and operation of the solar water pumping system.
The Procurement and Installation Phase is a critical stage of the project. High-quality monocrystalline solar panels,
water pumps, and other required equipment are procured from reputable suppliers. Adherence to technical
specifications and standards is ensured during the procurement process to guarantee the selection of reliable and
efficient components. Qualified contractors are engaged to carry out the installation of the solar panels, water pumps,
and the water pipeline. Rigorous quality control measures are implemented to ensure the proper installation,
functioning, and safety of the solar water pumping system.
Technical guidance plays a vital role in the project implementation strategy. Technical guidance is provided on system
operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and safety procedures. This empowers community members to actively
participate in the management and maintenance of the system, fostering a sense of ownership and long-term
sustainability.
Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting are integral components of the project implementation strategy. The project's
progress, effectiveness, and impact are regularly monitored and evaluated using predetermined indicators. Data on
system performance, water availability, health outcomes, and agricultural productivity are collected and analyzed.
Periodic reports are prepared to update project stakeholders on the project's achievements, challenges, and lessons
learned. The findings from the evaluation process are utilized to make informed decisions, improve project
implementation, and guide future interventions.
Community engagement and communication are emphasized throughout the implementation of the project. Open and
transparent communication channels are maintained with the community to keep them informed about project
activities, progress, and benefits.
By following this narrative-based Project Implementation Strategy, the Solar Water Pump Project aims to ensure
effective and efficient implementation, maximize its impact, and contribute to the sustainable development of Nili
city.

10. Project Maintenance:

After completion of the project, it will be handed over to the government (Municipality) to look after project control
and maintenance. The Government (Municipality) of Nili City will play a crucial role in the maintenance of the Solar-
Powered Water Pumping System Project. The municipality will establish a dedicated team or department responsible
for overseeing the regular inspections, repairs, and maintenance tasks associated with the project. This team will
require proper training on the system's operation and maintenance procedures. They will be responsible for conducting
routine inspections, monitoring the system's performance, and addressing any issues that may arise. By assuming this
responsibility, the government can effectively manage and optimize the project's operation, ensuring a continuous

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supply of safe drinking water to the residents of Nili City. Additionally, the municipality can collaborate with the
project implementers and equipment manufacturers to access technical support and guidance when needed, further
enhancing the maintenance efforts, and maximizing the system's efficiency.

11. Project Budget

The total budget for the project is designed US$ 528,399. A detailed budget description is attached.

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