Water Supply in Kazakhstan Extension of a centralized system with a risk management and sustainability perspective

Abstract: The aim of this Thesis Project was to develop a general risk management approach for assessing the expansion of a centralized water system in Central Asian countries. In order to develop the general approach, a case study was performed in Pavlodar, Kazakhstan. The basis for developing the approach was literature study, data collection, interviews, focus group discussion (FGD) and observations made in the field. The result was a Layered Risk Assessment Approach which has the following steps; Scope Definition, Stakeholder Identification, Stakeholder Opinions, Risk Scenario Formulation, Risk Ranking and Mitigating Measures. The stakeholders’ opinions were gained through surveys, which targeted the end-users, interviews and FGD, which both targeted the experts within the field. Information from the literature search, collected data, interviews and FGD was used to create 15 risk scenarios which were ranked with likelihood and consequence. The risk scenarios were separated into two categories; current risks and risks that would occur with an expansion of the system. Mitigating measures were suggested, and to show a holistic picture, pros and cons of implementing the measures were included. Examples of measures the authors suggest to be implemented are Add a second intake of water and Increase the capacity of the drinking water treatment facility. As a conclusion, the authors think that the approach worked well on the system in Pavlodar. However, the lack of transparency and the language barrier presented difficulties that affected the result for this Thesis Project. In addition, the approach should be implemented in other case studies for further development and increased reliability.