Expertise: water supply, wastewater management
Expertise Group: Biological Sciences & Ecology
Consultant Source: International
TOR Keywords: wastewater treatment technologies, nature-based solutions, and resource recovery approaches
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
Arkadag City represents a significant urban development initiative, exemplifying modern urban planning
and infrastructure advancements in Turkmenistan. Designed as a model city, Arkadag has incorporated
state-of-the-art technologies and sustainability principles to enhance the quality of life for its
residents. As part of its continuous improvement, the city has expressed a strong commitment to adopting
international best practices in wastewater management, with a particular focus on wastewater reuse to
optimize resource efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Recognizing the importance of enhancing its wastewater management system, Arkcadag City has requested
the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to undertake a rapid assessment of the city’s current wastewater
infrastructure. This assessment aims to identify gaps, recommend improvements based on global best
practices, and explore innovative solutions for wastewater reuse, particularly in a landlocked country
context. In response, ADB will mobilize an International Wastewater Management Specialist to conduct
this assessment and provide strategic recommendations to support Arkadag City’s long-term vision for
sustainable wastewater management.
Scope of Work
The consultant will assess the existing water supply and wastewater management system in Arkadag City,
identifying operational challenges and areas for improvement. Given the expected water deficit, the
consultant will explore various water supply options with water reuse possibilities. The consultant
will benchmark best practices from comparable cities and recommend suitable operational models. will
also evaluate treatment capacity, efficiency, and potential water sourcing solutions, and compliance
with environmental and health regulations. The consultant will engage with local authorities and
operators to understand challenges and provide capacity-building recommendations. The consultant will
deliver a report outlining key findings, practical recommendations, and an action plan for optimizing
both water supply and wastewater management, ensuring an integrated approach to water resource
sustainability.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
The International Consultant will work with the National Wastewater Management Specialist and will
undertake the following tasks:
- Review Existing Studies and Assessments:
• Conduct a review of available reports, master plans, feasibility studies, and technical
assessments related to Arkadag City’s water supply and wastewater
infrastructure and practice.
• Identify key gaps in existing studies and suggest additional assessments needed to align with
international best practices.
• Recommend the City and the Government of Turkmenistan the key investment options to further
improve both water supply the wastewater management for
possible partnership with ADB. - Assessment of Current Wastewater Management System:
• Visit the City and evaluate the city’s existing water supply sources, wastewater collection,
treatment, and disposal systems.
• Assess operational efficiency, capacity, and compliance with environmental and public health
standards.
• Analyze current water treatment and wastewater treatment technologies used and their applicability
for reuse.
• Explore potential water supply sources, including groundwater collection, or alternative
sustainable water options. - Identify International Best Practices and Technological Solutions:
• Conduct a comparative analysis of water supply solutions and wastewater treatment and reuse
technologies applicable to Arkadag City.
• Recommend suitable, cost-effective, and context-specific solutions for both water supply and
wastewater reuse, considering landlocked geographical conditions.
• Assess feasibility of nature-based and decentralized water supply and wastewater treatment
approaches. - Engagement with Local Stakeholders:
• Work closely with the National Consultant to ensure effective coordination with relevant government
authorities, municipal bodies, and key stakeholders.
• Conduct site visits and interviews to validate findings and collect additional data. - Development of Actionable Recommendations:
• From the data collected and provided by the National Water Supply and Wastewater Management
Specialist provide practical recommendations for short-term and
long-term improvements to the wastewater management system.
• Outline potential financing options and implementation strategies, considering public-private
partnerships where applicable.
• Develop a roadmap for water security, including possible applications for irrigation, industrial
use, and environmental conservation.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
The consultant should have a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Management,
or a related field. A minimum of 6–9 years of relevant experience in water supply and wastewater
management is required, with expertise in water security, wastewater management technologies, wastewater
reuse, and environmental sustainability. Experience in conducting assessments, feasibility studies, and
recommending integrated water supply and wastewater management solutions is essential. Familiarity with
nature-based solutions and decentralized wastewater treatment approaches is desirable. Prior experience
working in landlocked or arid regions and engaging with municipal authorities and international
financial institutions is preferred. Regional or country experience in Central Asia or Turkmenistan is
desired but not required. Understanding of the Russian language will be an asset for the consultancy.
Minimum General Experience: 10 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 7 Years
