Sheberghan Gas Generation Activity (SGGA) Monthly Report

The project is managed by Advanced Engineering Associates International, Inc. (AEAI) and is implemented in collaboration with the Afghan Ministry of Mines and Petroleum (MoMP) and other stakeholders. The SGGA project focuses on several key workstreams, including gas development, energy and power, capacity building, procurement, and project management. The gas workstream is responsible for managing the drilling contract, environmental issues, and legal aspects of the project. In February 2014, the gas workstream achieved several milestones, including reviewing Turkish National Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) responses to Afghanistan Petroleum Authority (APA) requests for explanations and actions regarding drilling contract delays. The team also provided comments and suggestions to Zabih Sarwari, APA's Sheberghan Gas Development Project (SGDP) program manager, and assisted APA in preparing for a meeting with TPAO on schedule delays for Juma-Bashikurd drilling contract. The environmental workstream is responsible for ensuring that the project is implemented in an environmentally responsible manner. In February 2014, the team sent a letter to Zabih Sarwari regarding the need to update membership and activate the MoMP's Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting committee called for in Implementation Letter (IL) No. 45-01 and the environmental management plan submitted to National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA). The team also assisted MoMP in revising the amended application for NEPA certificate of environmental compliance for Juma-Bashikurd operations. The capacity building workstream is responsible for building the capacity of the MoMP and other stakeholders to manage the project. In February 2014, the team cooperated with the Task Force for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO) on drafting standard gas sales agreements for APA/Afghan Gas Enterprise (AGE). The team also provided reports to Jules Jordy, USAID, regarding the status of TPAO's schedule and outcomes from the MoMP-TPAO meetings. The project schedule as of December 31, 2013, indicates that the project is on track to meet its milestones. The PMP data shows that the project is making progress in terms of achieving its performance indicators. The monthly expenditures for February 2014 are reported to be within budget. The SGGA project has made significant progress in February 2014, with several key milestones achieved in the gas workstream, environmental workstream, and capacity building workstream. The project continues to make progress in terms of developing the gas resources in the Sheberghan area of Afghanistan and building the capacity of the MoMP and other stakeholders to manage the project.