On January 30, the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, announced during a government briefing that approximately 2 trillion tenge is needed for the repairs of reservoirs and the implementation of water-saving technologies, QazMonitor reports.
Nurzhigitov emphasized the Ministry's ongoing efforts since September, which include a comprehensive inventory of water facilities.
“We conducted a full inventory of water management facilities, including reservoirs. There are over 400 reservoirs across the country. As of now, we have a comprehensive plan approved by each local executive body. To implement all the planned activities that we have coordinated with local akimats, including reservoirs, irrigation systems, digitization, and water-saving technologies, an estimated 2 trillion tenge is required," emphasized Nurzhigitov.
The Minister highlighted that 87 reservoirs are classified as strategic objects due to potential emergency risks. He assured that these reservoirs are subject to special control.
“As of now, the Ministry and local executive bodies conduct an annual multifactor inspection of reservoirs. Based on its results, a declaration of reservoir safety is drawn up. This year, about 1.5 billion tenge has been allocated to the Ministry from the government budget for these purposes; we will [inspect] 40 reservoirs," concluded the Minister.
