Kazakhstan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, held a public meeting with residents of Zhambyl Region, presenting the results of the irrigation season and outlining ongoing and upcoming projects.
Under the Comprehensive Water Sector Development Plan through 2028, the region will see the construction of ten new reservoirs, the reconstruction of three existing ones, and multifactor inspections of 45 hydraulic facilities.
In 2026, work will begin on the construction of the Akmola and Kalguty reservoirs, along with the reconstruction of the Teris-Ashybulak and Karakonyz reservoirs. The regional administration is also preparing design documentation for an additional seven reservoirs.
Residents raised concerns about irrigation canals. With support from the Islamic Development Bank, a project is underway to modernize 76 canals spanning 415 km across five districts, improving irrigation for 24,877 hectares. Reconstruction of 23 additional canals is nearing completion, which will enhance irrigation on 19,746 hectares. Five of these projects, totaling over 103 km, are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
“Modernizing water infrastructure is one of the key tasks set by the Head of State. (…) However, consumers must also contribute by adopting water-saving technologies and switching to less water-intensive crops,” Nurzhigitov noted.
Following the meeting, the minister held individual consultations with citizens and convened a working session with regional units and water management agencies to address public proposals and concerns.
