The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has commenced construction of 20 reservoirs to protect settlements from floods and collect floodwaters in Kazakhstan. These new reservoirs will be built in 11 regions.
During a briefing at the Central Communications Service on April 11th, Moldir Abdyalieva, the official representative of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, revealed that the construction of five reservoirs is scheduled to begin this year. The new reservoirs will increase the irrigated land area by 250,000 hectares and reduce the threat of flooding for 70 settlements with a population of 137,000 people. Additionally, 15 existing reservoirs in the country will undergo reconstruction, aiming to decrease the flood risk for 64 settlements housing 70,000 people and improve water supply for 74,000 hectares of irrigated land.
Abdyalieva mentioned that changes will be made to the Water Resources Management System Development Concept for 2024-2030 following the flood season, as per the president's instructions. The revised concept will include measures to prevent floods and accumulate meltwater for future agricultural use.
She also provided updates on the current situation at Kazakhstan's reservoirs:
- In the Kostanay region, the flood peak has passed, and the average capacity of two large reservoirs is at 92%.
- Two major reservoirs in the North Kazakhstan region are at full capacity, with the snowmelt season ongoing.
- Four large reservoirs in the West Kazakhstan region are on average 70% full, with water discharged from the Iriklin reservoir yet to reach Kazakhstan's borders. Measures are in place to prevent flooding, with emergency services, the Ministry of Water Resources, and regional authorities actively involved.
- The average capacity of three major reservoirs in the East Kazakhstan region is 84.8%. The region has entered the flood season, prompting the release of water from the Ertis Cascade reservoirs.
- Two large reservoirs in the Akmola region are 99% full, with the peak of the snowmelt season passed and inflows stabilized. However, there is an increase in unregulated flow in the Zhabai River, leading to floods in the Atbasar district. The Ministry, regional authorities, and emergency services are working to address the issue.
- In the Aktobe region, two major reservoirs are at 97% capacity, maintaining a stable situation.
- Four major reservoirs in the Karaganda region are completely full, with the flood peak already passed, ensuring stability in the area.
