Government official honors water utility employees
In the heart of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is gearing up for a significant step in water management. Next year, under the auspices of the United Nations, the country will host a Regional Environmental Summit, further cementing its commitment to water security and sustainability.
The focus on water resources is crucial for Kazakhstan, given its desert and semi-desert terrain. Last year, the country's farmers were fully supplied with the necessary volume of water resources, thanks to close cooperation with regional countries.
Kazakhstan's water security, water conservation, and training of specialists in the water industry involve a multifaceted approach. This includes institutional reform, international cooperation, infrastructure development, and human resource capacity building.
The government has established the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and adopted a new Water Code, forming the foundation for systemic reforms and governance improvements in water management.
Water diplomacy and regional cooperation are key components of Kazakhstan's strategy. The government emphasizes strong diplomacy with neighbouring Central Asian countries to manage transboundary river basins. Kazakhstan promotes the creation of a Central Asian Water and Energy Consortium, aiming for rational and equitable water use, ensuring water stability and security across the region, thereby supporting agriculture and other sectors.
Major infrastructure projects are underway, often involving foreign investment. These include the reinforced hydraulic engineering such as the Kokaral dam restoration and management of reservoirs. Kazakhstan also prioritizes modernizing water metering through automated water accounting systems to enhance efficiency and conservation.
Environmental restoration and protection efforts are also a priority. Work continues on the recovery of critical water bodies like the Aral Sea, restoration of the Syr Darya River delta, greening of dried seabeds, and addressing shrinking water levels in the Caspian Sea.
Addressing climate change impacts is another critical aspect of Kazakhstan's water strategy. The country leads initiatives like the “Water Towers Partnership” to study and protect glaciers, vital as sources of water in Central Asia.
Training and preparing specialists for water diplomacy and effective water management is a recognised priority. President Tokayev has emphasised the importance of this element of strategy. However, specific educational or training programs were not detailed in the available information.
Kazakhstan is actively participating in global and regional water security initiatives. This includes presenting its approaches at international summits like the One Water summit in Saudi Arabia and planning to host a UN-backed Regional Environmental Summit, signalling a commitment to multilateral collaboration.
Ensuring the population with clean drinking water is a priority in Kazakhstan. The country advocates for rational, fair, and equal use of water resources and adherence to mutual obligations to ensure water security and stability throughout the region.
Kazakhstan consistently promotes the initiative to create a Water-Energy Consortium of Central Asian countries. Large-scale reforms, a new Water Code, and infrastructure projects are being implemented in the water sector in Kazakhstan.
Significant funds are allocated for the construction and modernization of water facilities in Kazakhstan, including foreign investments. Around 30,000 people are employed in the water sector, providing water supply to cities, villages, industrial enterprises, and for irrigation.
Last year, the Kazakh National University of Water Management and Irrigation was established. Over 500 students are studying at the university at the expense of the budget. The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, believes that water security is a key condition for sustainable development.
In response to the growing importance of water security, workers' wages in the water industry have increased by 25% in 2024, with further increases planned for this year. A tariff has been introduced to encourage water-saving consumption, meaning the less you use, the less you pay.
At a ceremonial event, state awards were presented to several veterans of the water industry for their significant contributions to the development of the country's water management.
At a special summit in Saudi Arabia, President Tokayev presented key approaches to addressing water issues. Kazakhstan is actively participating in multilateral initiatives aimed at overcoming the water crisis, given the projection that global water demand may exceed supply by 40% by 2040.
Science and finance intertwine in Kazakhstan's water management strategy, as significant funds are allocated for the construction and modernization of water facilities, often involving foreign investment. This includes large-scale reforms, the establishment of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, and the introduction of a tariff system to encourage water-saving consumption.
