Reconstruction of the Kirov reservoir in the west of Kazakhstan is being completed

The first large-scale reconstruction of the Kirov reservoir in almost six decades is coming to an end in the West Kazakhstan region. The modernization carried out within the framework of the state program for the renewal of water infrastructure is designed to guarantee sustainable water supply to farmland, which is especially important in the context of a growing shortage of water resources. The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports that the main works are nearing completion.

To date, the overhaul of the Kushum supply channel, whose length exceeds four kilometers, has been fully completed. The key element of the system – the dam of the reservoir – has been restored by 84%, which is about one and a half kilometers of updated structures. The discharge channel was repaired by 69%, and the Pervomaisky main channel – by 66%. The construction of checkpoints and power supply systems at the facility has been completed by 80%.

According to the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan, the complete completion of all works at the Kirov reservoir is planned by the end of this year. It is expected that the updated waterworks will provide a stable supply of irrigation water for more than 12 thousand hectares of agricultural land in the region. The implementation of the project will increase the reliability of the Kirov reservoir, increase its useful volume and improve overall functionality, ensuring uninterrupted water supply to consumers.

The Kirov reservoir, commissioned in 1967, with a design volume of 62.9 million cubic meters of water, plays a crucial role in providing the irrigation and irrigation system of the Ural-Kushum direction. Its reconstruction has become part of a large-scale program implemented by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation within the framework of the Concept of Development of the Water Resources Management System.

“According to the Concept of development of the water resources management system, our Ministry intends to carry out a comprehensive reconstruction of 37 reservoirs,” said Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Yerbolat Ibraikhanov. He also noted: “Last year, the first reconstruction of the Aktobe reservoir in 36 years was completed. Today its volume is 245 million cubic meters. Reconstruction of the Kapshagai reservoir in the Turkestan region continues.”

The Ministry emphasizes that the modernization of reservoirs is critically important for sustainable agriculture and water supply in conditions of increasing scarcity of water resources. The project will also contribute to improving the land reclamation situation, reducing water losses and increasing yields on irrigated lands.

Original (in Russian): Завершается реконструкция Кировского водохранилища на западе Казахстана