Kazakhstan Plans Major Tentek Weir Reconstruction, New HPPs

Kazakhstan is advancing a crucial infrastructure project in its Zhetisu region with the development of design and estimate documentation for the first reconstruction of the Tentek River water intake weir in the Alakol district in 50 years. This year, the project is expected to receive a positive conclusion from the state expert review, which will subsequently allow for the commencement of construction and installation works.

According to information released by the press service of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the comprehensive reconstruction of the weir is poised to significantly enhance its reliability and operational efficiency. Furthermore, it aims to reduce water losses and ensure a stable, uninterrupted water supply to 31,000 hectares of agricultural land, a vital component for the region’s agricultural productivity.

This initiative on the Tentek River’s water intake infrastructure complements other recent developments in the area. Notably, late last month, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy announced its intentions to acquire land as part of a project to construct a cascade of three hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) along the same Tentek River. The HPP project is planned for implementation through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.

While the development of the HPP cascade will leverage private sector investment, the reconstruction of the Tentek water intake weir appears to be a distinct project that will be fully financed through state funds. These parallel efforts underscore a strategic governmental focus on modernizing water management systems and bolstering energy infrastructure by harnessing the resources of the Tentek River.

Original (in Russian): Перед строительством ГЭС на реке Тентек отремонтируют гидроузел