Kazakhstan’s Aktobe Region to Overhaul Water Infrastructure
A comprehensive assessment and reconstruction of hydro-technical infrastructure is underway in the Aktobe region of Kazakhstan. Regional authorities have acknowledged that the construction and repair of dams received insufficient attention for many years, resulting in the unsatisfactory condition of numerous small water management facilities. Preliminary estimates indicate that more than 60 dams require restoration, a process that will be implemented in stages due to the scale of the work.
This year, six facilities will undergo a multi-factor survey to assess their technical condition ahead of restoration and transfer for public use, according to Isatai Espagambetov, head of the Aktobe region’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. The region contains 206 hydro-technical facilities, with 174 under communal ownership, 10 managed at the republican level, and 22 privately owned. A dedicated institution was established last year to oversee the maintenance, inspection, and repair of these structures.
A key project for the current year is the renovation of the Kargaly reservoir. The responsible ministry plans to replace all outdated mechanisms, many of which have been in operation for approximately 50 years. The project also incorporates green energy components, including the installation of a small hydroelectric power station. The station’s output is expected to be sufficient to power the hydro-technical facility itself, as well as support local businesses and nearby communities.
In parallel with repairs, the region is preparing for new construction projects under the Comprehensive Plan for the Development of the Water Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2024–2028. Project and design documentation has been completed for the construction of the Ulke reservoir on the Zhaman Kargaly river and the Zhambyl reservoir on the Or river. These initiatives are aimed at improving water resource management in the region.
Long-term plans also include the construction of two additional major reservoirs–Aliya and Zharyk. The Zharyk dam, to be located on the upper Ilek river, will regulate water flow into the Aktobe reservoir. The Aliya reservoir, situated in the village of the same name, is designed to prevent flooding in the Kobda district. Project documentation is currently undergoing state review, with construction scheduled to begin between 2027 and 2028.
