Kazakhstan’s Aktobe Region to Overhaul Water Infrastructure
A large-scale assessment and reconstruction of hydraulic infrastructure is underway in the Aktobe region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Years of insufficient attention to dam construction and repair have led to an unsatisfactory condition of many small hydraulic structures. Initial estimates indicate that over 60 dams in the region require restoration. The work will be carried out in stages, as the scope is too extensive to complete in a single season.
The region has 206 hydraulic structures, with 174 under municipal ownership, 10 under republican ownership, and 22 privately held. A specialized agency was established last year to oversee the maintenance, inspection, and repair of these facilities. This year, a multi-factor survey of six structures is planned to assess their technical condition before they are restored and transferred for public use.
A key project for the current year is the repair of the Kargaly reservoir, which will involve replacing mechanisms that have been in operation for nearly half a century. The project also includes installing a small hydroelectric power station. The station’s capacity is expected to supply power to the hydraulic structures, local businesses, and nearby settlements.
In parallel with repairs, the region is preparing to build new facilities under the Comprehensive Plan for the Development of the Water Sector for 2024–2028. Design and estimate documentation has been completed for the Ulke reservoir on the Zhaman Kargaly River and the Zhambyl reservoir on the Or River. These measures are intended to improve regional water resource management.
Long-term plans include the construction of two additional reservoirs–Aliya and Zharyk. The Zharyk dam, to be located in the upper reaches of the Ilek River, will regulate water flow into the Aktobe reservoir. The Aliya reservoir is designed to prevent flooding in the Kobda district. Project documentation for these facilities is undergoing a state expert review, with construction scheduled for 2027–2028.
