Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov within the framework of his working trip to Zhambyl region familiarised himself with the progress of reconstruction of the Tasotkel reservoir and application of water saving technologies in agriculture.

Head of the Government made an overflight of the reservoir, which is of great importance for the region, and checked the state of the ongoing construction works at this facility. 

Tasotkel reservoir provides water for irrigated lands of Shushi and Moyinkum districts about 35 thousand hectares. It also supplies water for the needs of the Tasotkel HPP, environmental releases to the lower reaches of the Shu River in Moyinkum and Sarysu districts of Zhambyl and Sozak districts of Turkestan provinces. 

To date, the second phase of the project on reconstruction with improvement of seismic resistance of the dam is being implemented at the water body. Excavation works, cleaning of wells, installation of measuring sensors (piezometers) are 100% completed. An emergency spillway system was constructed, emergency warning and video surveillance systems were installed, and the access point was improved. The facility is planned to be put into operation in August this year.

Prime Minister emphasised that the issue of water infrastructure is under special control of the Government. 

"All dams and reservoirs in the country were built in the 1950s-1970s. The Head of State instructed the Government to build 20 new reservoirs and reconstruct 15 existing ones to reduce the risk of flooding of 134 settlements. We see that construction work on the Tasotkel reservoir is at the stage of completion. But I draw attention to the need for proper testing of the emergency catastrophic spillway after reconstruction with increased seismic resistance of the dam," Olzhas Bektenov said, instructing the Akimat of Zhambyl region together with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation to work out the issue of testing works and bring the water level at the facility to the design volume.

On the fields of the farm "Sharipov" in Akbulum village, Head of the Government familiarised himself with the introduction of water-saving technologies. The total area of sown areas of the farm is 330 hectares, of which 80 hectares are allocated for sugar beet. In addition, onions, potatoes, corn and grain crops are grown. The total design capacity is 10 thousand tonnes of production per year.

There are 11 wells up to 300 metres deep on the territory of the farm. Six sprinkler systems have been installed and mounted, as a result of which drip irrigation is now carried out on the area of 160 hectares.

In general, the Government provides state support measures in the form of investment subsidies of up to 80% for the introduction of water-saving technologies in agriculture and infrastructure. The cost of water supply services to farmers is also reduced through direct subsidies to water suppliers. In addition, crediting of projects for the introduction of water-saving technologies for up to 10 years with an annual interest rate of 2.5% up to 5 billion tenge is provided. 

Prime Minister emphasised the importance of introducing water-saving technologies and increasing irrigated areas in agriculture. 

One of the priority crops is sugar beet, the area under sugar beet cultivation in the region has increased to 10.6 thousand hectares. This year it is expected to produce more than 600 thousand tonnes with an average yield of 60 thousand tonnes per hectare. Taking into account the crop forecasts, Olzhas Bektenov drew attention to the need to increase production capacity for sugar beet processing in Zhambyl region. 

In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture and Akimat of Zhambyl region instructed to ensure timely implementation of all agrotechnical measures to combat locust pests in the region.

#Olzhas Bektenov #The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan #Working trip #water resources