Islamic Development Bank open to funding Kazakhstan’s water projects

The Abay region of Kazakhstan plans to build new water reservoirs in the Urdzhar, Makanshy, Aksuat and Kokpekty districts by 2029, according to the regional governor’s press office.

Financing for the projects may come from the Islamic Development Bank, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov said during a meeting with Berik Uali, governor of the Abay region.

«Once the design and estimate documentation is developed, we can start implementing the projects,» Nurzhigitov said. «The construction of these reservoirs is included in the comprehensive plan for developing Kazakhstan’s water industry through 2028. This will improve the people’s welfare, contribute to the region’s economic development and supply water to local farmers permanently.»

Uali stressed the importance of the projects, noting that they will expand irrigated land in the region to an estimated 100,000 hectares. He also confirmed that the regional administration is ready to collaborate with the ministry.

Additionally, Israel has expressed interest in investing in Kazakhstan’s reservoir infrastructure and in partnering on the joint training of water management specialists.

Meanwhile, recent media reports highlighted that Kazakhmys, one of Kazakhstan’s largest copper producers, has returned control of the Kengir reservoir’s hydraulic structures in central Kazakhstan to the state. The facility, considered a strategic asset, was transferred under a donation agreement to ensure it remains publicly owned.