21 May 2024

photo : TCA

Central Asia, Environment, Kazakhstan Environment, Kazakhstan

More Irrigation Water Pledged for Southern Kazakhstan

A revision of interstate water flow limits for Kazakhstan, through the operation of transboundary rivers and canals, has been approved by the country’s upstream neighbors.

The agreement made on 20 May, which will increase the supply of irrigation water during this year’s growing season, aims to benefit farmers in the country’s driest southern regions of Turkestan, Kyzylorda, and Zhambyl.

An additional 300 million cubic meters of water has been channelled from Uzbekistan into the Shardara reservoir located on the Syrdarya River in the Turkestan region of Kazakhstan. To date, the reservoir holds 4.8 cubic kilometers of water. In April and May alone, 1.4 cubic km of water entered the Shardara reservoir, doubling the volume received in the same period last year.

Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have now confirmed plans for the Bahri Tojik reservoir in Tajikistan, scheduled for July-August, which will guarantee water flow to Kazakhstan through Uzbekistan.

Based on hydrological forecasts and the current water levels in Kyrgyzstan’s Kirov and Orto-Tokoi reservoirs, totalling 380 million cubic meters, approval has been granted for Kazakhstan to receive 44 million cubic meters more than last year.

Kazakhstan will also be supplied with 180 million cubic meters of water from the Shu River in Kyrgyzstan; an increase of 26 million cubic meters compared to 2023.

Most of the 1.5 million hectares of land currently irrigated in Kazakhstan are in the south; these regions are forecast to be especially hot and dry this summer.

Due to spring floods, reservoirs are now 70- 90% full in the northern, central, western and some eastern regions.

 

 

Avatar

Times of Central Asia

21 May 2024

@iStock

Central Asia, Kazakhstan Local Politics, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Local Politics, Kazakhstan

Prospective Kazakh Citizens Must Know Country’s Language and History

Under a new law, people applying for Kazakh citizenship will be refused if they do not show at least basic knowledge of the country’s language, history and constitution, reports Kursiv.

Ministry of Internal Affairs representative Shyngys Alekeshev commented on the law: “The elementary level will be determined by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The purpose of the amendments is rapid adaptation and integration into society. Knowledge of the language, first of all, is necessary for the citizens themselves, wishing to obtain our citizenship, to more quickly integrate into society and participate in the life of the state”.

The ministry added that the legislative amendments are in line with global practice.

Earlier it was reported that the authorities intend to teach the Kazakh language to Russian-speaking children and toddlers who have arrived from other countries. For this purpose, the Ministry of Education will create a program of “early immersion in the Kazakh language” in kindergartens and schools. Officials emphasize that this will help to form “Kazakh identity in young citizens”.

Avatar

Times of Central Asia

21 May 2024

photo: govt website - Kuryk port

Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan Increases Cargo Transshipment through Caspian Seaports along TITR

As announced by the Kazakh Transport Ministry, the volume of cargo shipped through Kazakhstan’s seaports of Aktau and Kuryk along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) increased by 15% during the first quarter of this year.

Cargo transshipment by trucks through the port of Kuryk rose by 34% and by rail containers through the port of Aktau by 27%.

The transit of rail containers from China to EU countries through Kazakhstan grew 3.4-fold.

To further increase the potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, the Ministry of Transport will begin dredging the port of Kuryk from mid-summer to provide sufficient depth for ships to enter the harbor.

 

 

Avatar

Times of Central Asia

21 May 2024

@bulak.kg

Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy

Construction of HPP in Talas region of Kyrgyzstan Allocated $32.6 Million

The amount it will cost to build the Bala-Saruu HPP in the Talas region of Kyrgyzstan has been announced, 24.kg reports. Ulan Astarkulov, Director of Chakan HPP, told Birinchi Radio that the Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic has allocated a budget loan of 2 billion som ($22.7 million). Later, the Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund allocated an additional 882 million som.

According to Astarkulov, the production capacity of the HPP will cover 60-70% of the electricity demand in the Talas region. A presidential order on the construction of the HPP was signed on July 2, 2021.

The Bala-Saruu HPP construction project involves the construction of a HPP with three generators with a total capacity of 25 megawatts and an average annual electricity production of 92 million kWh. The operation mode of the HPP will be regulated under the irrigation regime and water flow from the Kirov Reservoir. The feasibility study of the project was developed by a Norwegian company. Equipment has been imported from Austria, Russia, and Uzbekistan.

Avatar

Times of Central Asia

21 May 2024

photo: Bishkek Municipality

Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Environment, Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture, Kyrgyzstan International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Home

Japanese Company to Develop Urban Master Plan for Bishkek

A Memorandum of Cooperation in urban planning and architecture has been signed between the Bishkek municipality and Nikken Sekkei Ltd, a Japanese architectural, planning and engineering firm.

Based on a survey of amenities required by the capital’s citizens, the project represents the Japanese company’s first foray into urban planning in Central Asia.

The project was approved by the Chief Architect of Bishkek, Urmat Karybaev, who accompanied Mayor of Bishkek Aibek Junushaliev during their attendance at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024. Hosted by Tokyo last week, the large-scale event brought together leaders from cities in five continents to exchange ideas and discuss advanced technologies and strategies aimed at sustainable urban development.

As reported by the municipality’s press service, the deal substantially satisfied Bishkek’s goal to establish new partnerships, exchange knowledge and adopt best practices for the further development of the city.

 

Avatar

Times of Central Asia

21 May 2024
Central Asia, Tajikistan Life & Culture, Life & Culture, Tajikistan

Ruins of a Sixth-Century Castle Discovered in Tajikistan

Archaeologists have found the ruins of an ancient castle in the Tajik city of Penjikent, the National Museum of Tajikistan has reported on its social networks. The ruins were found by an archeology specialist from the museum, Muhsin Bobomulloyev.

The castle likely consisted of two floors, the first made from wood, the second constructed from raw bricks.

“The historical period corresponds to the VI-VIII centuries, the castle was destroyed and burned because of the invasion of foreigners. Ashes and traces of soot on the walls of the memorial corridor are proof of this,” the museum says.

Also, small objects – copper and silver coins, rings, and ornaments — have been uncovered. The museum plans to add the castle to the register of historical and cultural monuments in Tajikistan.

“The work does not end there: in July-August of this year, Tajik archaeologists will conduct additional research on the monument together with specialists of the State Hermitage of Russia,” the museum adds.

Avatar

Times of Central Asia