Page 506 – The Times Of Central Asia

05 Mar 2025

Central Asia, Environment, Home, Kazakhstan Environment, Kazakhstan, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees, Kazakhstan Home

Four New Reservoirs to Be Built in Kazakhstan

March 5, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation plans to begin construction of four new reservoirs in the west and south of the country this year, Minister Nurzhan Nurzhigitov announced at a government meeting.

Kazakhstan regularly faces two conflicting water-related challenges: the risk of spring floods inundating settlements and a summer water shortage for agricultural irrigation. To address both issues, construction of the new reservoirs will begin in 2025. The Akmola and Kalguty reservoirs will be built in the Zhambyl region in southern Kazakhstan, while the Karaozek reservoir will be located in the Kyzylorda region in the southeast. The Bolshoi Uzen reservoir will be built in the West Kazakhstan region.

“The Akmola, Kalguty, and Karaozek reservoirs will ensure water supply for 22,500 hectares of irrigated crops during the growing season, while the Bolshoi Uzen reservoir will help retain flood and meltwater, preventing flooding in two settlements with a combined population of 5,000,” Nurzhigitov said.

In addition to the new reservoirs, the government plans to reconstruct the Ters-Ashchybulak and Karakonyz reservoirs in the Zhambyl region, as well as the Koskorgan reservoir and the Koksarai counter-regulator in the Turkestan region in 2025. As part of an irrigation infrastructure modernization program, 115 canals covering a total of 3,452 kilometers will be upgraded across six regions: Almaty, Zhambyl, Zhetysu, West Kazakhstan, Kyzylorda, and Turkestan. Additionally, new structures will be built to replenish the Astana reservoir.

“By the end of the year, 12 projects for the construction and reconstruction of group water pipelines will be completed, providing 153 villages, home to 423,000 people, with access to quality drinking water. At the same time, 52 settlements will be connected to a centralized water supply system,” Nurzhigitov added.

Flood Preparedness Concerns

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s ruling AMANAT party held a meeting of its Party Control Committee, which sharply criticized the country’s flood preparedness. According to party officials, 1,223 settlements across Kazakhstan are currently at risk of flooding.

The country has 1,395 hydraulic structures designed to control water flow, but 564 of them require repairs, including 20 that are in critical condition. In the event of their failure, 536 settlements, home to more than 1.3 million people, could be at risk of severe flooding.

The party emphasized that public concerns over flood preparedness remain high, with approximately 100 complaints submitted this year regarding the condition of dams, drainage channels, and other protective infrastructure.

As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, Kazakhstan began releasing water from reservoirs as early as January to maximize storage capacity ahead of the flood season.

05 Mar 2025

Home, Central Asia, International Affairs, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan Featurees, Kazakhstan Home

UN General Assembly Backs Kazakhstan’s Initiative to Establish UN Center in Almaty

March 5, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

The United Nations General Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the establishment of the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty. The initiative was put forward by Kazakhstan on behalf of the Central Asian states. According to the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, 152 UN member states co-sponsored the resolution, underscoring its broad international support and high significance.

Kazakhstan’s Role in Regional Development

The idea to establish the UN SDG Centre was first proposed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the 74th session of the UN General Assembly. He suggested locating the center in Almaty’s new Building of International Organizations, which already hosts 18 UN agencies.

Tokayev emphasized that, as the largest economy in Central Asia, Kazakhstan is committed to strengthening regional cooperation and promoting sustainable development. He highlighted the growing role of middle powers in global governance, positioning Kazakhstan as a key player in fostering regional integration and international collaboration.

A Hub for Regional Cooperation

The new UN SDG Centre will serve as a platform for coordinating international and regional efforts, facilitating best practice exchanges, providing technical assistance, and implementing joint projects. It will work closely with governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to achieve measurable development outcomes.

Additionally, the center will play a crucial role in revitalizing the UN system at the regional level. Its mission includes enhancing coordination between UN agencies, adapting global initiatives to regional priorities, and promoting inclusive multilateral cooperation, a goal aligned with ongoing UN reforms aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness.

Supporting Afghanistan’s Economic Stability

A key focus of the center will be economic development in Afghanistan, as the country’s stability and prosperity are directly linked to the security and well-being of Central Asia. By addressing Afghanistan’s economic challenges, the center aims to contribute to long-term regional stability and growth.

05 Mar 2025

Central Asia, Home, Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture, Life & Culture, Kyrgyzstan, Features, Kyrgyzstan Features, Kyrgyzstan Home

Naryn Becomes Latest Kyrgyz City to Dismantle Trolleybus System

March 5, 2025
By Anton Chipegin

A year after trolleybus lines in Naryn were damaged, local authorities have decided to permanently abandon this mode of transportation, replacing it with buses. Efforts to restore the lines proved unsuccessful, even after six trolleybuses were transferred from Bishkek to Naryn.

Naryn’s city council has now voted to completely dismantle the trolleybus system, following the precedent set by Bishkek, which also removed its trolleybus lines. Lawmakers cited the deteriorating condition of Naryn’s trolleybus infrastructure and high maintenance costs as the primary reasons for their decision.

Financial and Logistical Challenges

After Bishkek replaced its trolleybuses with buses, most of its fleet was transferred to Osh, while six trolleybuses were sent to Naryn. Some of these vehicles remain in storage on a military base.

Located at an altitude of 2,000 meters in southeastern Kyrgyzstan, Naryn’s trolleybus system was once considered a point of pride and a tourist attraction. However, the city now lacks the financial resources to repair the trolleybus infrastructure.

According to city officials, the trolleybuses received from Bishkek were already in poor condition, requiring spare parts from Russia, which would entail significant financial costs. The Naryn city administration estimates that at least KGS 1 billion ($12 million) would be needed just to restore the damaged trolleybus lines.

Shift to Alternative Transportation

Currently, private taxis are the primary means of public transportation in Naryn. These taxis operate informally, picking up passengers at bus stops and following fixed routes for a small fare.

Last summer, the Naryn mayor’s office attempted to modernize the city’s transport system by purchasing five electric buses.

Following Naryn’s decision, Osh will now be the only city in Kyrgyzstan that still operates a trolleybus system.

05 Mar 2025

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Turkmenistan’s Security Services Interrogate Citizens Deported from the U.S.

March 5, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Citizens deported from the United States arrived in Turkmenistan in the first half of February. They were transported on a flight alongside migrants from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. After landing in Ashgabat, where 40 Turkmen citizens disembarked, the plane continued on to Tashkent.

Upon arrival, all deportees were sent to their places of permanent residence, where they were interrogated by officers from the Ministry of National Security (MNS). Among the group were 13 individuals who had previously applied for asylum in the U.S. Intelligence officers are reportedly scrutinizing these individuals to determine whether they made negative statements about Turkmenistan while seeking refugee status. As a result, they are being summoned for questioning more frequently than those who were in the U.S. illegally.

Also among the deportees were children of high-ranking officials at both regional and state levels. Many had previously studied at Ukrainian universities before obtaining U.S. visas and traveling abroad.

According to journalists from Chronicles of Turkmenistan, a married couple was also among those deported. While no arrests have been reported, all returnees continue to be regularly summoned for questioning.

05 Mar 2025

Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan Seeks Cooperation with South Korea in Lithium Production

March 5, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kazakhstan is ready to expand collaboration with South Korea in the exploration, extraction, and processing of lithium, a strategically vital resource for high-tech industries and sustainable economic development. This was stated by Nurgali Arystanov, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, during the Investment Dialogue on Critical Minerals between Korea and Kazakhstan, held in Seoul on February 28, according to the Kazakh Foreign Ministry.

The event, organized with the support of the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM), brought together leading Korean companies, including Hyundai Development Company, POSCO International, and LX International, as well as scholars from Seoul National University and Pusan National University.

KIGAM President Lee Pyeong-Koo encouraged Korean companies to increase investments in Kazakhstan, emphasizing the country’s significant potential in the development of critical minerals.

During the event, researchers presented findings on the Bakennoye lithium deposit in the East Kazakhstan region.

In March 2024, The Korea Times reported that KIGAM had discovered a lithium deposit in eastern Kazakhstan, in an area previously mined for tantalum. Since tantalum is often found alongside lithium and cesium, KIGAM began studying the site in May 2023 at the request of the Kazakh government. The deposit is estimated to contain resources worth $15.7 billion, according to Kazakh data cited by KIGAM.

05 Mar 2025

Central Asia, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Business & Economy, Business & Economy

Uzbekistan Leads Global Gold Purchases in January

March 5, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Uzbekistan was the world’s largest gold buyer in January 2025, according to the World Gold Council (WGC).

Global central banks continued their gold-buying spree at the start of the year, with net purchases totaling 18 tons for the month. The WGC notes that this sustained demand highlights gold’s strategic importance in central bank reserves, as many countries view it as a safe-haven asset amid geopolitical uncertainty.

Uzbekistan Tops the List

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan purchased 8 tons of gold in January, increasing the country’s gold reserves to 391 tons. Gold now accounts for 82% of Uzbekistan’s total international reserves.

China was the second-largest buyer, adding 5 tons to its holdings. By the end of January, China’s total gold reserves had reached 2,285 tons, representing 6% of its total assets.

Kazakhstan ranked third, purchasing 4 tons, followed by Poland and India with 3 tons each. The Czech Republic added 2 tons, while Qatar increased its reserves by 1 ton.

Gold Sales and Market Trends

While several countries increased their gold holdings, others reduced their reserves. Russia and Jordan each sold 3 tons, while Kyrgyzstan offloaded 2 tons in January.

In 2023, Uzbekistan was the world’s second-largest gold seller, offloading over 25 tons, according to the WGC. Kazakhstan led global sales that year, selling nearly twice as much as Uzbekistan.

Despite these sales, Uzbekistan’s gold exports generated $8.15 billion in 2023, nearly double the revenue from 2022. Meanwhile, China was the world’s top gold buyer last year, purchasing almost 230 tons. Other major buyers included Poland, Singapore, Libya, and the Czech Republic.