Olzhas Bektenov: Ensuring Access to Quality Drinking Water Is a Top Priority for the Government

At a Government session chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, issues related to the development of water supply and sanitation systems, as well as the implementation of digital systems and water-saving technologies, were discussed, El.kz reports citing primeminister.kz.

Minister of Industry and Construction Yersayin Nagaspayev delivered a report, followed by Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov on the implementation of group water pipeline projects. Deputy Minister of National Economy Asan Darbayev spoke about tariff policies in the water supply and sanitation sectors, and Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiev addressed the digitalization of the sector. Several regional akims also delivered remarks.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Construction, 99.3% of the urban population and 97.5% of the rural population have access to water supply services. Out of 90 cities in the country, 73 are fully supplied with drinking water. The remaining 17 will achieve 100% coverage by the end of this year, reported Yersayin Nagaspayev.

Olzhas Bektenov emphasized the importance of timely completion of water supply projects.

“Providing the population with quality drinking water is one of the most socially significant tasks. The Head of State is personally monitoring this issue. The necessary funds have been allocated in the national budget. Moreover, under the President's instruction to return illegally withdrawn assets to the country, over 160 billion tenge from the Special State Fund has been allocated to implement approximately 230 water supply projects. The quality of life directly depends on access to drinking water. Therefore, the sustainable development of water supply systems in settlements remains one of the Government’s top priorities,” Olzhas Bektenov stated.

The Prime Minister stressed the need to adopt modern approaches and water-saving technologies in the context of climate change, increasing water consumption, and limited water resources. In this regard, special attention should be given to the development of group water pipelines, ensuring their alignment with regional development plans.

During the session, Olzhas Bektenov instructed the Ministries of Industry and Construction, Water Resources and Irrigation, and regional akimats to accelerate the implementation of several infrastructure projects.

Specifically, the Ministry of Water Resources and the Akimat of Akmola Region were tasked with urgently ensuring centralized water supply to villages near the capital.

Samruk-Kazyna Fund and the Akimat of Mangystau Region were instructed to complete commissioning works at the Kendirli plant and ensure water supply to the city of Zhanaozen by July 15.

The Ministries of Finance, Industry and Construction, together with the Akimat of Ulytau Region, must make a decision on co-financing the reconstruction project of the water treatment plant in Zhezkazgan by August 1 of this year.

At the same time, the Prime Minister pointed out the need for systematic modernization of utility infrastructure and reduction of network deterioration.

“In parallel with the development of water supply systems, we must accelerate efforts to implement water-saving technologies and digital water resource management. The percentage of worn-out water supply networks must continue to decrease. It is crucial to ensure large-scale renewal of outdated utilities and the construction of new infrastructure. This will be addressed within the framework of the approved National Project on Modernization of the Energy and Utilities Sectors,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

Following the meeting, a number of instructions were issued:

• To regional akimats: Ensure the commissioning of all ongoing drinking water projects by the end of the year. “Top regional officials bear personal responsibility for this,” Olzhas Bektenov noted.

• To the Ministry of Finance: Disburse the allocated funds to local executive bodies.

• To the Ministry of Industry and Construction: When modernizing networks, focus on increasing the capacity of existing sewage treatment facilities and improving wastewater treatment quality. In cooperation with akimats, prepare investment programs for the implementation of the national project on energy and utility sector modernization by September 1.

• To the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation: Complete the construction and reconstruction of group water pipelines by the end of this year. Then, jointly with the Ministry of Finance, ensure their transfer as unified complexes to akimat balances during 2026.

• To the Ministry of National Economy, in collaboration with relevant government bodies: Amend legal regulations governing the transfer of property from republican to communal ownership.

• To the Ministries of Water Resources and Irrigation and Industry and Construction: Explore the implementation of digital passports for water bodies and the development of an intelligent water cadastre.

• To the Ministry of National Economy, jointly with the Ministry of Finance and the Baiterek Holding: Ensure financing of investment projects outlined in the National Project.