Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are said to transfer 600mn cubic meters of water to Kazakhstan in the next two weeks, according to Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev.
Bozumbayev noted that the decision comes amid severe drought conditions affecting all of Central Asia this year. The Syrdarya River basin, which supplies water to Kazakhstan’s Turkestan and Kyzylorda regions, is currently receiving 30–40% less water than usual. High temperatures have further increased agricultural demand, creating a shortage.
Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov recently met with representatives of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to address the deficit.
“Last week, they were more than 1bn cubic meters behind schedule in delivering water to us. Starting this week, about 600mn cubic meters will be directed to our territory over the next two weeks. Our growing season ends in August. Despite the tense situation, we will try to complete this period without losses,” Bozumbayev said.
He added that he personally inspected conditions in the Turkestan and Kyzylorda regions, visiting reservoirs and holding meetings with farmers. While acknowledging the challenges, Bozumbayev stressed that there will be no shortage of irrigation water for crops.
In May, energy and water ministers from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan met in Tashkent to coordinate summer operations of their interconnected water and energy systems. The discussions covered joint measures to maintain system stability, finalized operational schedules, and reviewed ongoing projects, including the Kambarata HPP-1.
The meeting concluded with a signed protocol setting water allocation procedures for the growing season, with further coordination planned in the coming days.
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