Kazakhstan accelerates water infrastructure with record investments and tech upgrades

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, recently updated the Mazhilis on the country’s progress towards national water targets under the Sustainable Development Goals. The sector has seen significant growth in investment, efficiency, and infrastructure modernisation over the past two years. Investment in the water sector has surged. In 2024 alone, capital investments reached approximately 400 billion tenge, surpassing the annual target by 22%. Over the past two years, total investments amounted to 676.7 billion tenge, well above the 569 billion tenge raised between 2021 and 2023.

Efforts to modernise irrigation systems have accelerated. Mechanised canal cleaning covered 3,158 kilometres in the last two years, a sharp increase from just 678 kilometres in 2023. Nearly 1,500 kilometres of canals were lined with concrete between 2024 and 2025. The adoption of water-efficient systems also expanded, with 150,000 hectares equipped annually in 2024 and 2025, compared to an average of 30,000 hectares per year previously.

Water-saving technologies in irrigated agriculture saved 874 million cubic metres of water in 2024, exceeding the target by 20%. By the end of 2025, water-saving irrigation will cover 543,500 hectares nationwide, with plans to reach 1.3 million hectares by 2030.

The ministry has also advanced digitisation in irrigation infrastructure. A new comprehensive model now includes automated control of hydraulic gates and water distribution. Progress continues on major projects, with the second phase of the Southern Kazakhstan Irrigation and Drainage Improvement Project now 93% complete. Construction and installation work for this initiative is expected to finish by the end of 2025. The water sector’s rapid development reflects strong investment and technological adoption. With expanded irrigation efficiency and digital upgrades, Kazakhstan is moving closer to its long-term sustainability goals. The government’s targets for water conservation and infrastructure improvement remain on track.