The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan is reconstructing the Koksaray counter-regulator in the Turkestan region for more efficient passage of flood waters, irrigation of agricultural lands and maintaining the water balance of the Northern Aral Sea, the press service of the water management department reports.

«Design and estimate documentation has been developed for the reconstruction and strengthening of the Koksaraisky counter-regulator. We plan to begin construction and installation work this year with the support of the Islamic Development Bank. The implementation of the project will make it possible to restore the original volume of the facility, which will provide the ability to accumulate up to 3 billion cubic meters of water instead of the current 1.5 billion», – said the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan Nurzhan Nurzhigitov.

In the Otrar region, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov met with Chinese investors who intend to implement a cotton growing project in the region using water-saving technologies. The minister discussed with foreign businessmen further plans for the development of the cotton industry.

In the Baidibek region, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov inspected the construction of a reservoir «Baidibek-ata». To date, construction and installation work at the site has been completed by 48%. The reservoir will be able to accommodate 68 million cubic meters of water. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.

In the Maktaaral region, the minister got acquainted with the work and condition of the Central Collection and Drainage Canal «Myrzashol», where drainage water from agricultural fields is sent. At the facility, located along the border with Uzbekistan, bank protection work is planned, as well as the reconstruction of small canals through which water flows into it.