Kazakhstan is continuing to strengthen its water infrastructure. The government has allocated 3 billion tenge for the construction of a protective dam on Lake Alakol in the Zhetysu region. The new structure is intended to reinforce the shoreline, reduce the risk of coastal erosion, and create additional conditions for developing the tourism potential of one of the country's most popular resort areas, reports the website infohub.kz.
The corresponding resolution was signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. Funding comes from the government reserve, as part of the head of state's directives on developing water management infrastructure.
"The funds will be used to build a retaining dam with a total length of 6 kilometers. Of this, 2.5 kilometers of the structure will run along the village of Koktuma, and another 3.5 kilometers in the area of the village of Akshi," the cabinet of ministers reported.
The project continues work already completed. In 2025, reinforcement, earthworks, and concrete work were carried out on a 1.7-kilometer section. Additionally, specialists completed the installation of gabion structures, which are used to strengthen banks and prevent erosion.
"The new phase of construction will significantly enhance the protection of the Lake Alakol shoreline and improve the efficiency of the system for transferring and redistributing sediments, which is important for preserving the natural balance of the water body," the press service of Kazakhstan's prime minister explained.
The government notes that creating modern protective infrastructure will contribute not only to preserving the coastal zone but also to further developing the region's tourism potential. Lake Alakol remains one of Kazakhstan's most sought-after holiday destinations, so strengthening the shoreline is seen as a key element of developing resort infrastructure.
"Work on modernizing hydraulic structures is also underway in other regions of the country. Over the past two years, 243 kilometers of protective dams and other engineering structures have been built and reinforced in the Akmola, Aktobe, West Kazakhstan, Kostanay, North Kazakhstan, and Pavlodar regions," the government of Kazakhstan noted.
The government emphasizes that the implementation of projects related to the development of water and tourism infrastructure, conservation of natural resources, and ensuring sustainable socio-economic development of the regions is under constant monitoring. The construction of the new dam on Lake Alakol will be another step in strengthening the infrastructure and safety of one of Kazakhstan's most important natural areas.