Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Unite Efforts for Major Hydroelectric Project

Kyrgyz Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibrayev announced that the Kambar-Ata-1 hydroelectric power plant will be fully constructed within 6.5 years.

He said that 4 billion soms have been allocated from the state budget at present, and preparatory work is underway. A tunnel, roads and bridges were built with these funds, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kyrgyz media.

In addition, a dormitory for employees who will work at the facility is being built.

"Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have made a joint decision to build the Kambar-Ata-1 hydro power plant. In accordance with this, a joint venture will be created between the three countries. And this company will prepare an agreement between the states. In May, we have a meeting planned in Turkiye, where it will become known which world donors allocate funding and in what volume,” the minister added.

He also added that, according to calculations, the construction of the Kambar-Ata-1 HPP will cost $3.5 billion and takes 6.5 years. If the funding issue is resolved this year, then the work will begin at the end of the year.

“After the agreements are signed, a competition will be announced among construction companies. It will be held in three stages. After the contractor is selected, construction will begin,” the minister noted.