UNDP to Support Construction of New Water Reservoirs in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) held discussions on their collaboration within the framework of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB)-financed project titled “Development of Climate Resilient Water Resources.”

The issue was discussed at a meeting between Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov and Resident Representative of the UN Development Program in Kazakhstan Katarzyna Wawiernia in Astana, The Caspian Post reports citing Kazakh media.

The first phase of the project aims at construction of four new and reconstruction of four existing water reservoirs, as well as reconstruction of 115 canals.

The sides also discussed the measures to upgrade the project’s efficiency, as well as interaction of all participating sides.

Notably, in July 2025, the Kazakh Ministry together with the Islamic Development Bank took a decision to attract the UNDP as an international consultant for the project.

As Minister Nurzhigitov noted, the UNDP’s participation will let raise the project to a new level.

“The work financed by the Islamic Development Bank is underway to implement the Concept for the Development of the Water Resources Management System. The project’s regulatory-legal framework has been updated, all necessary institutions have been set up. We hope that our cooperation will let achieve the Concept’s target indicators,” Nurzhan Nurzhigitov said.