Solving the problem of flooding in Astana caused by rainwater and meltwater will require significant investment and large-scale infrastructure construction over the next five years.
As reported by the media, citing the Ministry of Industry and Construction, a large-scale modernisation of the capital's stormwater drainage system is planned for the period 2025-2030.
"Overall, to ensure the drainage and treatment of rainwater between 2025 and 2030, it is necessary to build approximately 412 km of stormwater sewer networks, 7 treatment facilities, 35 pumping stations, and to reconstruct two treatment facilities. The estimated cost of these measures is around 200-250 billion tenge. The new Water Code includes a provision for the use of water management facilities to accumulate meltwater, rainwater, and floodwater for agricultural needs", the statement reads.
According to the department, the new Water Code includes a specific article on stormwater drainage systems for populated areas.
The document provides standards for calculating the volume of runoff entering the stormwater drainage system, as well as a methodology for calculating the cost of services for the drainage and treatment of various types of water, including rainwater, meltwater, infiltration water, street washing water, and drainage water, which flow from populated areas and industrial enterprises.
"Furthermore, under the new Water Code, it is planned to develop regulatory legal acts and introduce amendments and additions to building codes and regulations governing the construction, reconstruction, and operation of stormwater drainage systems", the ministry noted.
It is noted that the current stormwater drainage system in Astana consists of 18 treatment facilities and one storage pond, as well as 611 km of main collectors for the stormwater, drainage, and tray-ditch sewer network. This infrastructure provides drainage of surface runoff from an area of more than 16.7 thousand hectares.
"However, there are problematic areas where flooding systematically occurs", the department emphasised.
It is worth recalling that last October, a sewage pumping station being built in Astana near the Ishim River became a subject of dispute between local residents and district authorities.
Residents fear that the station will pollute the river. Meanwhile, representatives of the Saryarka District administration believe there is no cause for concern.