The project completion deadlines have been postponed several times already: the facility, which is intended to supply water to the region's agricultural land, is now only planned to be completed by 2026.
WHAT IS HAPPENING AT THE SITE
According to the branch "Kanysh Satpayev Canal" of the republican state enterprise "Kazvodkhoz", the estimated cost of construction and installation works amounts to 7.436 billion tenge in 2017–2018 prices, reports Inbusiness.kz.
The estimate has not been revised. To date, 6.478 billion tenge has been spent — approximately 87% of the total amount.
The canal is considered a strategic facility for the region, because after full launch it is meant to supply water to agricultural land and expand the area of irrigated land to 10 thousand hectares.
Currently, the facility is operating partially. Water is being supplied to the fields, but in a limited volume.
WHY THE DEADLINES HAVE BEEN DELAYED
Originally, reconstruction began in 2020 and was expected to be completed within two years. However, the deadlines have been postponed several times — first to 2024, then to 2025, and then to 2026.
The materials indicate that the work was affected by the pandemic and a suspension of funding. Later, engineering difficulties arose. In particular, the designers did not account for the high groundwater level. Because of this, it is reported, concrete slabs have begun to shift and settle, and some work on lining the canal cannot continue without additional technical solutions.
WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN BUILT
Work on the power supply has been completed, substations have been built, and pumping equipment has been installed. Under the fourth stage of reconstruction, 11 out of 13 kilometres of the canal have been lined, and 3 out of 6 forebays have been built. It is also necessary to complete 6 kilometres of service road.
The fifth stage of the project, which involves the construction of the "Michurinskaya Novaya" substation, has been completed.
WHEN COMPLETION IS EXPECTED
According to information from the branch "Kanysh Satpayev Canal", the completion of work on the fourth stage is scheduled for October 2026. However, the deadlines depend on the adoption of technical solutions for problematic sections of the canal and measures to lower the groundwater level.
Work on the pumping station of the second stage, according to the provided data, is expected to be completed in May 2026.
WHY THE PROJECT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE REGION
The canal is intended to supply water to agricultural land in the Pavlodar and Zangar districts. The publication notes that the region has a significant amount of land designated for irrigation, but in reality, only part of the area is used. One of the reasons cited is a lack of infrastructure and water.