In the village of Kobensai, Ualikhanov district, North Kazakhstan region (NKR), local residents have reported that a pumping station built as part of a project to provide the population with drinking water is not working. The site is overgrown with weeds, and according to villagers, the equipment is not in use.
WHAT THE LOCAL RESIDENTS SHOWED
According to the Telegram channel ‘HALYQSTAN’, a resident of the village recorded a video message demonstrating the condition of the new water pumping station. The footage shows that the area around the facility is overgrown with thick vegetation, and the entrance to the technical room is unlocked and propped up with a board.
Inside the building are pumps and distribution equipment which, according to the publication, are not working. A layer of dust is visible on the units.
WHAT THE HOUSING AND UTILITIES DEPARTMENT REPORTED
Representatives of the Housing and Utilities Department (HUD) of the Ualikhanov district reported on social media that the process of transferring the facility to the trust management of a water management organisation is currently underway.
Furthermore, the statement says that LLP ‘Kyzyltu su arnasy’ is dealing with issues regarding the preservation of the facility.
WHAT FUNDS WERE ALLOCATED FOR THE PROJECT
In 2023, 2 billion tenge was allocated for the construction of water towers and distribution networks in five settlements — Kobensai, Akbulak, Bidayik, Aktoyesai, and Zhas Ulan.
Following the implementation of the projects, the number of subscribers connected to the centralised water supply was expected to increase to 78%, or 2,937 households.
WHAT THE OFFICIAL STATISTICS SAY
Official statistics for the Ualikhanov district indicate that by the end of 2024, clean drinking water was provided to 25 settlements, accounting for 99.9% of the district’s residents.
It also reports that water supply services cover 2,459 households, or 65% of the total number.