Restoration of Kyzylagash dam started in Almaty oblast

Restoration of Kyzylagash dam started in Almaty oblast, Tengrinews.kz reports citing the Water Resources Commission of Kazakhstan Agriculture Ministry. “Construction works on restoration of Kyzylagash dam started today. The dam was ruined in March 2010. The first stage includes construction of a 12km access road to the construction site and a 16km electric power line. The second stage will include restoration of the dam and other water facilities. Construction should be finished in 2014,” deputy chairman of the Water Resources Commission Margulan Maraiym said at the construction site opening ceremony. According to him, 5.5 billion tenge ($36.7 million) were allocated from the state budget for construction works. “Restoration of the 45 million cubic meter dam will provide water for 7.5 thousand hectares of agricultural lands,” Maraiym said. According to deputy Akim (Governor) of the oblast Tynyshbai Dossymbekov, the dam is very important for agricultural works in Aksu region, because farmers there are facing water deficiency. Restoration of the dam will solve the problem of water deficiency and will have a positive effect on development of the whole region, deputy Akim said. Kyzylagash dam failure almost completely ruined Kyzylagash village on March 12, 2010. The accident damaged 400 houses and claimed several lives.