Bektenov Criticizes Ministry of Water Resources Over Project Delays

Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov, expressed concern during a recent government meeting about delays in critical infrastructure projects, Orda.kz reports.

Bektenov specifically called on the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, to accelerate progress.

Some projects are falling behind schedule. For example, the modernization of the Sokolov group water pipeline in the North Kazakhstan region, and the pipeline project for the villages of Talapker and Kazhymukan in the Aqmola region. What’s causing the delay, and what’s being done about it?said Bektenov. 

In response, Minister Nurzhigitov cited two main reasons: insufficient budget allocations and subpar work by contractors.

First, the annual budget consistently falls short. Second, the contractors who win the tenders often deliver poor-quality work. Currently, 5.8 billion tenge has been allocated from the National Fund, and another 5.5 billion from a special fund. However, the Sokolov project is still lacking 650 million tenge. Despite this, the work is now on schedule. We plan to complete most of it this year and aim to fully commission the facility in 2026.Nurzhigitov explained. 

Bektenov reminded the Minister that the necessary funds had already been allocated and stressed the need to move faster. After Nurzhigitov's brief reply — "Understood" — the Prime Minister reiterated that the projects must be completed within the agreed timeframe.

Original Author: Artyom Volkov