Flood risk? Diversion canal to be built in Kostanay region

Tengrinews.kz – A diversion canal will be constructed in Kostanay Region to prevent flooding, according to the government's press service.
For this purpose, 1 billion tenge has been allocated.

"As part of the implementation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s instructions on the construction of protective dams and hydraulic structures, 1 billion tenge has been allocated from the government reserve fund for the construction of a diversion canal in the Karasu district of Kostanay Region," the statement reads.

The corresponding decree was signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.

"As a result of the spring floods of 2024, five lakes — Timtuyr, Koibagar, Alabota, Biesoygan, and Zhanshora — merged in the Karasu district, creating a flood zone with a total area of 621 square kilometers. A total of 234 power line poles covering 38 kilometers (15.5% of the district’s grid) were submerged. If the poles collapse, it could leave 2,426 subscribers (about 10,000 people) and 114 agricultural enterprises without electricity," the report states.

Additionally, critical infrastructure in the area was affected, including regional and local roads, communication lines, farmland, and pastures.

"Funds from the government reserve will allow the construction to be completed on time, improving soil drainage and preventing future floods," the statement adds.

According to the project developed by the Kostanay regional akimat, the diversion canal will be 14.2 kilometers long. The total project cost is 1.9 billion tenge, part of which has been allocated from the regional budget.