This year, the regional authorities decided to start preparing for floods early. Although the winter season has not yet ended, work is being carried out intensively around the clock to protect vulnerable areas. In particular, special attention is being paid to expanding the channel of the Zhabai River, which flows through three districts. The akim of the Akmola region noted that comprehensive work is needed in all regions.
Currently, work is underway to expand the channel of the Zhabai River in the village of Balkashino. These measures will help reduce the risk of flooding in Atbasar during spring floods. The river bank is being cleared of reeds and woody vegetation, the channel is being widened to 35 meters, and the depth is being increased to 3 meters.
“We will accelerate the flow of water and prevent it from overflowing the river channel. Two protective dams will be built in the most vulnerable areas. A reservoir with a depth of about five meters will be created in Balkashino. Excess water will be sent to this reservoir and then used for the needs of the villagers. Similar work will be carried out in the Atbasar district,” said Bakhyt Beszhigitova, head of the project company, director of Bakhyt-Hydro LLP.
The large-scale project is planned to be completed by the end of May next year. Today, about half of the work has been completed. The project was made possible by financing from the Demeu Kazakhstan fund.
In addition, this spring, the construction of three water culverts along the Atbasar soil dam will be completed.
The head of the region saw the ongoing work with his own eyes during a working trip to the Sandyktau and Atbasar districts.
“Currently, 38.2 cubic meters of reinforced concrete pipes, metal structures and sluices have been dismantled and replaced. In addition, 45 cubic meters of soil have been excavated and moved 10 meters. Pipes with a diameter of 10 meters have been laid, and the casing of water intake fittings has been made. All work is being carried out according to the approved schedule,” said Kenesh Alimzhanov, the governor of Atbasar district.
It should be noted that similar work is being carried out in six large water bodies in the region. This will ensure the safety of dozens of settlements.
“In the summer, we carried out evacuation work for residents in dangerous areas. More than 400 families were resettled in Atbasar and provided with new homes. Thus, areas with a constant risk of flooding are now empty. The spring situation will depend on air temperature, precipitation, and soil freezing level. We are closely monitoring these issues. An operational headquarters has been established. Today, we held the first interregional meeting with contractors and other interested parties. There are always risks, but we must be ready for them,” said Marat Akhmetzhanov, the governor of Akmola region.
The head of the region held an expanded meeting with representatives of the local authorities of Atbasar district, the emergency department, the prosecutor's office, entrepreneurs and other interested parties.
“Flooding is expected in the third decade. Last year, more than a thousand houses were damaged in the Atbasar district. The threat of flooding in 20 settlements has not yet been eliminated. Countermeasures have not been fully implemented in all villages. For example, no engineering work has been carried out in the village of Sochinsk for the past three years. The water level in the reservoir has risen, threatening more than 20 houses. Every year, protective measures are taken on our own, but they do not give the expected results. The earthen dam in Atbasar also raises concerns. Therefore, long-term decisions need to be made,” the head of the region said.
Marat Akhmetzhanov warned the meeting participants not to repeat last year’s mistakes and stressed the need to carry out all work in a comprehensive manner according to the plan.
“All possible risks must be taken into account, including the risk of snowmelt and lake overflow. Preparations must be carried out in a timely manner, and the measures taken must be effective,” the regional akim said.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aqmola/press/news/details/931928