July 30, 2025, became an important date for Shymkent in the field of ecology and infrastructure development. A large-scale reconstruction of the Akzhar reservoir, which for decades provided the city and nearby villages with water for irrigation and household needs, but had not undergone major repairs for almost half a century, was completed. Now the facility has received a second life, meeting modern safety requirements and rational use of natural resources.

The Akzhar Reservoir is a strategic hydrotechnical facility for the metropolis. It irrigates about 144 hectares of agricultural land, maintains green areas, and delivers water to nearby settlements. For a long time, the structure operated without major upgrades, which created risks for the environment and safety: wear of the dam, siltation of the bottom, and outdated structures could lead to a decrease in operating efficiency and even create a threat of flooding in the event of heavy rainfall.

The reconstruction, initiated by the Shymkent Akimat and carried out under the supervision of the Department for the Development of a Comfortable Urban Environment, covered the entire range of engineering and construction works. 630 meters of the main dam and 158 meters of the emergency discharge channel were concreted, which significantly increased the reliability of the facility. Mechanical cleaning of the bottom from silt and debris was carried out, which improved the quality of the water and increased its useful volume. In addition, new lighting and video surveillance systems were installed, allowing round-the-clock monitoring of the condition of the reservoir. Even the guard house was rebuilt to ensure full duty and prompt response in case of unforeseen situations.

The significance of the project goes far beyond technical modernization. First of all, the reconstruction reduces the risks of emergency situations. The reinforced dam and emergency channel allow for the efficient discharge of excess water, preventing possible flooding in the spring and summer. This is especially important for a city that is rapidly developing and its suburbs are being actively built up. The safety of residents and the safety of property depend on the reliable operation of such hydraulic structures.

The ecological effect is no less important. The reservoir is not just a reservoir for watering fields, but also part of the city ecosystem. It supports the life of green zones that clean the air, reduce dust levels and soften the summer heat. Irrigation systems fed from Akzhar help preserve lawns, trees and flower beds, creating a more comfortable living environment for city residents. After the reconstruction, the reservoir became more efficient: water is used more rationally, losses are minimized, and the quality of the water itself has improved due to the cleaning of the bottom.

Biodiversity also benefits from the site’s renovation. The reservoir and its coastal zone are a natural habitat for birds, insects and small animals. Clean water and maintaining a stable level increase the chances of these populations surviving, which in the long term has a positive effect on the ecological balance of the entire region.

Compared to previous years, the current work can be called breakthrough. Previously, the modernization of water bodies was local: in 2022, only individual canals and irrigation ditches were cleaned, which had a temporary effect. In 2023, small sections of dams were strengthened, but there was no comprehensive approach to restoring the ecosystem and hydraulic infrastructure. Even in 2024, when several small reservoirs underwent preventive work, the result was limited. The reconstruction of the Akzhar Reservoir has become the largest and most technologically advanced project in recent years, aimed not only at safety, but also at the long-term development of urban infrastructure.

An additional advantage of the project was the introduction of security and monitoring equipment. Video surveillance and lighting allow for prompt monitoring of the facility's condition, preventing illegal dumping of waste and controlling access to the territory. This not only increases engineering reliability, but also protects the environment from the human factor.

For Shymkent, the restoration of the Akzhar reservoir is a step towards a sustainable future. The city receives a tool for stable irrigation of agricultural lands and green areas, which is especially important in conditions of a hot climate and periodic droughts. The environmental situation improves due to the reduction of dust emissions, preservation of vegetation and protection of soils from drying out. In combination with other initiatives - night watering of streets, landscaping and cleaning of canals - the project forms a holistic system of environmental safety for the metropolis.

The completed reconstruction clearly demonstrates that competent work with natural resources is not only a matter of comfort, but also a strategic necessity. The Akzhar reservoir now meets modern standards, combining the functions of protection, water supply and support of the ecosystem. For city residents, this means a safer, greener and more sustainable space for life. And for Shymkent itself, it is a confident step towards the status of a modern metropolis, where environmental and infrastructure issues are addressed comprehensively and with an eye to decades to come.