On August 20, 2025, large-scale work began in Shymkent, in the Al-Farabi district, to modernize irrigation systems. On this day, the district akim Maratbek Samenbekuly personally inspected the area, checked the condition of the canals and gave instructions to specialists to put the systems in order. The main goal is to prevent water accumulation, increase the efficiency of the canals, protect residential areas from flooding and create safer conditions for residents of the district.

These works are of particular importance for the city, where the problem of water drainage and the condition of irrigation canals has repeatedly caused discomfort to the population in different years. In case of heavy rains, uncleaned or clogged canals quickly overflowed, water went beyond the channel and flooded roads and courtyards. This happened repeatedly, especially in the spring-autumn season.

Past years show that attention to this issue was mostly seasonal. For example, in 2023, canal cleaning most often began only in the spring, when it became obvious that the canals could not cope with melt water. In those years, one-time measures were taken to clean and repair individual sections, but there was no systematic approach. As a result, after a few months, the situation repeated itself.

In 2024, the Akimat took the first steps to make this work more systematic. Special groups were formed, periodic inspections of the canals were carried out, and additional devices for regulating the water level were installed in a number of places. However, these measures were not yet of a daily nature - work was carried out only in certain seasons, and the rest of the time the canals again remained without proper control.

The main difference of the current 2025 is that since August 20, irrigation work has become permanent and daily. If earlier attention to this topic was increased only during rains or when residents complained, now the emphasis is on prevention. Arnaly canals are cleared of silt, debris, and weakened areas are strengthened. Special machines and teams are involved for this, which allows tasks to be completed more quickly. This approach not only reduces the risk of emergency situations, but also significantly extends the service life of the systems themselves.

The residents themselves will feel the big benefit from this. Firstly, the threat of flooding of yards and roads will disappear, which is especially important in areas with dense development. Secondly, in case of heavy precipitation, water will be drained faster, without destroying the road surface and without creating emergency situations on the roadway. Thirdly, the modernization of irrigation systems will have a positive effect on agriculture, because water for irrigation will be distributed more rationally, without unnecessary losses.

Another important aspect is environmental. When channels are clogged with household waste, this not only reduces their throughput, but also harms the environment. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the system will help maintain the natural balance, prevent stagnant zones where insects or unpleasant odors can spread.

If we compare the current work with previous years, the difference becomes obvious. In the past, the measures were mostly reactive: it rained, the streets were flooded - after that, the services were called in. Now, however, a preventive approach has been chosen: problems are eliminated before they manifest themselves. This approach saves resources and time. After all, restoring a road or eliminating the consequences of flooding is much more expensive than timely cleaning of a canal.

It is also interesting that they plan to involve modern technologies in this work. In the near future, the possibility of introducing digital monitoring is being considered - with the installation of sensors to control the water level and equipment that transmits data online. Thus, specialists will be able to respond in a timely manner to changes in the system and prevent malfunctions at an early stage.

Special attention is paid to interaction with residents. The Akimat emphasizes that the cleanliness of the canals depends not only on the work of public utilities, but also on the citizens themselves. If people throw garbage into the pits, no efforts will bring the desired result. Therefore, in parallel with technical measures, explanatory work is also carried out: citizens are urged to protect the environment and maintain order.

Thus, the modernization of irrigation systems in the Al-Farabi district of Shymkent is not just another cleaning or seasonal maintenance. This is a new systemic approach aimed at a long-term result. The experience of past years has shown that temporary measures do not solve the problem, so now the focus is on constant monitoring and prevention. Since August 20, irrigation in the district has become a daily affair, which means that residents can count on a higher level of safety and comfort.

This work is a vivid example of how a well-established infrastructure management mechanism can directly affect the quality of life of city residents. If this experience is continued and extended to other areas of the city, Shymkent will be able to significantly reduce the risk of flooding and at the same time increase the efficiency of water resource use. For a city that is dynamically developing and expanding, such a step is timely and strategically important.