On October 3, 2025, a national seminar and meeting entitled "Digital Tools as a Model for New Water Infrastructure Management" opened in Shymkent. This event became an important platform for exchanging experiences and discussing the prospects for digitalization of Kazakhstan's water sector. The main goal of the seminar was to develop modern approaches to managing water supply and sanitation systems, improving the efficiency and environmental sustainability of the industry.

The seminar was attended by Zhannat Dubirova , Vice Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan, representatives of relevant committees, the Kazakhstan Center for Modernization and Development of Housing and Utilities , heads of utility companies, and representatives of public organizations. Special guests at the event included delegates from major international companies: Veolia , Aqualia , and SUEZ , who shared their experiences implementing digital solutions in the water sector.

The main topics of discussion included the implementation of digitalization and automation, the use of artificial intelligence in water supply and wastewater systems, and the implementation of a national project to modernize the energy and utilities sectors. Participants noted that modern technologies can significantly reduce water losses, lower operating costs, and increase the transparency of utilities.

Opening the meeting, Vice Minister Zhannat Dubirova emphasized the strategic importance of digitalizing water infrastructure. In her speech, she noted that President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's Address to the Nation focused on the development of the housing and utilities sector and the need to modernize utility networks. "Today's seminar is a practical implementation of the head of state's instructions. Our goals are to improve management efficiency, enhance service quality, and introduce cutting-edge technologies that will ensure the sustainable development of the industry," she stated.

Anarbek Orman, CEO of Vodnye Resursy – Marketing LLC, delivered a detailed presentation. He discussed the digital solutions and process automation systems implemented at the company, as well as the positive results achieved through these changes. He explained that nearly all production operations are now automated: water pressure regulation, flow metering, drainage system management, and wastewater treatment processes are all performed remotely via digital platforms.

Furthermore, the company actively utilizes geographic information systems (GIS) and hydraulic modeling, which enable the rapid analysis and optimization of water and sewer networks. This significantly reduces accidents and improves customer service.

"Our company is moving towards a complete digital transformation. The implementation of automation and intelligent control systems not only improves infrastructure reliability but also saves resources. We are currently actively working to integrate all local systems into a single SCADA platform , which will enable real-time management of all processes," noted Anarbek Orman.

Seminar participants were shown a modern, multifunctional water analyzer capable of determining four key drinking and wastewater quality indicators in just 30 minutes. Such technologies allow for more efficient monitoring and ensure a high level of environmental safety.

Representatives from international companies Veolia , Aqualia , and SUEZ presented best global practices in water resource management, innovative wastewater treatment solutions, and energy-efficient technologies. They expressed their willingness to collaborate with their Kazakh partners, noting the high potential for development in the country's water sector.

Following the plenary session, seminar participants visited the production facilities of Vodnye Resursy – Marketing LLC , where they learned about the implemented automation, digital monitoring, and control systems. The delegates toured the wastewater treatment plant complex, which utilizes unique biological treatment and energy recovery technologies, allowing the company to independently meet the majority of its electricity and heat needs.

Following the visit, participants praised the company's achievements and noted that Shymkent's experience could serve as an example for other regions of the country. It was emphasized that integrating digital solutions into the water resource management system is not only a technological step forward but also an important element of environmental and economic sustainability.

The final stage of the seminar featured an exchange of views between representatives of government agencies, utilities, and international companies. Participants discussed specific measures to accelerate the digitalization of the water sector, create a unified water network database, and improve the regulatory framework.

In conclusion, Vice Minister Zhannat Dubirova noted that the seminar's results will form the basis for further steps to modernize the industry: "Our goal is to ensure that every water supply and sanitation system in Kazakhstan operates with maximum efficiency, minimal losses, and complete quality control. Digital technologies are the path to transparency, accountability, and sustainable development."

Thus, the seminar held in Shymkent became a landmark event, demonstrating that Kazakhstan is confidently moving toward a new era of water resource management—an era where digitalization and innovation are becoming the key to a sustainable future.