Work continues in Shymkent to strengthen the dam and banks of the Badam River, one of the city's key waterways. The river flows through several districts of the metropolis, and its course includes areas prone to flooding and landslides. To improve safety for residents and prevent emergencies, city authorities have decided to undertake a comprehensive reconstruction of the dam and strengthen the shoreline.

The Badam River has been a source of concern for residents for many years. In the spring, during floods and intense rainfall, the river's water level rises significantly. These conditions increase the risk of flooding for residential buildings, outbuildings, and infrastructure. Such incidents have occurred in the past, highlighting the importance of timely measures to strengthen the dam and banks.

According to experts, the dam's reconstruction will significantly increase its strength and resilience to large volumes of water. Once completed, the engineering structures will be able to withstand extreme hydrological loads, reducing the risk of erosion and shoreline destruction even during high floodwater levels. Furthermore, the reinforced dams will become an important element of the city's defense system against natural disasters, including landslides and mudflows.

The section where work is being carried out extends over five kilometers. Next year, similar work is planned for another section of the river, located in the Yenbekshinsky District. Thus, dam and bank reinforcement measures will cover key areas of the city most at risk.

Mukhamedzhan Seitzhanov, Head of the Department for the Development of a Comfortable Urban Environment, noted that the total length of the Badam River within the city limits is 49 kilometers. Between 2013 and 2017, 9.7 kilometers of the dam in the Al-Farabi district were repaired as part of scheduled maintenance. In accordance with the city akim's instructions, an additional nine kilometers of the riverbed will be improved from 2021 to 2024 as part of the Roadmap. Work will begin along the river in the Abay district in 2025.

Particular attention is being paid to including all mudflow- and landslide-prone areas in the city's new general plan. These areas are home to over 1,500 people. Including these areas in the plan will allow for development control and prevent the construction of new residential buildings on potentially hazardous sites. This is an important step in the comprehensive public safety system.

Deputy Mayor of Shymkent Sarsen Kuranbek emphasized that 13 landslide-prone zones, covering a total area of 497,000 square meters, have been identified in the city. These zones include 109 facilities, home to 433 people. Additionally, 29 mudflow-prone areas have been identified, covering an area of 933,000 square meters, containing 328 facilities and home to 1,129 people. Therefore, city authorities are paying special attention to considering all risks associated with natural disasters in urban infrastructure planning.

Dam and embankment strengthening involves a comprehensive set of engineering solutions. Modern soil stabilization technologies are employed, along with the installation of protective structures and hydraulic structures capable of withstanding extreme water loads. Furthermore, the work is accompanied by strict quality and safety controls to ensure the durability and reliability of the resulting system.

In addition to directly strengthening the dam, the program also includes work to restore the city's irrigation network. Approximately 700 million tenge was spent on this in 2025. The main goal is to create a closed-loop water supply and drainage system, as the existing irrigation ditches cannot handle the volume of water during intense rainfall and floods. Restoring the irrigation network will allow for more efficient water distribution, reduce the load on the Badam River, and minimize the risk of flooding.

Reconstructing and strengthening the dam not only prevents the negative consequences of natural disasters but also contributes to an improved urban environment. A reliable dam and reinforced banks provide additional protection for residential areas, roads, and social and commercial facilities. Furthermore, these measures increase public trust in government authorities, demonstrating a systematic approach to ensuring safety and preventing emergencies.

The work is being carried out in accordance with urban development plans and environmental regulations. Specialists monitor the impact of construction work on the river's ecosystem, banks, and adjacent areas. Measures are being taken to protect flora and fauna and prevent water and soil pollution. This integrated approach allows for the integration of engineering solutions with environmental protection.

Once the dam and the banks of the Badam River are strengthened, the risks of flooding, inundation, and coastal erosion are expected to be significantly reduced. Residents will feel safer, and the city's infrastructure will become more resilient to natural hazards. Furthermore, the restoration of the irrigation system will facilitate efficient water use, which is especially important in the arid climate.

As part of Shymkent's long-term planning, the Badam River and surrounding areas are constantly monitored. This allows for the timely identification of risk areas, planning of preventative maintenance, and the prevention of emergencies. Strengthening the dam and restoring the irrigation network are important elements of this comprehensive protection system.

Thus, the dam and bank strengthening work carried out in Shymkent in 2025 aims to create a safe, sustainable, and modern urban environment. This work ensures the protection of residents and infrastructure, helps control development in hazardous areas, and promotes the rational use of water resources. A comprehensive approach to the reconstruction and strengthening of hydraulic structures makes the city more resilient to natural disasters and improves the quality of life for its residents.