Reposted from Radio Azattyk (RFE/RL)
by: Zamira Kozhobaeva
style edit: Ryan Weber
At a special meeting in Khokand on August 8, policy makers from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan met to discuss pressing issues of regional water management. Following the meeting, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee on Water Resources and Land Reclamation Chyngyz Uzakbaev spoke with Radio Azattyk.
Radio Azattyk: What are the results of this urgent meeting on regional water management?
Chyngyz Uzakbaev: The talks were devoted to the complicated problem of joint water use. The serious threat of drought due to water shortage looms over South Kazakhstan and the Kyzyl-Orda region of Kazakhstan and southern regions of Uzbekistan, all of which are located in the downstream region of the Syr Darya.
After difficult negotiations, we reached the following agreement: At the request of the Kazakh side, we [Kyrgyzstan] will begin releasing 500 cubic meters of water/second from the Toktogul Reservoie through the Uch-Kurgan HPP [HydroPower Plant]. Due to the extremely hot weather, the Kazakhs asked us to add another 50 cubic meters of water, because they would not otherwise receive the 500 cubic meters of water [due to greater evaporation than normal].
This question is being studied at the governmental level now. Kazakhstan also agreed to buy electricity [from Kyrgyzstan] that will be generated as a result of this water release. Our electricity is tied to exports, and this is a very important issue for us. We asked for a three-day break in the water release, so at this point the beginning on August 9, Tajikistan will release up to 600 cubic meters per second from their Kyra Kum reservoir [to make up the difference].
RA: For Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan?
CU: This water [from Tajikistan’s Kyra Kum reservoir] is for Kazakhstan, but will pass through Uzbekistan via the Dostuk canal in Maktaralskom region of Kazakhstan. It will deliver 100-110 cubic meters of water to Kazakhstan. Uzbekistan has pledged not to make withdrawals, and will be responsibile for delivering water to the Kazakh territory.
RA: Last week there were concerns that Uzbekistan has, or will, take water intended Kazakhstan. How real are these concerns?
CU: It is specifically because of these conversations we had to meet in Khokand.
RA: Did this meeting precede the letter from Kazakhstan Prime Minister Karim Masimov to the Kyrgyz Prime Minister Almazbek Atambayev on this issue?
CU: We received a new letter signed on behalf of the First Vice-Premier of Kazakhstan, Zhukeeva, only yesterday. It says that they are willing to buy a certain amount electricity in exchange for water, because rural areas of Kazakhstan now face catastrophic drought. This was verified by our specialists who traveled to Kazakhstan to study the situation on the ground. Earlier this year, we signed a bilateral Kyrgyz-Kazakh agreement that provided for 110 cubic meters of water downstream via the Dostuk canal. Because of the unprecedented drought, this amount was not enough for the Kazakh region, so they are asking instead for 550 cubic meters of water.
It should be noted that the water that we send to the Kazakhs first goes to Uzbek and Tajik territory, then back to Uzbekistan and then finally reaches the Kazakh steppe. These difficulties were raised in the Khokand meeting. To meet domestic energy needs, Kyrgyzstan already releases 220-230 cubic meters per second [from Toktogul].
RA: Are you saying that there will be no harm [to Kyrgyzstan] because of the increased release from the Toktogul reservoir?
CU: That is correct. No negative impact. Thank the Almighty, this year the reservoir has plenty of water.
RA: Thanks for the interview, and good luck!
(original article posted 8/11/11 in Russian at http://rus.azattyk.org/content/kyrgyzstan_water_problems/24293783)
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