The deputy noted that almost 80% of the water from hydroelectric stations and reservoirs goes to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
At a recent meeting of the relevant committee of the Jogorku Kenesh, Umbetaly Kydyraliev, a deputy, raised the issue related to the use of Kyrgyzstan's water resources by neighboring states, while the republic does not receive compensation for economic losses.
“Having studied the data, I found that about 80% of the resources from our reservoirs are directed to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. It is important to remember that these reservoirs require regular maintenance, repairs, and reinforcement of dams. Our neighbors should reimburse us for these costs, which is in line with international norms. For example, the USA pays Canada for water, and Germany pays Sweden,” Kydyraliev stated.
In response, the Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, Bakyt Torobaev, noted that Uzbekistan already covers the expenses for the maintenance and repair of the reservoir in Ala-Buka.
He added that Kazakhstan may also be willing to participate in the repair work of the Kirov Reservoir. However, according to the minister, President Sadyr Japarov has instructed not to seek funds from neighbors for this work.
“We will handle the repairs ourselves. If our partners want to join this process, we have no objections; we have the appropriate agreements,” Torobaev emphasized.
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