The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is allocating $56 million to Kyrgyzstan for improving wastewater management and developing sustainable and inclusive tourism at Lake Issyk-Kul. This was announced by the ADB press service.
Of the $56 million, $25 million will be provided as concessional loans and $31 million as grants from the Asian Development Fund (ADF). The project includes the construction of climate-resilient infrastructure such as wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations, and improved sewage networks serving major resorts, guesthouses, residential, and business areas in the Cholpon-Ata area, the center of the resort zone on Lake Issyk-Kul.
"The project will also enhance tourism infrastructure through the construction of a museum and tourist information center, improvement and preservation of local archaeological heritage, construction of bicycle lanes and pedestrian trails along the lake shore, modernization of three public parks, and improved access to green areas," the ADB information states.
According to Massimo Petrone, ADB's Senior Urban Development Specialist, the wastewater infrastructure in Cholpon-Ata will reduce drought risks by safely reusing treated wastewater for irrigation and mitigate flood risks in the city through stormwater management during heavy rains.
The issue of wastewater treatment facilities and infrastructure at Lake Issyk-Kul remains relevant and is discussed annually before the start of the tourist season. Local authorities conduct raids among private guesthouses annually to ensure compliance with environmental requirements, including the presence of wastewater treatment facilities.
In early June, local authorities in the Issyk-Kul region suspended operations at 12 guesthouses that did not meet environmental requirements. Additionally, in April 2022, Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov signed a decree prohibiting guesthouses from operating without sewage systems, water supply, water intake, and wastewater treatment facilities starting from 2023.
During the 2023 tourist season, the Issyk-Kul region welcomed over 1.3 million tourists, as reported by the regional administration.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
June 24, 2024