At the V Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov made a number of proposals on the problem of water shortage in the region.
Zhaparov noted that Central Asia has been experiencing abnormal frosts, prolonged droughts, and low water levels more frequently in recent times. Winter sees a sharp increase in electricity consumption, while a deficit of electricity is widespread during the summer. Despite challenging natural and climatic conditions, Kyrgyzstan has been responsibly and fully fulfilling its interstate commitments regarding water resources, even at the expense of its own water management and hydrotechnical facilities due to low water levels.
"To rationally utilize the water and energy resources of Central Asia, it is necessary to take radical, specific, and effective measures, primarily for attracting significant investments, both state and private, into the water and energy sectors of the countries," said Zhaparov.
He proposed initiating work to renew and improve cooperation under the agreement on the use of the water and energy resources of the Naryn and Syr Darya rivers between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan (dating back to 1998), which provides for a balanced exchange of water and energy resources.
President ZHaparov suggested establishing a regional center in Bishkek for the implementation of energy-efficient and resource-saving technologies in the region.
"Without glaciers, there will be no water, and without water, there will be no life. The unresolved water and energy problems in one country can affect the water supply of other Central Asian states. We propose that interested countries join forces to attract investments into Kyrgyzstan's water sector as a country that forms almost half of the region's water resources and to implement modern technologies," said President of Kyrgyzstan
The heads of all Central Asian countries gathered in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, for the summit, which also included Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev as an honorary guest.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
September 14, 2023