Kazakhstan has partnered with Spanish firm Xcalibur Smart Mapping to explore groundwater resources in western Kazakhstan. A planned airborne electromagnetic survey will help identify and map groundwater reserves. Additionally, an agreement with Uzbekistan will increase the annual water supply to Kazakhstan to 16 billion cubic meters.
The government of Kazakhstan has enlisted the assistance of a Spanish firm, Xcalibur Smart Mapping, to conduct groundwater exploration in the western region of the country. This arrangement follows successful negotiations by Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation. Xcalibur, based in Madrid, is esteemed for its expertise in airborne and geophysical mapping and maintains a global presence, including an office in Astana.
In the coming year, both parties intend to execute an airborne electromagnetic survey aimed at mapping and assessing underground water reserves in western Kazakhstan. As noted on Telegram by the ministry, discussions are ongoing regarding a potential grant from the Spanish government to support this initiative. Nurzhigitov remarked that this detailed survey will be crucial in identifying groundwater reserves and their spatial distribution.
Furthermore, recent reports highlight that Nurzhigitov has reached a preliminary agreement with Shavkat Khamrayev, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Water Resources. They have agreed that, by October 1, Uzbekistan will increase its annual water supply to Kazakhstan to 16 billion cubic meters, a modest increase from the previous year’s supply of 15 billion cubic meters during the irrigation season. Uzbekistan has also committed to maintaining consistent water flow through the Dostyk Canal throughout the irrigation period.
In summary, Kazakhstan is advancing its groundwater exploration efforts in collaboration with Spanish experts from Xcalibur Smart Mapping, which will include an airborne survey this year. Ongoing negotiations for financial support from the Spanish government are also in progress. Additionally, an agreement with Uzbekistan aims to enhance water resource management between the neighboring countries, reinforcing regional cooperation in water supply.
Original Source: kz.kursiv.media
