Kazakhstan has engaged Spanish company Xcalibur Smart Mapping to explore groundwater in the western region, following successful negotiations led by Water Resources Minister Nurzhan Nurzhigitov. The exploration will include an airborne electromagnetic survey planned for this year. In tandem, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan agreed to increase water supplies to ensure consistent delivery during the irrigation season.
The government of Kazakhstan has engaged Spanish experts to assist in the exploration of groundwater in western Kazakhstan, following negotiations by Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, with Xcalibur Smart Mapping, a Madrid-based company. Xcalibur specializes in airborne and geophysical mapping and maintains representation in various locations, including Astana.
In 2023, both parties will conduct an airborne electromagnetic survey aimed at mapping and assessing groundwater reserves in the region, as reported by related agencies via Telegram. Additionally, Minister Nurzhigitov is actively pursuing a grant from the Spanish government to facilitate the project’s financing, although discussions are ongoing.
Minister Nurzhigitov stated, “Experts from both sides are working on this issue. A detailed airborne electromagnetic survey will assist in detecting groundwater reserves and their boundaries.” This project also aligns with Kazakhstan’s need for sustainable water resource management.
In related developments, early in February, Kursiv.media reported that Minister Nurzhigitov and Shavkat Khamrayev, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Water Resources, reached an agreement to increase Uzbekistan’s water supply to Kazakhstan to 16 billion cubic meters (bcm) by October 1. This is an increase from the previous year’s supply of 15 bcm, ensuring consistent water flow through the Dostyk Canal during the irrigation season.
In summary, Kazakhstan is set to benefit from the expertise of Xcalibur Smart Mapping in the exploration of groundwater resources in western Kazakhstan. This initiative, spearheaded by Minister Nurzhigitov, also underscores the need for international collaboration in resource management, particularly with Uzbekistan in enhancing water supply stability for agricultural needs.
Original Source: kz.kursiv.media
