Monitor public discussions Participate in public hearings Submit requests and proposals Join Public Councils

How citizens can influence water resource management in Kazakhstan

Введение

The laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan provide for public participation mechanisms: citizens have the right to express opinions, participate in discussions, monitoring and decision-making regarding water resources.

You can participate in water resource management if the issue concerns:

The construction or reconstruction of reservoirs, dams, irrigation systems;
distribution of water between agricultural users;
protection of drinking water sources;
preventing pollution of rivers and lakes;
discussions of water management programs, strategies and regulations.

Submit requests and proposals

You can submit a proposal, complaint or initiative:

through the e-government portal eGov.kz;
via the eOtinish.kz platform;
directly to the territorial departments of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
through the mayor office “akimat” of your region.

The form of appeal may concern:

irrational use of water (for example, over-extraction or leaks);
pollution of rivers and lakes;
the lack of water supply in rural areas;
the failure to comply with sanitary water intake zones.

Participate in public hearings

If a public hearing is announced for a project that affects a river, lake, or water source in your area:

Please review the project documentation on the organizer’s website;
Submit your written opinion, comment or question in advance (via email or form on the website);
Come to the hearing in person or join online;
After the meeting, review the minutes—all comments from citizens must be recorded.

Tip: If your comment is meaningful and specific (for example, about the risk of pollution, falling water levels, or violation of sanitary zones), it will definitely be considered.

Join Public Councils

Public councils operate under the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and in a number of regions.
They consider important decisions, from budget allocation to environmental programs.

To participate:

Follow the announcements about the admission of candidates on the website of the Ministry or mayor office “Akimat”;
submit an application (resume, short motivation letter);
Once the council's composition is approved, you will be able to participate in the meetings and make the proposals.

Monitor public discussions

All projects that may affect the environment (including water resources) undergo public hearings.

Where to search for information:

website of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan ;
websites of mayor offices “akimats” of regions, cities and districts ;
portal Open Government – “Open SRE”;

Any citizen can participate in discussions; submit his suggestions and comments online or in person.