Ust-Kamenogorsk, 22 October. In the Katon-Karagai and Markakol districts of East Kazakhstan region, 11 small hydropower plants are planned on mountain rivers to close an electricity shortage that holds back the opening of holiday centres, glamping sites and visitor centres; construction will be funded entirely by private investors, the regional akimat's press service said.
"Developing utility and energy infrastructure in recreational areas remains a key condition for attracting tourists and business. Every new location needs reliable networks and guaranteed power supply," the akimat said. The capacity of the plants, the names of investors, sums and construction deadlines have not yet been disclosed.
Regional akim Nurymbet Saktaganov also ordered design and estimate documents for a footbridge over the Ak Berel river to the Kokkol waterfall in Katon-Karagai National Park, and told the relevant departments and district akimats to prepare a list of priority infrastructure projects for tourism. In the village of Novaya Bukhtarma more than 20 km of heating mains have already been replaced, a 12-kilometre power line has been laid and the Goluboi Zaliv and Novaya Bukhtarma substations have been rebuilt.
What it means: Tourism in the mountain districts of East Kazakhstan is held back by a lack of electricity, and the region is addressing this not from the budget but through private small hydropower plants. How much capacity will be added and when the plants will start operating is not yet known.
Who benefits: Tourism businesses that need electricity for new holiday centres and glamping sites, and residents of remote villages. Investors will own the plants; the sources do not say on what terms they will sell electricity.
Background: Tourist infrastructure in these districts is still small: in Markakol district, according to the regional authorities, only 5 accommodation facilities with 73 beds are registered, and 11 tourist routes operate in the Markakol nature reserve.
List of sources used: Kazinform, Noks.kz, YK.kz
Artificial intelligence was used in preparing this material.
