A consortium of Metito, a global provider of intelligent water management solutions, SMK Atameken LLP, Ak Jol Kurylys LLP, and Caspian HES Consulting LLP, has been awarded the contract to develop a 50,000 m3/day desalination plant in the Mangystau region by Ak Su KMG LLP, a part of the KazMunayGaz holding.
This announcement comes against a backdrop of projections that Kazakhstan’s water supply could experience substantial deficits by 2040, projected at 50% of its required volume. This, it was noted, is attributed to climate change alongside population growth, rapid urbanisation, and industrialisation.
The Kenderli Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) Desalination Project will be located on Kazakhstan’s Caspian coast, Mangystau region, set to the Zhanaozen city, alongside a future resort development at Kenderli Bay, it was shared.
Upon completion, the facility will have the capacity to meet the potable water needs of Zhanaozen City and the Kenderli recreation area.
“Water security is essential for the sustainable development of any economy. While the Kenderli SWRO will serve thousands of residents with potable water, it will also generate a positive ripple effect on the growth of tourism, entrepreneurship, and agriculture in the area, highlighting the importance and grave impact of such projects not just on the local communities, but on wider economic growth. This project also marks Metito’s second project in the country and is in line with the company’s strategic expansion plans in Central Asia,” commented Talal Ghandour, Chief Executive Officer, Metito Overseas.
The construction is set to begin in March 2024, with a timeline of up to 15 months for project delivery.
It was noted that the Kenderli SWRO project is in line with Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s recommendations to address the region’s water supply concerns through the accelerated introduction of water-saving technologies, a directive he reinforced at COP28.