OSCE supports discussions safety of hydrotechnical facilities in Kazakhstan

ASTANA, 9 December 2015 - Development of a new national legislation on safety of hydrotechnical facilities was the focus of an OSCE-supported roundtable discussion, which took place in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The event was co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, the Agriculture Ministry and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea Executive Directorate for Kazakhstan. Some 60 officials from the Agriculture, Energy, Justice and National Economy Ministries, the Emergency Situations Committee of the Interior Ministry, the public company Kazvodkhoz, as well as international and national organizations reviewed the main challenges in ensuring safety through good water governance.

National and international experts from Russia and Uzbekistan discussed prospects for co-operation in a transboundary context, stressed the importance of safety measures at water facilities for regional security and reviewed investment opportunities in view of draft legislation on dam safety.

"The safety of hydrotechnical installations is a key factor in reducing the risk of natural and man-made disasters,” said Natalia Zarudna, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “We need to ensure more structured coordination of interaction in countering natural disasters, strengthen dialogue at the regional level, take into account best practices and use relevant international tools."

Deputy Agriculture Minister Erlan Nysanbayev said: “Ensuring the safety of hydrotechnical facilities is a matter of national security. Our objective is to find optimal ways to ensure the safety of water facilities, including in transboundary context.”

Participants elaborated a set of recommendations that includes the establishment of an intergovernmental working group and the development of an action plan for drafting legislation on safety at hydrotechnical structures. The proposed working group stipulates involvement of international and local experts as well as collaboration with international organizations.

The event is part of the Programme Office’s activities aimed at reducing risks of natural and man-made disasters and promoting transboundary water co-operation. It falls in line with the priorities of the 2014 Swiss and 2015 Serbian OSCE Chairmanships.