The ongoing reform of water legislation in Kazakhstan is poised to significantly impact the country’s water, sanitation, and drainage sectors. A recent article, “NEW DRAFT OF WATER CODE OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN: LEGAL ANALYSIS,” published in ‘Хабаршы. Заң сериясы’ (translated as ‘Herald. Law Series’), sheds light on the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of water management laws to promote a water-efficient and sustainable state policy.
Lead author К.У. Оразалиев from the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University in Astana emphasizes that the regulation of water relations has lagged behind the evolving legal and economic landscape. “To stimulate water users towards a closed loop economy, we must integrate water into economic turnover effectively,” he states. This integration not only aims to enhance the efficiency of water use but also to encourage innovative practices in water management that could benefit commercial stakeholders in the sector.
The draft Water Code, expected to be adopted by 2024, is under scrutiny for its potential shortcomings. The article highlights the need for a balanced approach that aligns water legislation with civil and natural resource laws. Orazaliev points out, “Ensuring an optimal ratio of legal norms is crucial for effective water management.” The current draft may present legal conflicts and gaps, particularly concerning the interplay between land, water, and subsoil use laws. Addressing these issues could lead to a more coherent legal framework that supports sustainable water use and management.
The implications of this research extend beyond legal compliance; they encompass economic opportunities for businesses involved in water-related industries. By fostering a regulatory environment that encourages water-saving technologies and practices, Kazakhstan could see a rise in investments and innovations that drive efficiency in water consumption. This could lead to a more resilient infrastructure, benefiting not only the environment but also the economy.
As Kazakhstan moves toward adopting this new Water Code, the insights provided by Orazaliev and his colleagues will be instrumental in shaping a legislative framework that meets contemporary challenges in water management. The push for reform is not merely a bureaucratic exercise; it represents a critical step toward sustainable development in a region where water resources are increasingly under pressure.
For more information on this research and its implications, you can visit L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, where К.У. Оразалиев is affiliated. The article serves as a significant contribution to the ongoing discourse on water legislation in Kazakhstan, highlighting the intersection of legal frameworks and economic viability in the water sector.
