Kyrgyzstan’s energy minister has proposed accelerating the construction of the Kambar-Ata-1 hydropower plant by starting river diversion works before the formal signing of an intergovernmental agreement. Taalaibek Ibrayev said during a broadcast on April 22 that launching the initial phase now would save significant time on the large-scale energy project.
The minister explained that the process of diverting the Naryn River, which is estimated to take 18 months, must occur before the formation of the dam body can begin. If the government waits for the final signatures on a tripartite document expected later this year, the construction schedule will be delayed. To avoid this, the ministry plans to secure financing and start work in advance of the formal agreement.
The project requires the construction of a dam 260 meters high and approximately 700 meters wide. Kyrgyz authorities have sent an official request to the Asian Development Bank for initial funding, while the project specifications will later undergo expert review and be submitted to the World Bank board of directors.
Preparatory infrastructure near the future site is approximately 90 percent complete. A 400-meter bridge across the Naryn River is expected to open in mid-May, providing heavy machinery with direct access to the construction area. A 136-meter transport tunnel is also being used to facilitate the delivery of materials and equipment.
At its peak, the Kambar-Ata-1 project will require a workforce of 10,000 people. The energy ministry has committed to prioritizing local specialists and companies during the hiring process, which is expected to provide stable employment for the region throughout the duration of the construction.
