Now the Bolashak programme has been amended to include water specialities such as Hydrogeology, Water Resources and Water Security. Starting this year, Kazakhstani students will be given the opportunity to study in these specialities abroad.

As of today, 10 educational institutions train personnel for the water industry of Kazakhstan. And about 2,500 students are currently studying in water specialities.

"It is important for us to make the water profession more attractive. Since the beginning of 2024, the salaries of water sector workers have increased, on average, by 22 per cent. This has been possible thanks to measures developed by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.

In addition, to improve the human resource potential of the national water sector, the Ministry plans to retrain water professionals and improve their qualifications," Nurzhan Nurzhigitov noted.