The initiator of this bill is Jogorku Kenesh deputy Talant Muratbekov. The new law is intended to replace the outdated Law "On Drinking Water," adopted in 1999, which, according to the author, does not cover many modern aspects, including water supply in cities and the wastewater system.
As stated in the explanatory note, the draft law introduces uniform standards for the operation of water supply organizations, clarifies the powers of state and local authorities, and regulates the relationships between service providers and consumers. The document outlines requirements for the quality of drinking water, rules for connecting to water supply systems, as well as the procedure for accounting for consumed water and the conditions for providing wastewater services.
A separate section of the bill emphasizes tariff policy. It is proposed to establish a rule that water tariffs should not be lower than the cost of the services provided.
If local councils decide on a tariff that is lower than actual costs, it is assumed that the difference will be covered by local budgets.
Additionally, the law includes the possibility of public-private partnerships in the field of water supply, which should promote attracting private investments for infrastructure renewal, construction of treatment facilities, and modernization of networks.
The authors of the bill emphasize that the existing water supply system in many regions of the country needs updating, as current tariffs do not cover the expenses of operators. The new law is expected to create a more sustainable economic model for the industry and improve the quality of services for the population.
