OREANDA-NEWS. December 07, 2011. On the eve of the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Independence, Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V. (KPO) has announced the successful completion of two large-scale social projects with total investments of around USD 6.5 million that have been implemented in the Burlin District of the West Kazakhstan Oblast, reported the press-centre of KPO.

In particular, as part of its local infrastructure development programme, KPO has renovated the boiler house at the 10th micro-district of the town of Aksai, and has completed a project to ensure additional water supply for Aksai using the Akbulaksky ground water reservoir.

KPO General Director, Giuseppe PASI, said, “We are delighted to be able to provide these modern public facilities on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the country’s Independence.  Thanks to KPO’s social investments, local communities are already seeing the benefits of new schools, hospitals, sports facilities as well as better water and gas supplies for Aksai and many rural settlements.

“In accordance with the Final Production Sharing Agreement, KPO will provide more than USD 0.5 billion in investments as part of its social programme.  This will contribute to the ongoing development of the region for the benefit of Kazakhstan and its people,” added Giuseppe PASI.

Burlin District Akim, Bulat Shakimov, said, “The improvement of local social infrastructure is a true example of KPO’s social corporate responsibility.  The cooperation between the local authorities and KPO ensures the effective use of Karachaganak’s potential and results in positive economic and social changes in the region. This is an excellent gift for all the residents of the district on the eve of the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Independence”.

The renovated boiler house will ensure a stable heat and hot water supply for existing and new social facilities in the 10th micro-district of Aksai, including a new 900 pupil school that KPO built as part of its social programme in 2010.  Within less than a year, the local supplier -- AksaiSpetsMontazh LLC, has completed a large scope of work including the construction of the new building, installation of two boilers, pipes, a water preparation unit, and control and automation systems.  The new state-of-the art boilers make possible a two-fold decrease in gas consumption and significant drop in heating losses.

The completion of another project will ensure a stable water supply for the town of Aksai and neighbouring villages. A Kazakh company called SpetsStroyService LLP was selected as the contractor for this project. Earlier, Aksai had received its potable water from the Bestay water reservoir, which has a capacity of 7,300 cubic metres per day.

However, the development of new micro-districts in Aksai and the growth of the Bestau Village have required an additional supply of potable water. The construction was completed in two stages.  In the beginning, a water supply plant including initial pump stations, two water wells, registration and distribution units and pipes were built.  The second stage of the project entailed the construction of a second pump station with a piping system.  The new plant’s capacity is 1,980 cubic metres of water per day, which will significantly enhance the water supply, especially during the summer period.