This predominantly agricultural region lacks water for irrigation when it is needed most, making the dam’s reconstruction an urgent priority. The Karabura dam was initially planned for irrigation purposes in 1979, with construction starting in 1982. However, due to a lack of funds, work was suspended in 1990.
Since then, a lack of water for irrigation has been one of the major problems for Karabura residents, who are mostly farmers growing kidney beans, a water-sensitive crop.
The reconstruction of the Karabura dam has been included into the World Bank’s project to rehabilitate irrigation systems in Kyrgyzstan at a cost of US$4.45M. The dam will also mitigate flood risks in the area.