Construction of new sewage treatment facilities (STF) has begun in Aktobe, which should replace the station that has been operating since 1981. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

According to the regional akimat, the project worth about 43 billion tenge should replace worn-out infrastructure and create the necessary capacity reserve for the city's development.

The existing STF was put into operation 45 years ago. Today, its wear is estimated at about 70%. Daily, the station receives 70–80 thousand cubic meters of wastewater, and during the flood period the volume reaches 95 thousand cubic meters.

At the same time, only about 62% of Aktobe's population is covered by centralized sewerage.

The new STF will be designed to treat 100 thousand cubic meters of wastewater per day. During peak periods, capacity can reach 130 thousand cubic meters.

"The project is financed through borrowed funds from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development under a state guarantee. Up to 90 percent of the costs for repayment and servicing of the loan will be covered by the republican budget, and at least 10 percent by the local budget. Thus, the entire financial burden will not fall on residents," said Akim of Aktobe region Ashat Shakharov.

As reported by Nagymzhan Aldiyarov, General Director of JSC "Aqtobe su-energy group", the new station provides a four-level treatment system. It will include mechanical and biological treatment, ultraviolet disinfection, and sludge processing with biogas production.

The sludge is planned to be dried and processed into granules, and biogas will be used to generate electricity.

The project also includes rehabilitation and sealing of two pipelines through which treated water is discharged.

Construction has already begun. As work expands, the number of specialists on site is planned to increase to 350 people. The project is expected to be completed in May 2028.

After the new station is launched, the treated water can be used for fishery purposes or discharged into a water body, subject to environmental requirements and the availability of necessary project documentation.

The existing STF will continue to operate until the new station is commissioned. After that, their further condition and the need for reconstruction will be determined.

Earlier, Kursiv reported that Aktobe airport earned more than 100 million tenge in net profit.