Minimizing negative impacts on the quality of water, soil and air is one of the core tasks of a sustainable business. “Ak-Tilek”, a small resort located in the Sokuluk district, used the opportunities provided by the KyrSEFF program to install a wastewater treatment facility.
The Ak-Tilek resort is located in the picturesque Belogorka gorge on the shores of the Shabai River in the Sokuluk district. It is a popular destination not only among those admiring the beauty of nature but those interested in improving their health by drinking kumys. The clean air and mountains are also perfect conditions for sportsmen to practice.
Dozens of villages are located downstream from the resort. Their citizens use the river water for daily needs, and that is why the installation of a treatment facility was not only an issue of environmental protection but also one of people’s access to drinking water.
At the end of 2017, the resort used a KyrSEFF loan to invest USD 19,000 in a modern wastewater treatment facility. Scaled for up to 75 people, the plant provides sewage treatment meeting the established sanitary norms and regulations, which allow the water to be dispersed into the local terrain or to be used for irrigation of gardens and fields.
“I love my country and cherish its beauty. Three years ago, when we started our business in this territory, we considered the installation of a modern wastewater treatment facility. Indeed, polluting the crystal clear river water, used both by us and people living downriver, is not only irresponsible but can also be considered as an “environmental sin,” – says Omor Dzhumanazarov, the resort owner.
The process of wastewater treatment includes several consecutive stages of mechanical and biological treatment. Sewage is first pumped into a tank for mechanical treatment where insoluble and large particles are ground.
After that, the wastewater undergoes a biological treatment stage, which is based on microorganisms that feed on certain pollutants. Purified water is then diverted to the ground through a drainage system with an area of 120 sq. m. If necessary, it can be pumped into a plastic tank and be used later for watering.
The Asia Water Build Company installed the system in only one month.
“Of course we could have installed a lower-cost treatment facility, but treatment efficiency would have been much worse. We did not set a goal for the system to pay off its value, and that is why we turned to a company that ensures almost 100% assurances. The system treats 94% of the polluted water, the remaining 6% is purified naturally by the drainage system,” – shares Omor Dzhumanazarov.
The resort is actively preparing for the upcoming tourist season. Apart from the installation of the wastewater treatment facility also installed energy-efficient LED lighting in the buildings, adding an energy-saving component to their project.
For the successful implementation of the project, Ak-Tilek resort received a US $2,856 cash-back grant, funded by the European Union. As a result of the investment, Ak-Tilek resort will benefit from annual water savings of 5,832 m3, energy savings of 29.4 MWt-h, and 1.3 tons CO2 emission reductions.