Author(s):
Matthew John Sanford - University of Montana
Abstract:
The dissolution of the Soviet State brought independence to Kyrgyzstan in 1991. The Kyrgyz had become dependent on the Soviets for jobs, insurance, and public services. Numerous studies have been conducted on the Aral Sea, but little research has been conducted on how the collapse of the Soviet Union has impacted water resources in the region at local levels, particularly drinking water.
The qualitative fieldwork took place in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan in the summer of 2004. Methods consisted primarily of semi-structured interviews of city administration, health and water officials, and residents. Personal observations of the water system were made. Photographs were taken to document infrastructure style and condition.
Clearly, lack of finances to maintain and replace crumbling infrastructure seems to be the chief concern, but I explore the interplay of other elements such as people’s perception of and involvement in this issue and land-use patterns that contribute to the decline of their drinking water resources.
