URALSK, West Kazakhstan Oblast, 2 August 2020

- Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V. (KPO) announced the successful completion of a bridge reconstruction project in the city of Uralsk as part of company's social and infrastructure program.

The opening ceremony was attended by the leadership of the West Kazakhstan region, headed by the Akim of WKO Gali Iskaliyev, representatives of KPO and contractors as well as Uralsk city community.

As KPO Deputy General Director Gabriele Giona noted, "in the course of its production activities, KPO strives to ensure maximum return from the development of the Karachaganak field for the benefit of the economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan , the local community and KPO shareholders.  Over the past two decades, KPO annually implements a wide range of social projects in the region.  The successful implementation of these projects has become possible thanks to the fruitful cooperation and partnership that has developed between KPO, WKO and the PSA Authority.  To date, KPO's total investment in the development of social infrastructure in the region has made up $416 million.  It should be noted that only local contractors are involved in the implementation of KPO social projects at all stages of construction".

"This bridge reconstruction project is one of the key KPO's social infrastructure projects of this year.  The early completion of the reconstruction and commissioning of the bridge will significantly relieve traffic and increase the level of road  safety in Uralsk", Gabriele Giona added.

The reconstructed bridge was originally built in 1978, and never undergone large-scale repairs during its entire operation.  In this regard, the main goal of the reconstruction was to ensure year-round uninterrupted and safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians with the possibility of two-way traffic through railways and highways in Uralsk.

In the course of the project, the existing overpass was reconstructed, which required a complete dismantling of the old track and the construction of a new overpass across the railway tracks.  In addition, greening and l and landscaping work was carried out in the adjacent territory. The bridge crossing with the overpass has a length of 988 m.  The reconstruction was completed ahead of schedule and within the allocated budget.  At the same time, all work was performed with strict accordance with labour protection, safety and environmental protection requirements.