In the Ili Valley of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the Chinese mainland, Karatas village has long been famous for its colorful fruit orchards. But for years, the biggest challenge was water scarcity 💧🍊.
Back in 2022, a government-funded reservoir was built to change that. However, soon after it opened, leaks dulled villagers’ excitement and left their fields thirsty once more.
Fast forward to 2024: a dedicated team from Suzhou, under the Jiangsu Pairing Assistance Program, rolled up their sleeves and fixed the reservoir’s cracks. Today, clear water surges through irrigation channels, breathing life back into apple, pear and peach trees.
This project is more than concrete and pipes—it’s a symbol of resilience and collaboration, showing how local communities and broader support can spark real change.
Local farmer Aibek, a Karatas resident, shares his joy: "Our orchards have never looked so vibrant! This water is our future." 🌳✨
Beyond fruitful harvests, the reservoir has restored faith in a brighter tomorrow. It proves that smart investments and teamwork can transform rural life, one drop at a time. 💪
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
