Kassym-Jomart Tokayev Announces 'People's Construction' Program in Kazakhstan

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the significant allocation of funds for the housing and utilities sector, as well as the successful provision of gas and clean drinking water to many populated areas. The government will develop a list of specific projects as part of the program by the end of the year, intended to cover the entire region.

"We must meet the increased expectations of our people. This plan is aimed at improving the country's well-being; we have no other goal," the statement read.

Tokayev also emphasized that the 'People's Construction' program will become the largest infrastructure project in history, contributing not only to the well-being of citizens but also to the development of entrepreneurship and the national economy. This initiative will provide jobs for hundreds of thousands and benefit the entire nation, especially the younger generation.

He pointed out the need for systemic measures to address the issue of water resource shortages. In modern conditions, it is important to implement principles of rational water resource use, reduce network losses, and enhance control over water consumption. According to the president, water should be valued at its actual cost, and the government has initiated a large-scale tariff reform in the field of water consumption.

"Careful water management should become a mandatory principle of economic activity," added Tokayev.

The president also stressed the importance of creating a National Water Resource Information System to accurately account for water resources and make informed decisions when planning new production facilities.

Regarding energy, Tokayev announced that Kazakhstan produces 123 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, which is insufficient for a developing country with plans to build data centers. The strategic task is to achieve a sustainable energy surplus by 2029, requiring the construction and modernization of power plants and transmission lines, as well as the development of renewable energy sources.

"In today's world, ensuring energy supply has become a key factor of competitiveness for every country," the president remarked.

He also highlighted existing problems in the energy sector, including electricity deficits that lead to constant electricity procurement from neighboring countries at high prices in winter, and returning it at significantly lower prices in summer. The president also pointed out issues related to the construction of new generation capacities in certain cities such as Turkestan, Kyzylorda, Almaty, and Ekibastuz.

Reported by ЖКХ24 with reference to the Energy and Housing and Utilities Department of the Kyzylorda Region website.

Photo: gov.kz