Almaty region holds series of meetings to explain the President’s Address

Residents of Almaty region raised concerns over overcrowded schools, the renovation of social infrastructure facilities and water supply during a series of meetings held to explain the President’s Address, El.kz reports citing the regional Department of Internal Policy.

The meetings took place in Konayev, Kaskelen and Ili districts. Representatives of government authorities, members of the National Kurultai, teachers and local residents took part in the discussions.

In Karasai District, participants highlighted the shortage of student places at the school in the village of Kyrgauyldy. They also called for attention to be given to the need for major repairs to A. Pushkin School in Kaskelen.

Other issues raised included the modernisation of the House of Culture in Bekbolat village and ensuring access to drinking water in the Karlygash residential area. In Ili district, residents raised questions concerning teachers’ working conditions, salaries and social benefits.

The meetings also addressed the proposed increase in the minimum wage. According to the plans presented, the minimum monthly wage is expected to rise to 110,000 tenge. The proposed change is yet to be formalised through legislative amendments.

Deputy Minister of Finance Asset Turyssov stated that 1.5 trillion tenge from the National Fund is planned to be allocated for the construction of schools, outpatient clinics and other social infrastructure facilities. The funding was discussed in the context of the “People’s Construction” initiative.

Particular attention was also given to the need to reduce the administrative burden on teachers, promote inclusive education and ensure appropriate support for children with special educational needs.

According to Almaty region Deputy Akim Gani Mailbayev, 18 schools with a total capacity of 14,250 student places were commissioned in the region last year. Ahead of the current academic year, a further five schools commenced operations, while major renovation works were completed at several educational institutions.

In the healthcare sector, 43 facilities were commissioned last year. Most of them were constructed under the National Project for the Modernisation of Rural Healthcare.

Representatives of government authorities responded to residents’ questions. However, the published report did not specify the timelines for renovating the schools mentioned or resolving the water supply issue.