Nineteen projects worth 6.4 billion tenge (US$18 million) to supply gas to rural settlements are being implemented in the Aktobe region, reports the regional akimat press service. Gas will be provided to more than 7,000 residents in 11 villages by 2019. “Today, 88 percent of the total population of the region or more than 752,00 people are provided with gas. The gasification of the Araltobe and Zhazyk villages will be completed by the end of 2018,” said Energy, Housing and Communal Services Department head Dastan Amanov.
The largest expedition ever to the six most popular destinations in Kazakhstan was launched July 18, according to the Kazakh Tourism press service. Approximately 140 people will explore natural, historical and sacred sites to aid the further development of tourist routes and promote domestic tourism. “The expedition will travel the regions from Altai to the Silk Road areas. A team of professionals will visit the most interesting sites over three months. The expedition will identify necessary infrastructure solutions for the State Tourism Development Programme. New tourist routes will be launched, and a photo and video archive and illustrated guidebooks will be created,” said Kazakh Tourism Board Chairman Rashid Kuzembayev.
Astana hosted July 18 the International Congress of Architects, this meeting dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Kazakh capital, reported Primeminister.kz. Leading architects, urban planners and researchers from more than 20 countries discussed modern national architecture and finding solutions to local identity questions in a global context. “Smart systems should be comfortable for residents. The city’s development has reached a new level. We want to build not just buildings, but energy-efficient buildings with smart and advanced technologies. As for the housing and communal services, we have to conduct repair works and then turn to smart solutions,” said Astana Deputy Akim (Mayor) Malika Bekturova. A team from Sredalab that presented a project on winter greenhouse complexes for residents won the Urban Environment: Smart District contest among young architects and students, an event held within the larger congress.
The Ministry of Healthcare has developed the Healthy Cities of Kazakhstan project to consolidate the actions of various services, including police, environmental authorities and municipal services, reported the press service of the Central Communications Services July 19. The ministry will support local executive bodies to create conditions for a healthy lifestyle and promote physical activity in universities and schools. “We will reduce air pollution and the risk of upper respiratory infections, allergy and asthmatic diseases if we reduce traffic on roads and increase pedestrian zones and cycle routes. Fewer cars mean fewer accidents and injuries, less disability and mortality,” said National Public Health Centre Deputy Director Zhamilya Battakova.
Thirty-five projects worth 55 billion tenge (US$159 million) will be upgraded in the Aktobe region, according to Kazinform. Fifteen investment projects worth 76 billion tenge (US$220 million) were launched as part of the Basic Industrialisation programme, including the construction of a gold ore plant, a granite and building material production plant and the development of the Spring-Aralchinsky copper-pyrite deposit. “Four projects worth 62.5 billion tenge (US$181 million) with participation of foreign investors are being implemented. A wind generator production plant, a gas utilisation workshop with soot production and an ice palace will be built. A plant on ceramic products manufacturing will be reconstructed in Khromtau,” said Aktobe Region Akim (Governor) Berdybek Saparbayev.
A unique architectural and cultural complex dedicated to the Botai culture was opened in July in Burabai, reports Kazinform. Archaeologist Victor Seibert, who discovered the Botai culture and opened the Botai world in the 1980s, and Nurbol Baimakhanov, producer of the film “Equus,” about the history of horse domestication in the Central Asian region, also participated in the project. “The film will be presented in 60 countries. We believe this will attract tourists to Burabai… The museum occupies an area of 600 square metres and the total area of the ethno-archaeological complex is 25,000 square metres. The reconstruction of several Botai houses is the first scientific experience in Kazakhstan,” said Marat Igaliyev, advisor to the Akmola region akim (governor) for tourism matters.
