Kazakhstan Utilizes Recovered funds to Enhance Water Distribution Infrastructure
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Kazakhstan Putting Recovered Illicit Funds to Good Use
ASTANA — The Special State Fund is utilizing funds from seized illegal assets to improve water supply systems in Kosshy and Makinsk, two cities in the Akmola Region. This was announced by the Prime Minister's press service on April 28.
A time-honored ceremony, which saw the laying of a time capsule, marked the beginning of this project. A sneak peek of the map, designed by The Astana Times, can be found here.
In Kosshy, over 476 million tenge (US$926,501) will be invested to complete the city's water supply system, aspiring to provide 100% centralized water access to more than 50,000 residents, a number expected to hit 150,000 by 2038.
Makinsk, on the other hand, will receive 606.4 million tenge (US$1.1 million) to conclude water supply infrastructure works, ensuring full access for over 18,000 residents.
Meanwhile, a similar time capsule ceremony signaled the commencement of construction for a new music school of arts in the village of Temirlan, Ordabasy District, Turkistan Region. This project is one of the first social initiatives approved by the government as part of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's directive to allocate recovered capital into projects for the benefit of citizens.
Previously, the music school in Temirlan—built in 1974—had deteriorated significantly. The new school, worth 890 million tenge (US$1.7 million), will accommodate 300 students and cater to children from neighboring villages.
Kazakhstan has thus far recovered approximately 610 billion tenge (about US$1.2 billion) in illicit assets, including 506 billion tenge (US$983.4 million) in cash and 103 billion tenge (US$200.1 million) in property[1][2][3]. As per the government's instructions, these funds are being allocated to 280 social facilities in education, healthcare, sports, and public utilities modernization.
So, what exactly are these funds being used for? Let's take a closer look:
- Education: Funds are being invested in the construction and renovation of schools. For example, 28 new schools are planned to house around 22,000 children. A notable project is the construction of a new music school of arts in the village of Temirlan, Turkistan Region[2][3].
- Healthcare: Recovered funds are being utilized to enhance healthcare infrastructure, such as medical centers and perinatal care. While specifics in Kazakhstan are limited, examples from regional practices reveal investments in healthcare equipment and training linked to recovered assets[1][3].
- Sports and Social Security: In addition to education and healthcare, investments are targeting social security and sports facilities, although detailed sports projects are not extensively listed[1].
- Public Utilities Modernization: A significant portion of the recovered assets is directed towards modernizing water supply systems. For instance, in Kosshy and Makinsk, over 476 million tenge and 606.4 million tenge, respectively, are being invested for this purpose. Additional investments are being made for the construction and rehabilitation of water pipelines in various rural regions, such as Aktobe and Turkestan areas, aiming to improve water access for multiple villages[2][3].
These initiatives are part of a broader anti-corruption and asset recovery strategy led by Kazakhstan's government and the Anti-Corruption Service. The strategy encompasses legal actions, international cooperation, and agreements on voluntary asset returns. There are also commitments to invest an additional $10.5 billion in the national economy from subjects who have returned assets voluntarily[1].
[1] International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR)[2] Anti-Corruption Service of Kazakhstan[3] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan
- The new music school of arts in the village of Temirlan, Ordabasy District, Turkistan Region, which is one of the first social initiatives, is being funded by the Special State Fund, a part of the recovered illicit funds.
- In addition to the music school, the Special State Fund is also investing in sports facilities, aiming to improve utilities and social security across Kazakhstan.
- The city of Kosshy, with a population expected to reach 150,000 by 2038, is receiving over a million tenge (US$1.9 million) from the Special State Fund to complete its water supply system and ensure 100% centralized water access for its residents.
