Kazakhstan Utilizes Recuperated Funds to Boost Water Infrastructure Networks

Got Some Coin Stashed Away for a Good Cause? Kazakhstan's Government Does!

ASTANA - The Special State Fund has taken a unique approach to managing recovered illegal assets - by using them to enhance the water supply systems in Kosshy and Makinsk, two cities in the Akmola Region. According to the Prime Minister's press service, this initiative was announced on April 28.

To kick off the project, a time capsule ceremony was held, adding a touch of tradition to this modern-day philanthropy. Check out the map below for a full visualization of the regions involved. This map was designed for you by The Astana Times.

In Kosshy, an impressive 476.7 million tenge (approximately US$926,501) has been allocated to finish the city's water supply system, aiming to provide 100% centralized water access for over 50,000 residents. This number may reach a staggering 150,000 by 2038.

Makinsk, on the other hand, is receiving 606.4 million tenge (around US$1.1 million) for water supply infrastructure upgrades, ensuring full access for over 18,000 residents.

Aside from improving water systems, the Special State Fund is also funding a new music school of arts in the village of Temirlan, Ordabasy District, Turkistan Region. This initiative is one of the first social projects approved by the government under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's directive, as part of a plan to use recovered capital for the benefit of citizens.

Previously, a music school in Temirlan, built in 1974, had succumbed to disrepair. However, the new school, worth 890 million tenge (approximately US$1.7 million), will have room for 300 students and educate not only the children of Temirlan but also those from neighboring villages.

Kazakhstan has successfully recovered approximately 610 billion tenge (roughly US$1.1 billion) in illegally acquired assets since, with 506 billion tenge (around US$983.4 million) of that total in cash and 103 billion tenge (just under US$200.1 million) in property. These funds are now being funneled into 280 social facilities for improvements in education, healthcare, sports, and public utilities.

As directed by President Tokayev, investments in these facilities are shaping up as a key component of Kazakhstan's anti-corruption strategy. This strategy frames asset recovery as an essential tool for social justice and equitable development. Since 2022, recovered assets totaling US$2.1 billion have been pledged to national projects, with a dedicated commission overseeing transparency and reinvestment mechanisms.

Now, let's dive a bit deeper into these social investments:

Education

28 new schools with the capacity to accommodate 22,000 children are currently under construction, helping to combat overcrowding and improve educational opportunities[2].
The focus is on regions with underdeveloped infrastructure, ensuring that resources are distributed equitably across the country[2].

Healthcare

Funds are directed toward medical centers and healthcare facilities, though the exact number of projects has yet to be detailed[1][2]. The focus includes upgrading equipment and expanding services in underserved areas[1][2].

Sports Infrastructure

Investments support sports complexes and recreational facilities, fostering community health and encouraging youth engagement[1][2].

Public Utilities

Water pipeline projects: Over US$7.5 million has been allocated to build or renovate water supply systems in the Aktobe (11 villages) and Turkestan regions[2].
Engineering network modernization: Funds are being used to upgrade aging utility infrastructure, improving reliability and access for residents[1][2].

These initiatives, both past and present, demonstrate Kazakhstan's commitment to using recovered assets to drive societal progress and serve its citizens.

The Special State Fund, in collaboration with the Kazakhstan government, is establishing a new music school of arts in the village of Temirlan, which is part of the Ordabasy District in the Turkistan Region.
In addition to improvements in water systems, the Special State Fund is funding numerous social projects, including the construction of 28 new schools and investments in sports complexes and recreational facilities.
Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, is not directly mentioned in this context, but it serves as the home of The Astana Times, which designed a map visualizing the regions involved in the water supply system upgrades.