Kazakhstan Utilizes Retrieved Funds to Enhance Water Distribution Networks
ASTANA - In a trailblazing move, the Special State Fund has directed confiscated ill-gotten gains to spruce up water supply systems in Kosshy and Makinsk, located in the Akmola Region. This announcement was shared by the Prime Minister's press service on April 28.
Take a peek at the map below, designed by The Astana Times, to visualize the locations.
In Kosshy, 476.7 million tenge (roughly $926,501 USD) have been set aside to wrap up the city's water supply system project. The ultimate goal is to offer cent percent centralized water access to more than 50,000 local residents, a number expected to surpass 150,000 by 2038.
Meanwhile, Makinsk is benefitting from 606.4 million tenge (about $1.1 million USD) to complete its water infrastructure overhaul, providing full access for over 18,000 residents.
Meanwhile, the villagers of Temirlan, Ordabasy District, Turkistan Region, are witnessing a symbolic signing of a time capsule signifying the start of construction for a new music school of arts. This project is one of the pioneering social initiatives endorsed by the government under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's mandate to allocate recovered funds to projects that directly benefit citizens.
Previously, the music school in Temirlan, built in 1974, had fallen into despair. The forthcoming school, worth around 890 million tenge ($1.7 million USD), will be able to accommodate 300 students, with pupils hailing from neighboring villages.
To date, Kazakhstan has successfully reclaimed approximately 610 billion tenge ($1.1–1.2 billion USD) in illicit assets, including 506 billion tenge ($983.4 million) in cash and 103 billion tenge ($200.1 million) in property. In adherence to President Tokayev's orders, these seized funds are earmarked for modernizing 280 social facilities in education, healthcare, sports, and public utilities.
This proactive approach to channeling recovered corruption-linked assets into meaningful community benefits demonstrates a commendable effort towards transparency and sustainable development.
A Closer Look: Utilizing Recovered Assets
- Improving Public Utilities - Funds are invested in enhancing water infrastructure across cities and villages to guarantee equitable access. For example, Kosshy, Makinsk, Aktobe Region, and Turkistan Region are all recipients of substantial investments in water facilities.
- Building New Schools - Approximately 22,000 children nationwide will benefit from 28 new schools under construction. The music school in Temirlan serves as a prime example of educational facility rejuvenation.
- Healthcare, Sports, and Social Protection - Funds are being allocated to over 200 projects designed to modernize facilities and expand services in underserved communities.
- Governance - The Restituted Assets Management Company manages the auctioning of seized assets, with the proceeds deposited into the Special State Fund within the Finance Ministry.
This strategy manifestly illustrates the government's commitment to combating corruption and using recovered assets to streamline public facilities, ultimately enhancing the nation’s general well-being.
- In the Ordabasy District of the Turkistan Region, a ceremonial signing for a new music school of arts took place, funded by the recovered illicit funds under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's mandate, with Temirlan being the beneficiary.
- In addition to water supply system projects in Kosshy and Makinsk, the Special State Fund is also planning to invest in public utilities across various regions, amounting to millions of tenge, in line with the transparency and sustainable development strategy.
- The newly constructed music school in Temirlan aims to cater to 300 students, including those from neighboring villages, and is part of the government's initiative to allocate recovered funds towards social protection projects, such as education and sports facilities.
