Remarkable trivia: A single village in the Karaganda region is inhabited by just 7 family units, each containing 3 government officials.
Hidden away in the heart of the Karaganda region, nestled in the quiet village of Zhambyl, life seems a world apart for the seven families living there. Without access to essential services, these resilient individuals face the ever-present threat of isolation from the rest of the world.
Situated a whopping 500 kilometers from the rayon center, Zhambyl once thrived as a bustling town-type settlement. Now, only the faintest echoes of its past glory remain. The pride of many inhabitants, a mine that was once the pulsating artery of the village, was closed in the nineties, leaving both the mine and its workers sinking into obscurity. Now, only the hardy farmers remain, hanging on by a thread amidst the harsh, unforgiving landscape.
"We're cut off. The nearest place with a hospital and stores? That's a staggering 120 kilometers away. The road connecting us to the rayon center is a tangled mess of overgrowth this year. It's in dire need of a good mow before the snows come. I reached out to the authorities, but all I got was an unsympathetic 'wait,'" shares Zhanat Makashev, a concerned resident.
Surprisingly, the village has its own administration. A trio of officials - the akim, accountant, and specialist - hold the reins of power. However, they largely operate from the rayon center, paying occasional visits only when the situation calls for it.
"In theory, investment projects were supposed to breath new life into Zhambyl. In an attempt to avoid its closure, we deemed it necessary to retain some form of administration. These officers act primarily as couriers, delivering food, medicine, and essential supplies to our isolated villagers," reveals Azamat Abildin, deputy akim of the Shestinsky rayon in the Karaganda region.
The authorities, however, promise a resolution to the pressing issue of the neglected road—pledges to address the issue were made within mere days' time.
Mira Alzhanova, Nurlan Otegenov, Almaty TV, Karaganda region
A sneak peek into the challenges faced by similar deprived villages across Kazakhstan:
- Relocation Struggles: Moving people from the south to the north of Kazakhstan often encounters obstacles. For instance, in the harsh northern regions, relocated individuals often struggle due to insufficient infrastructure, including dwellings that are ill-equipped to withstand the punishing winter conditions[1].
- Economic Struggles: The Karaganda region, much like other parts of northern Kazakhstan, is grappling with economic hardships, including low wages, which can impact the amount of resources allocated for infrastructure development and basic amenities[1].
- Infrastructure Progress: While significant infrastructure advancements are underway across Kazakhstan, such as the construction of a hybrid power plant and other major projects[4], the plight of smaller, outlying villages like Zhambyl often goes unaddressed in the larger scheme of things.
For more detailed information about Zhambyl, it might be useful to consult local government reports or community-based initiatives dedicated to rural development in the Karaganda region.
" surprised to learn that despite the struggles faced in peacefully isolated villages like Zhambyl, politics and general news often overlook these issues, focusing instead on larger-scale projects."
"The challenges faced by Zhambyl in terms of access to essential services, such as hospitals and stores, are mirrored in many other deprived villages across Kazakhstan, highlighting the need for increased attention and resources in rural development policies."
