A meeting of the Local Council of the Almaty Agglomeration, chaired by two mayors – Almaty City Mayor Darkhan Satybaldy and Almaty Region Mayor Marat Sultangaziyev – covered three key areas: the construction of social infrastructure in suburban areas, environmental rehabilitation of the region, and strengthening transport links between its parts.

Participants agreed that the environmental issue remains one of the most pressing. Statistics show that natural gas has been supplied to 74% of the 188 populated localities within the agglomeration. This provides fuel to over 1.1 million residents. This year's plan is to raise the gasification level to nearly 90%, specifically 89.4%.

Turning to transport, the attendees discussed exactly where to allocate land for transport transfer hubs. Additionally, cost estimates are currently being prepared for a 6.4 km road that will connect the airport to the BAKAD (Big Almaty Ring Road). For this purpose, the state will need to purchase 52 land plots, nearly half of which (23 plots) are located in the region.

Another important point is the construction of six radial highways that will provide exits onto the BAKAD. The implementation of these projects will significantly improve access to various districts and relieve excessive pressure on the existing road network.

Since the population of the agglomeration is steadily growing, along with the number of children, the authorities have planned to commission new school buildings between 2026 and 2028. Specifically, the regional administration intends to build 21 educational institutions in the three most populous districts – Ili, Karasay, and Talgar. The goal is to completely eliminate three-shift schooling and cover the deficit of student places.

Concluding the meeting, the Mayor of Almaty emphasized that all the decisions made serve a single purpose – the sustainable development of the agglomeration.

"We see growing pressure on infrastructure and understand the importance of systematic planning both at the city level and for the entire agglomeration, with a focus on integrated territorial development and improving people's quality of life," said Darkhan Satybaldy.

In response, Regional Mayor Marat Sultan gaziyev noted that the meeting helped clarify the common directions for the entire Almaty Agglomeration.

"Gasification, development of transport infrastructure, and reducing the burden on social facilities – these are all interconnected tasks requiring a comprehensive solution," he summarized.

Prepared by Viktor PANAYEV
Photo: Almaty Region Akimat (Mayor’s Office)

Zanmedia.kz