Key Issues of Regional Development Discussed at the XLVIII Session of the Almaty Regional Maslikhat
The regular meeting of the XLVIII session of the Almaty Regional Maslikhat was held under the chairmanship of Kuat Baigodzhayev. Deputy Akim of the region Asset Masabayev also took part in the session. The agenda included issues related to environmental protection, preparations for the sowing campaign, development of utility infrastructure, and regulation of land and construction relations.
One of the key issues was the approval of the Environmental Protection Action Plan for 2026–2028. According to Kanat Nusipbayev, Head of the Department of Natural Resources, the document is aimed at improving the environmental situation, ensuring the rational use of natural resources, and creating favorable living conditions for the population. More than 16 billion tenge will be allocated for the implementation of 18 measures, which is 2.3 times higher than in the previous three-year period.
A significant portion of the funds will be directed toward protecting atmospheric air, including the development of gas infrastructure, the construction of the Shelek–Kegen–Narynkol main gas pipeline, and environmental monitoring. Large-scale tasks have also been identified in the field of water resources, ranging from cleaning the Ili River channel to modernizing wastewater systems in settlements. Other priorities include ecosystem restoration, landscaping, and aquaculture development. Special attention will be paid to eliminating unauthorized landfills and improving the waste management system.
During the session, deputies also discussed preparations for spring fieldwork. According to the Department of Agriculture, in 2026 the total sown area will increase to 438 thousand hectares. At the same time, emphasis will be placed on crop diversification and reducing the share of water-intensive crops, particularly through a decrease in rice cultivation areas. The region has already prepared 63 thousand tons of seeds, agricultural machinery is almost fully ready, and the use of fertilizers has increased.
State support for farmers remains significant: 8.4 billion tenge has been allocated for crop production development, and financing under the “Keñ Dala 2” program at a preferential rate continues. The region also plans to nearly double the areas using water-saving technologies and implement investment projects in agriculture.
A separate issue concerned the progress of a major infrastructure project — the construction of wastewater treatment facilities in Konaev under a public-private partnership. According to Nurlan Omirkhanov, Head of the Department of Energy and Water Supply, the project includes the creation of modern treatment facilities, engineering networks, and related infrastructure. The completion of construction is scheduled for September next year.
During the implementation of the project, the need arose to adjust design solutions and increase the estimated cost of the wastewater treatment facilities. Therefore, the session considered the issue of additional financing in the amount of 3.3 billion tenge. The project’s implementation will significantly reduce environmental impact, increase the capacity of the wastewater system, and create conditions for the further development of the city.
Overall, the session demonstrated the regional authorities’ commitment to comprehensive development, including environmental protection, agricultural growth, and infrastructure modernization.
