Budget execution results for the previous year were summarized in Almaty Region, and development plans for the region for the next five years were clarified. These issues became the main topics of the 50th session of the Regional Maslikhat, where deputies also considered issues related to construction, healthcare, roads, land relations, street lighting, rural development, and the appearance of cities.
The session was chaired by Kuat Baigodzhayev. Akim of Almaty Region Marat Sultangaziyev took part in the session. Heads of law enforcement agencies, departments, and regional administrations were also present. Akims of districts and cities, as well as chairpersons of maslikhats, joined the meeting online.
The deputies reviewed the implementation of the regional budget for 2025, heard reports from departments on the implementation of budget programs, discussed amendments to the Regional Development Plan for 2026–2030, and considered adjustments to the regional budget for the next three years.
Head of the Regional Department of Finance Bibigul Uzakova reported that more than 954 billion tenge was received in the budget last year. This amounted to 99% of the planned volume. The main sources of revenue were taxes, fines and fees, as well as transfers and loans.
Chairman of the Regional Audit Commission Meiram Musayev noted that the region demonstrates steady growth in several key sectors. Investments increased, construction volumes grew, and more housing was commissioned compared with the previous year. The short-term economic indicator also reached positive results. At the same time, in some districts the number of small and medium-sized businesses is decreasing, unused lands are being returned slowly, and investment plans are not being fully implemented everywhere. These issues, as noted during the meeting, require closer attention at the local level.
Head of the Regional Department of Construction Zhasulan Onalbayev reported on the implementation of construction projects. According to him, 159 facilities were planned in the region last year, with 152 billion tenge utilized. For 2026, the construction and implementation of 75 facilities are planned. During the first four months of the current year, all allocated funds were utilized.
A separate part of the discussion focused on healthcare. Head of the Regional Department of Healthcare Erzhan Suleimenov reported that overall mortality in the region has decreased, and the indicator is lower than the national average. Mortality from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and tuberculosis has also decreased. There is positive progress in infant mortality; however, this indicator remains above the national average. Another concerning issue is mortality from road traffic accidents. According to the speaker, this figure is higher than in other regions. The main reasons are high-speed highways, speeding, and serious traffic violations. To reduce such incidents, the healthcare department, together with the police, has strengthened preventive measures. In addition, steps are being taken to reduce ambulance response times, and the purchase of necessary medical equipment continues.
Head of the Regional Department of Land Relations Amanzhol Abdrakhmanov spoke about the return of unused agricultural land. Last year, tens of thousands of hectares were returned to state ownership, and almost 25 thousand hectares more have been returned this year. Currently, courts are considering claims to terminate lease agreements for plots with a total area of more than two thousand hectares. The returned lands are planned to be allocated for investment projects. At the same time, additional funding is required in several districts and in the city of Қonaev for the implementation of major infrastructure and social projects.
Changes to the Development Plan of Almaty Region for 2026–2030 were presented by Head of the Department of Economy and Budget Planning Asylan Oraz. The amendments are related to the Head of State’s instructions on improving the external appearance of cities. The document includes measures for renovating building facades and improving public areas. In addition, a new indicator related to the “Auyl Amanaty” project has been added to the plan. It concerns the coverage of rural residents with microcrediting and leasing programs. Two new indicators related to the penitentiary system have also been introduced — employment of convicted persons and the number of people who have completed vocational training. Asylan Oraz also reported on the execution of this year’s budget. It was noted that Almaty Region traditionally ranks first among subsidized regions in terms of revenue volume.
Another notable topic of the meeting was the new regional symbol of Almaty Region. It was presented by Deputy Head of the Department of Internal Policy Medgat Kabdylkaiyrov. According to him, the previous symbol of the region was too formal and generalized. It was not memorable and did not create a strong association with the homeland. The new symbol was developed with the participation of an artist and experts. At the center of the symbol is the headdress of the Golden Man from the Issyk burial mound. Around it are natural and historical images of the region: Ile-Alatau, the Ili River, the snow leopard, the golden eagle, the mountain goat, and the argali. The shanyrak symbolizes unity, while the aport apple represents fertility and the tourism appeal of the region. The color scheme also has its meaning. Sky blue is associated with the color of the state flag of Kazakhstan, while the golden circle represents integrity and harmony.
The session also considered issues regarding the personal composition of the Commission on Minors’ Affairs and the report of the standing commission on economy, budget, and public order. Deputies asked questions, discussed the submitted projects, and ultimately voted for the proposed decisions.
“Today we see that Almaty Region maintains steady development dynamics, but at the same time there are issues that cannot be postponed. Budget funds must benefit every district and every village through the construction of roads, schools, and hospitals, improvement projects, and the creation of new jobs. Special attention should be paid to project implementation discipline, the return of unused lands, entrepreneurship development, and improving people’s quality of life. All decisions made at the session must be supported by concrete work on the ground,” said Akim of Almaty Region Marat Sultangaziyev in his closing remarks.
