On August 29, 2025, an expanded meeting was held in Shymkent to launch the national project "Modernization of the Energy and Utilities Sector". This initiative is a step of great strategic importance for our country. The main goal of the project is to modernize dilapidated water, electricity and heating networks, increase their reliability, as well as attract investments in this sector. Since the daily life of the city directly depends on the condition of these systems, the scale of the national project is unique.

The meeting was attended by representatives of utility companies, construction companies, domestic manufacturers and energy experts. This format was not chosen by chance: the project requires the active participation of not only government agencies, but also business.

Advisor to the Prime Minister Arman Malik noted that for the first time, a special digital platform will be created within the framework of the project.

"Monopolistic companies will submit all their applications online. Each stage will be transparent: what work is being done, what loans have been attracted, what tariffs have been approved - everything is available in an open source. This system will be completely understandable for both society and business," Malik said.

According to him, digitalization will not only increase the efficiency of the project, but also reduce the risks of corruption.

The meeting discussed the current state of Shymkent's infrastructure and the expected results after the project's implementation. The head of the Shymkent City Energy and Infrastructure Development Department, Rzabek Mendikulov, announced official data.

Currently:

• The level of wear and tear of electrical networks is 57% ,

• heating networks – 37% ,

• water and sewage systems – 75% .

These indicators significantly hinder the development of the city and lead to the increase in emergency situations.

Within the framework of the national project, the following results are planned to be achieved by 2026:

• wear and tear in electrical networks by up to 10% ,

• in heating systems – up to 30% ,

• in water and sewage systems – reduction of up to 64% .

According to Mendikulov, the modernization will cover not only individual sections, but all major routes. This will allow for a comprehensive modernization of the city's infrastructure.

A phased plan for the project's implementation was presented at the meeting. The development of design and estimate documentation will begin in the coming months. In addition, special attention will be paid to training specialists and strengthening the technical base.

Starting in 2026, large-scale construction and reconstruction work will be carried out, including the replacement of electrical substations, repair of heating mains, laying of new water pipes, and modernization of sewer collectors.

Modern technologies - energy-saving equipment, automated control systems, and "smart" meters - will be widely used. This will reduce the waste of resources and open the way to reducing operating costs.

One of the most important issues for city residents is the increase in tariffs. Many are concerned that the modernization work will increase the cost of utilities.

The organizers of the project have allayed the concerns of residents in this regard. State subsidies are provided, which means that a sharp increase in tariffs will not be allowed. As representatives of the Ministry of Energy noted, during the reform, a balance will be maintained between the interests of consumers and the need to attract investment.

Thus, modernization will not be an additional burden on the people, but rather an investment in the future.

Special attention was also paid to the project financing mechanisms. In addition to budget funds, private investments will also be attracted. According to experts, the transparency of the process and the digital control system will increase the trust of banks, construction companies, and foreign partners.

At the same time, domestic manufacturers have also expressed their readiness to actively participate in the implementation of the project. This will allow them to increase production volumes, introduce new technologies, and increase their competitiveness.

The national project is considered not only a measure of technical modernization, but also a guarantee of the long-term sustainable development of Shymkent. A reliable utility system will be the basis for the city's industrial development, housing construction, the development of social facilities, and an increase in the quality of life of the population.

According to the participants of the meeting, the project is of great strategic importance and will serve as an example for other regions of the country.

At the end of the meeting, the need for cooperation between government agencies, business and public representatives was emphasized. The successful implementation of the project depends on the coordinated actions of all parties.

According to the organizers, modernization will not only improve the lives of residents, but also strengthen trust in state institutions.

"Transparency and results are our main principles. Shymkent will be the first test site. If this model proves its effectiveness, we can expand it throughout the republic," said Arman Malik.

The national project "Modernization of the Energy and Utilities Sector" is a historic opportunity for Shymkent. If the project is implemented, the infrastructure, which is currently in a state of disrepair, will become a modern and reliable system. The city's residents are expecting significant positive changes, and the authorities and business intend to justify that hope.