On August 29, 2025, an extended meeting was held in Shymkent to launch the national project "Modernization of the Energy and Utilities Sectors." This large-scale government initiative aims to upgrade infrastructure, the condition of which directly impacts the quality of life of millions of citizens. The focus is on addressing deteriorating water, electricity, and heat supply networks, improving their reliability, and attracting investment in a sector that has required a comprehensive approach for decades.

The meeting brought together representatives of utilities, construction companies, domestic manufacturers, and energy experts. This format was chosen deliberately: the project calls for cross-sector collaboration, and its success requires the participation of both the government and business.

Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Arman Malik, noted that for the first time in the history of utility modernization, a separate digital platform will be created. This will make every step transparent and accountable.

"Monopolists will submit applications online, and every stage will be transparent: what work is being performed, what loans have been secured, what tariffs have been approved. All information will be publicly available," Malik emphasized.

According to him, this will eliminate corruption risks and make the process understandable not only for specialists but also for residents.

Participants focused on the current state of Shymkent's infrastructure and projected outcomes after the project's completion. Rzabek Mendikulov, head of the city's Department of Energy and Infrastructure Development, presented the official figures.

Today, the depreciation rate of Shymkent's electrical grid is 57% , its heat supply system 37% , and its water supply and sewerage systems 75% . These figures seriously limit the city's development and create a constant risk of emergency situations.

The national project plans to reduce depreciation to more acceptable levels by 2026:

• for power grids - up to 10% ,

• for heat supply - up to 30% ,

• for water supply and sewerage - up to 64% .

Mendikulov emphasized that the modernization will cover all key areas, not just individual sections. This will allow for a systematic upgrade of the city's infrastructure and ensure its reliability for years to come.

A step-by-step project implementation plan was presented at the meeting. The design and cost estimate approval phase will begin in the coming months. Concurrently, personnel and technical training will begin. Large-scale construction and renovation work will begin in 2026, including the replacement of transformer substations, repair of heating mains, installation of new water mains, and modernization of sewer collectors.

The plan calls for the use of modern technologies, including energy-efficient equipment, automated control systems, and smart meters. All of this should reduce resource losses and lower operating costs.

The cost of utilities remains an equally important issue for city residents. In recent years, residents have frequently expressed concern that network upgrades could lead to higher rates.

The organizers assured that the project will initially include government subsidies to prevent sharp price hikes. According to representatives of the Ministry of Energy, the reform will balance consumer interests with the need to attract investment.

In this way, modernization will not be a burden for citizens, but an investment in their future.

A separate section of the discussion was devoted to financing issues. This concerns not only budgetary funds but also attracting private investment. Experts believe that the creation of a digital platform and transparency of processes should increase trust among banks, construction companies, and foreign partners.

Representatives of domestic manufacturers also expressed their willingness to actively participate in the program. For them, this is an opportunity to expand production, implement new technologies, and enter new markets.

The launch of the national project is seen not only as a technical upgrade but also as an important step toward Shymkent's sustainable development. A reliable public utility system will form the foundation for industrial growth, housing construction, social development, and an improved quality of life for residents.

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

At the end of the meeting, the need for close cooperation between all parties—from local authorities to businesses and the public—was emphasized. The project's success will depend on the coordinated actions and accountability of each participant.

The organizers expressed confidence that the modernization would not only improve the daily lives of city residents but also strengthen public trust in government institutions.

"Transparency and results are the main guidelines for our work. Shymkent will be the first city where we'll test this model. If it proves successful, we'll scale it up nationwide," Arman Malik concluded.

The national project "Modernization of the Energy and Utilities Sectors" in Shymkent is a step toward transforming vulnerable infrastructure into a modern, reliable, and efficient system. Residents expect tangible changes, and authorities and businesses are taking on the responsibility to implement them.