The implementation of the Auyl – Yel Besigi project to improve the quality of life in rural areas through the modernisation of social and engineering infrastructure was discussed at the Government session chaired by Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov.

The Minister of National Economy Alibek Kuantyrov reported that there are 6,293 rural communities in the country with a total population of 7.8 million. Of that total, 3,500 villages with high development potential (90% of all villagers) have been selected. Their modernisation is being carried out as a priority under the Auyl – Yel Besigi project.

For example, more than 3,700 projects worth 326 billion tenge were implemented in 2019-2022. This made it possible to build and repair 334 facilities in the housing and utilities sector, 1,200 social infrastructure facilities (education, healthcare, sports) and over 2,000 transport infrastructure facilities (intra-settlement roads).

This year it is planned to implement another 1,500 projects in 736 villages at a cost of 143 billion tenge: 119 in the housing and utilities sector, 275 in social infrastructure and 1,100 in improvement of intra-village roads.

Akims of Turkestan region Darkhan Satybaldy, of Ulytau region Berik Abdygaliyuly and of West Kazakhstan region Nariman Turegaliyev reported on implementation of the Auyl – Yel Besigi project in the regions.

The Prime Minister said that all 3,500 villages with high development potential are expected to be brought up to the parameters of the System of Regional Standards by 2027.

"This involves the mandatory availability of quality roads, cultural, sports and health facilities, schools with all necessary equipment and, in general, the development of infrastructure. Our main goal is to improve the quality of life in the countryside. There are already real results," Alikhan Smailov said.

According to the Prime Minister, good dynamics of commissioning was seen in Atyrau, Kostanay, North Kazakhstan and Turkestan regions. At the same time, Ulytau and West Kazakhstan regions are behind on this indicator.

"The Akims of the voiced regions need to pay special attention to this. At the same time, it is important not to lag behind in terms of implementation," Alikhan Smailov stressed.

The Prime Minister said that implementation of all plans will allow to create about 40 thousand jobs and give a new impetus to development of rural areas.

"By 2027 rural settlements will be provided with quality water supply, the state of intra-settlement roads will be improved, engineering networks, social, cultural and sports facilities will be built and repaired," Alikhan Smailov said.

In conclusion, he added that the Ministry of National Economy needs to consider new approaches to identifying villages with high development potential and improve the System of Regional Standards when drafting the Rural Development Concept for 2023-2027.