08 October 2026, 12:08
As part of a working trip to the Karaganda region, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov arrived in the city of Balkhash to review the progress of directives issued by Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev regarding the socio-economic development of single-industry towns.
The Karaganda region, including the city of Balkhash, is one of the country's largest industrial hubs, with its economy anchored by the mining and metallurgical complex. Alongside the modernization of core manufacturing facilities, economic diversification is being consistently pursued by fostering new industries, small and medium enterprises, and tourism.
In parallel with strengthening industrial potential, significant focus is placed on enhancing citizens' quality of life: 432 billion tenge has been allocated to the social sphere of the Karaganda region in 2026. Of this total, 298 billion tenge is directed toward education, 63 billion tenge to culture and sports, 55 billion tenge to social security, and 15.7 billion tenge to healthcare.
Upon arrival in the region, the Prime Minister was briefed on the results of the airport's modernization and ongoing efforts to improve road quality.
First Deputy Akim of the Karaganda Region Azamat Taizhanov reported that reconstruction work has been completed on the 363-km Karaganda–Balkhash and 200-km Karaganda–Karkaraly highways. Reconstruction of the 457-km Karaganda–Zhezkazgan highway remains underway. In total, repair works encompass 643 km of roads across the region, with 61.3 billion tenge allocated for these purposes. Over the next three years, road repairs are scheduled to cover 875 km, raising the share of regional roads in good condition to 97% by 2029.
Addressing issues raised by the Head of Government, the akimat reported that the National Center for Road Asset Quality tested 1,071 samples of road construction materials, 81% of which met quality standards. Remedial work is currently being conducted to fix the 155 identified non-conformities. Furthermore, 7 installed automated weigh-in-motion stations issued 1,859 traffic violation notices on national and regional highways. Over the next two years, an additional 12 automated weighing stations are planned for installation in the region.
The Prime Minister issued directives to the Ministry of Industry and Construction and local akimats to step up their efforts.
"The President repeatedly raises the issue of regional infrastructure modernization, particularly road quality. The central government allocates the required funds. Local authorities must tighten control over target spending. Both domestic and international highways must meet all quality standards. The akimat must closely monitor works within its jurisdiction, as most citizen complaints concern local roads. Take this under strict control," the Prime Minister emphasized.
Across Kazakhstan, over 11,000 km of roads are undergoing construction, reconstruction, and repair this year. Over the past 7 years, a total of 36,300 km of highways have been built and repaired nationwide.
Additionally, Olzhas Bektenov inspected the results of a comprehensive modernization of the Balkhash Airport, originally built in 1967. The project was executed pursuant to directives from the Head of State to upgrade infrastructure, develop domestic air routes, and improve transport accessibility to tourist destinations. Funding was secured in part through illegally exported assets returned to the country, with 946 million tenge allocated for this purpose from the Special State Fund.
As part of the modernization, the taxiway and apron were reconstructed. The runway measures 2,500 meters in length and 42 meters in width. The terminal building was renovated while preserving its historic architectural style, expanding total terminal area from 1,800 to 2,700 m². Airport throughput capacity increased from 60 to 80 passengers per hour. To ensure flight reliability and safety, 11 units of specialized vehicles and modern equipment were acquired. Today, the airport's infrastructure fully complies with ICAO standards.
Balkhash holds substantial potential for further tourism development. To boost the city's appeal, transport and utility infrastructure are being systematically upgraded. During the summer season, subsidized Astana–Balkhash and Almaty–Balkhash flights operated five times a week to meet heightened demand. Additionally, a passenger train service on the Karaganda–Balkhash route was launched. Following the 2026 summer season, approximately 200,000 tourists visited Balkhash, representing an 18.3% increase compared to the same period last year. Tourism revenues exceeded 4 billion tenge.
These ongoing infrastructure projects create additional conditions to drive the region's overall economic growth.
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