Issues of further social and economic development of Zhetysu region were considered at the meeting in Taldykorgan, chaired by Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov. 

Reports on implemented measures and plans for the coming period were made by akim of the region Beibit Issabayev, Minister of Agriculture Yerbol Karashukeyev, Minister of Industry and Infrastructural Development Marat Karabayev, First Deputy Minister of Healthcare Timur Sultangaziyev, and Deputy Ministers of National Economy Bauyrzhan Omarbekov and Energy Zhandos Nurmaganbetov.

In his speech, the Prime Minister noted that within the framework of the pre-election program of the Head of State, the development of rural areas and agro-industrial sectors of the country in the coming years will be given closest attention. This includes the adoption of measures to improve the income and quality of life of villagers.

According to him, the regional Akimat together with the Ministry of Ecology should ensure quality modernization of irrigation networks and timely commissioning of water facilities. Another urgent issue is the return of unused land into state ownership. 

"Despite the work carried out by local executive bodies, 857 thousand hectares of agricultural lands are still not used in the region. At the same time, the need of the population in pastures is more than 680 thousand hectares. It is necessary to work out mechanisms of transferring lands around rural settlements to their inhabitants for grazing. Work in this direction should be strengthened," Alikhan Smailov said.

In terms of engineering infrastructure, the Head of Government pointed out that the level of wear and tear of sewage networks in use has reached 58%, and noted the need to intensify work in this direction by the akimat.  

Alikhan Smailov drew attention to a number of unresolved social problems. So, in the area more than five thousand children study in 69 adapted schools, one more emergency and 26 others disabled. At the same time he noted that realization of the national project "Comfortable School" will allow solving the problem of deficiency of quality school places. In particular, it's planned to open 10 new equipped schools in the region by 2026. For these purposes in the republican budget it is provided 55 billion tg.

"Along with this, the Ministry of Finance has an extra-budgetary fund created at the expense of corrupt officials. Its funds will also be allocated for construction of schools," Prime Minister added. 

Speaking of the situation in the public health sector, Head of the Government pointed out that 59 medical facilities in the region were located in rented and adapted premises.

"Within the framework of the National Rural Health Modernization Project these facilities will be brought into line with the standards within two years. For this purpose, the akimat should promptly provide land plots and utility connections," he stressed. 

In addition, Alikhan Smailov stressed the importance of addressing the issue of shortages of health workers in rural areas through social support to cadres coming from the cities, especially the youth. Here, he said, it is necessary to use the tools of the program "With diploma to the village" to the maximum. 

Turning to the economic block of issues, the Prime Minister noted that one of the promising areas in the region was the development of logistics. He reminded that from the beginning of the pandemic the International center of frontier Khorgos was idle, but now there is an agreement with the Chinese side to open it.

"Khorgos should start its work in the near future. Now we need to accelerate the preparatory processes and to ensure the interaction of all structures involved in the activities of the center," Prime Minister said. 

Alikhan Smailov also noted the importance of a timely launch of the planned investment projects and provision of the region with socially important food products at affordable prices. 

At the end of his speech, the Prime Minister voiced a number of specific instructions to the authorized state agencies: to work out the issues of construction of gas distribution networks in populated areas, the main gas pipeline "Taldykorgan-Usharal", reconstruction of the boiler house "Baskuat" in Taldykorgan and provision of quality drinking water to the residents of Tekeli.

In addition, he drew attention to the need to consider the allocation of funds for reconstruction and construction of water supply systems in 6 villages, repair of 15 emergency bridges, repair and seismic reinforcement of the central hospital of Aksu district, and to provide funds for repair of hospital in Kerbulak district and construction of a polyclinic for 500 visits in Taldykorgan.

The Ministry of Energy was instructed to consider the issue of phased financing of the construction of lines for uninterrupted power supply of tourist facilities on the coast of Lake Alakol, the Ministry of National Economy was instructed to determine the administrator of budget programs for the construction of engineering infrastructure and development of the coast of Lake Balkhash.