President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev believes that Kazakhstan needs to advance to a new level of infrastructure development. The head of state stated this at an expanded government meeting, according to a correspondent from the Kapital.kz business information center.
“For several years, we have emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of resource conservation in society. However, beyond urging citizens, we need to implement social norms of consumption. There are already positive examples. In the area of water consumption alone, this approach has resulted in a monthly water savings of about 8%. This is extremely important, as the scarcity of water resources is intensifying not only in Kazakhstan but throughout Central Asia. Therefore, the application of water-saving technologies is a pressing issue. Our neighbor, China, possesses world-class technologies and offers cooperation, yet there has been no initiative or determination from our side. The government must address this issue urgently and report on the results by June 1,” the president stated.
According to him, the acute crisis in the energy and utility sectors has been overcome through the efforts of the government and local executive bodies. However, the government faces the task of preventing such situations in the future.
“Accidents at thermal power stations tarnish the country’s image, undermine its reputation, and reflect the irresponsibility and unprofessionalism of public servants. In the akimats, non-professionals, such as lawyers and other humanities graduates, occupy leadership positions in utilities,” noted Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
He believes that it is necessary to “immediately adopt new standards for the operation of energy and utility facilities.”
“The government must continue implementing a new tariff policy. Tariffs should align with market conditions; otherwise, uninterrupted supply of electricity, heat, and water will become impossible. In almost all CIS countries, tariffs and prices for electricity, gas, and petroleum products are higher than in Kazakhstan, leading to distortions and imbalances in our economy. This is the reality, and we must not hide it,” the president emphasized.
Everyone can see how fuel is smuggled out to neighboring countries, which in turn creates fertile ground for crime, he concluded.