Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev chaired a meeting of the Project Office for the implementation of the National Project for the Modernization of the Utilities and Energy Sectors (MEX). Plans for the current year were discussed, and work began on coordinating procedures and developing projects for next year.

To date, there is significant interest among utility companies in participating in the National Project. Already, 101 companies have submitted applications to implement 439 projects. Thirty-four projects are currently underway, and another 65 are ready to begin.

Given that repair work will enter its active phase in April–May, the Deputy Prime Minister instructed that the implementation of the MEKS schedule be closely monitored in collaboration with the technical operator.

“The schedule sets out specific tasks and indicators, including parameters for network length and funding volumes for each region and infrastructure sector. By 2026, we must reduce wear and tear to 48% in heat supply, 62% in electricity supply, 37% in water supply, and 49% in wastewater disposal. The plan also provides for the commissioning of new energy capacity. Therefore, we must strictly adhere to the schedule,"said Kanat Bozumbayev.

The Deputy Prime Minister instructed regional akimats to accelerate work on enterprises located in the critical “red zone.” Currently, the National Project covers approximately 54 such entities.

Special attention was paid at the meeting to the modernization of wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs). The National Project covers 36 WWTPs. Mechanisms for their financing were discussed—both through government securities issued by local executive bodies and by attracting funds from international financial institutions. A Roadmap will be approved for the implementation of WWTP projects, including cooperation with the World Bank. Corresponding instructions have been given to akimats, technical operators, and financial operators.

Kanat Bozumbayev emphasized the importance of ensuring timely financing for all projects implemented under the MEKS. According to data from the Baiterek National Investment Company, 76 projects with a total value of 148 billion tenge have been reviewed.

One of the key lenders under the National Project is the Development Bank of Kazakhstan. Currently, loan applications from 14 municipal enterprises, with a total project value of approximately 375 billion tenge, are at various stages of the bank’s review process.

Another source of financing is government securities. By the end of last year, 29.3 billion tenge worth of MIO government securities were purchased under the National Project to implement 15 projects. This year, an additional 26 billion tenge is planned to be allocated to complete these projects.

To ensure the smooth implementation of the National Project, Kanat Bozumbayev instructed that the MEKS Electronic Procurement Platform be finalized. Relevant agencies have also been tasked with accelerating the adoption of uniform standards for metering devices and the implementation of the Smart Turmys information system, which is scheduled to launch this summer.

Source: primeminister.kz