185 thousand families improved their housing conditions: Olzhas Bektenov instructed to maintain positive construction growth rates and accelerate AI projects for quality control

At the Government meeting chaired by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, the issue of development and digitalization of the housing construction sector was considered.

The work carried out in the construction sector was reported by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev, Minister of Industry and Construction Yersayin Nagaspayev, First Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Baiterek National Investment Holding Nurbolat Aidapkelov, and akims of Turkistan, Kostanay, West Kazakhstan and Mangystau regions were also heard.

“At the expanded Government meeting, the Head of State outlined the main goal of our work – real results that directly affect the quality of life of our citizens. Undoubtedly, the construction sector is one of the key drivers for achieving this task. Last year we managed to maintain positive momentum and sustainable development of the industry at the level of 16%. More than 20 million square meters were commissioned. 185 thousand families improved their housing conditions. It is necessary to continue the work to ensure housing affordability while maintaining construction rates this year as well,” Olzhas Bektenov emphasized.

The Government has adopted a set of measures that make it possible to simplify citizens’ access to state support measures. Otbasy Bank has received the status of a national development institution and a key role in the implementation of housing policy. The transition to a digital format has made it possible to minimize the human factor and increase transparency in housing accounting and distribution.

Mortgage programs “Nauryz” and “Nauryz – Zhumysker” are being developed: more than 8.5 thousand loans have been issued in the amount of 233 billion tenge.

The Prime Minister also instructed government agencies to ensure the implementation of housing commissioning plans, paying attention to the creation of a comfortable urban environment and advancing the development of engineering and utility infrastructure.

Despite the growth in construction volumes in large cities such as Astana and Almaty, support for single-industry towns and villages should not be forgotten.

In this regard, the Ministry of Industry and Construction together with Baiterek National Investment Holding and akimats has been instructed to intensify the implementation of regional programs to provide citizens with affordable housing.

The Head of the Government paid attention to issues of the quality of construction works.

“In his Address to the people of the country, the Head of State emphasized that the growth in construction volumes should not come at the expense of safety and quality. Over the past year more than 63 thousand official appeals with complaints about construction quality were received. The new Construction Code is aimed at solving these problems. It will ensure a systemic renewal of the entire industry, a transition from outdated standards to international standards, digital and automated technologies,” Olzhas Bektenov emphasized.

Within the framework of the Code, state control has been strengthened: construction supervision authorities and emergency services are required to participate in the commissioning of facilities, which will reduce the risks of accidents and fires.

Requirements in the field of shared construction have been tightened – without the appropriate permit and state guarantee developers will not be able to attract funds from equity holders, and banks will not be able to issue mortgages.

The document also provides for increasing seismic safety requirements and strengthening control over adjustments to detailed planning projects in order to prevent dense and illegal construction, as well as shortages of schools and hospitals.

Special attention is paid to the digitalization of the construction industry. The Unified Construction Portal will combine systems based on the “one window” principle, increase transparency and reduce bureaucracy and timeframes.

The Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Industry and Construction and the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence to launch a pilot project of AI modules for project expertise by the end of July this year.

Also by June 1 of this year, the akimats of Mangystau and Kyzylorda regions, Abai region, West Kazakhstan region and North Kazakhstan region have been instructed to continue transferring master plans and detailed plans to the Urban Planning Cadastre and accelerate the implementation of all projects for the digitalization of the industry.

Following the meeting, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov gave a number of instructions on the development and digitalization of the housing construction sector.

1. Develop new approaches for the development of commercial mortgages of second-tier banks

In order to reduce the burden on state programs, it is necessary to develop and increase the volume of affordable commercial mortgages.

The Ministry of Industry and Construction together with the National Bank and other government agencies must develop new approaches for the further development of commercial mortgages of second-tier banks and other housing provision instruments.

At the same time, Otbasy Bank should focus more on supporting vulnerable groups of the population.

2. Update and adopt regulatory acts within the Construction Code

The Ministry of Industry and Construction has been instructed to ensure the updating and adoption of regulatory acts within the framework of the adopted Construction Code by July 1 of this year, as well as continuous support of the norms during their implementation.

3. Ensure the timely launch of 38 new projects in the construction sector

With the annual increase in construction volumes, the demand for construction materials is also growing. In order to prevent their shortage and price increases, as well as to support domestic production, projects for the production of necessary construction materials and equipment are being implemented.

It was noted that this year the country plans to commission 38 such new projects.

The Ministry of Industry together with Baiterek National Investment Holding must ensure their timely launch.

Overall coordination and control are assigned to First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar.

Source: Official Information Source of the Prime minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan