ASTANA – A study of housing support in Kazakhstan has found that some recipients experienced greater housing stability and lower living expenses, while others faced challenges with information, registration and housing maintenance, according to findings presented at a conference in Astana on Oct.
23. According to the European Union (EU) Delegation to Kazakhstan, the qualitative study was conducted under the European Union-funded Shanyraq project, which focuses on strengthening communities and promoting access to adequate housing. Juana Mera Cabello, deputy head of partnerships at the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan, said access to housing was closely linked to dignity, opportunity and social inclusion.
photo credit: EU delegation in Kazakhstan The research drew on 99 interviews, 10 focus groups across 10 cities, inspections at 83 addresses and an analysis of relevant regulations. The findings reflect participants’ experiences and are not statistically representative of all housing-support recipients.
Some participants reported fewer forced relocations and less dependence on private landlords. Others said lower regular housing expenses left them with more money for food, health care and education. The findings were presented at the conference, which brought together representatives of the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Industry and Construction, Otbasy Bank, the construction sector and civil society organizations.
Juana Mera Cabello, deputy head of partnerships at the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan, said access to housing was closely linked to dignity, opportunity and social inclusion. “Accessible housing is a matter of dignity, opportunity and social inclusion. Through the Shanyraq project, the EU supports evidence-based dialogue and action that promote human rights and inclusive social and economic development for all,” she said.
The study’s authors presented recommendations covering the housing-support process, from initial consultations to conditions after recipients move into their homes. The authors will next discuss the recommendations with government agencies, developers and experts to identify ways to improve access to housing support and address the challenges identified in the research.