ASTANA – Kazakhstan is preparing for a nationwide construction drive that will direct nearly 6.5 trillion tenge (US$14.3 billion) toward infrastructure development through 2029, as President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev calls for a new phase of economic modernization built around tangible improvements in people’s lives.
The initiative, known as Khalyktyq Qurylys, or the People’s Construction program, will cover roads, airports, railway stations, power plants, hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, sports facilities and other public infrastructure across the country. Tokayev has designated 2027 as the Year of Nationwide Large-Scale Construction.
First Deputy Prime Minister Nurlan Nalybayev announced the funding plans at a Nov. 4 government press conference on the development of Kazakhstan’s real economy. He said the National Fund would provide resources for social, transport and engineering infrastructure projects across all regions by the end of 2029.
The initiative is already moving forward. According to Nalybayev, 262 projects worth a combined 1.5 trillion tenge (US$3.3 billion) have been approved through the Infrastructure Development Fund. A significant share of the funding is earmarked for social infrastructure.
Hospitals, schools and public facilities The approved project pipeline covers several sectors, with healthcare, education, culture, sports and utilities among the priorities. Healthcare projects account for 344 billion tenge (US$758 million) and include the construction of hospitals, outpatient clinics, perinatal centers and maternity hospitals.
Another 266 billion tenge (US$586 million) is allocated to culture, tourism and sports, with 23 facilities planned, including sports complexes, cultural centers and theaters. Education projects will receive 101 billion tenge (US$223 million) for the construction of 28 facilities, including schools and multifunctional complexes.
Transport infrastructure accounts for 369 billion tenge (US$813 million) across 48 projects, including road reconstruction and the construction of new roads and bridges. A further 284 billion tenge (US$626 million) is earmarked for 55 water supply and wastewater facilities, including main pipelines, treatment plants, protective dams and reservoirs.
Another 136 billion tenge (US$300 million) will support 67 projects to develop heating and gas supply systems. “This is not just plans on paper. A total of 497 billion tenge (US$1.1 billion) has already been allocated for the implementation of these 122 projects.
I would particularly like to emphasize that all 6.5 trillion tenge (US$14.3 billion) allocated for infrastructure modernization will be under strict government oversight,” he said. The government also plans to establish a state commission to oversee the People’s Construction program and ensure public monitoring of how the funds are spent.
It will include representatives of government agencies, members of the Kurultai and the People’s Council, public figures, activists, volunteers and journalists. Nalybayev also said the construction program would rely on domestic building materials and production capacity.