In Aktobe, schoolchildren are forced to attend classes in a building that once served as a dormitory. The plot for a new school was allocated nearly 30 years ago, and a project has been developed, but funds for its implementation are still lacking, reports infohub.kz.
The school, located in the former dormitory, is the only one serving the entire Koktem residential area. In addition to local children, students from neighboring districts and dacha communities attend here. As a result, the building designed for 600 students is nearly twice as overcrowded.
"All nearby areas — Geolog, Saya — all study here. They could have built a school here long ago. Other areas already have two schools each, but here we still have this one," says Aktobe resident Kuanysh Karashev.
"This school was a PMK dormitory. Two two-story buildings stood without windows or doors. We have been demanding a school for over 30 years. People wrote individually, now the whole settlement has stood up to protect the children. Because they have the right! One generation has grown up, a second is growing, and a third has the right to study in a bright, beautiful school!" said city resident Altynay Nurkhatova.
Meanwhile, a plot intended for the new school sits empty nearby. Residents hoped that modern classrooms would appear soon, but for now the project remains only on paper.
"The old school building does not meet modern requirements. It is very cramped inside. The assembly hall and gym are small, and two people cannot pass freely in the corridors. How many times have we asked to build a new school. They tell us there is no money. How can that be?! We have a large city with so many big enterprises. I think it is simply shameful to say there is no money!" complains resident Ainagul Zhumakhanova.
Officials confirmed that there is indeed no money for the new school yet. Two years ago, a project for a new school with 500 places was developed. The estimated cost is over 3 billion 600 million tenge. Local authorities are now waiting for funding from the republican budget.
"In 2027, if funding is provided, we will start construction. If full funding is allocated, the construction period is 7 months," explained Aslan Zharasbayev, deputy head of the Construction, Architecture and Urban Planning Department of Aktobe region.