Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov sharply criticized energy sector leaders for delaying construction of strategic facilities, as well as Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) for failing to meet its transit transport plan. He warned that if the Almaty CHP plants and the gas turbine unit in the Turkestan region are not commissioned on time, personal responsibility will be assessed, reports infohub.kz.
At a government meeting after hearing ministers' reports, Bektenov noted unsatisfactory indicators in several sectors. Metallurgy output fell 2.7%, and non-ferrous metallurgy dropped 6%. The main reason cited was a reduction in gold mining.
The prime minister instructed the Ministry of Industry and Construction to develop additional support mechanisms for the industry within a month. Additionally, together with Tau-Ken Samruk, they must ensure full capacity utilization of domestic enterprises, including through the possibility of refining imported gold in Kazakhstan.
The head of government paid special attention to the energy situation. The Ministry of Energy was tasked with holding talks with subsoil users on meeting oil and gas production plans, accelerating private investment in deep coal processing projects, and ensuring timely commissioning of new energy facilities.
"I remind you that the Ministry of Energy and the management of the Samruk-Kazyna fund bear personal responsibility for the timely commissioning of the Almaty CHP-2 and CHP-3, as well as the gas turbine plant in the Turkestan region," Olzhas Bektenov said.
The prime minister also noted that an inspection last week revealed extremely slow construction progress on CHP-3 in Almaty. "Work on CHP-3 is inactive. If appropriate measures are not taken by the end of the year, the issue of personal responsibility will be considered. Keep this matter under strict control," he emphasized.
The transport sector also faced criticism. Bektenov described KTZ's performance as insufficiently effective. The company was instructed to fulfill the transit railway transport development plan, complete construction of main railway lines, and modernize stations by the end of the year.
The head of government also pointed to a significant trade imbalance between regions: about 70% of trade turnover is concentrated in just five regions. Accordingly, akims (regional governors) were instructed to prepare roadmaps for trade development within a month, focusing on priority investment projects, border areas, tourist regions, and the potential of special economic zones.
Recall that in June, Olzhas Bektenov warned KTZ management about personal responsibility for failing to meet the transit transport plan. Last week, the company's chairman, Talgat Aldybergenov, left his post, and Baurzhan Orynbasarov was appointed acting head of KTZ.