In his annual Address to the Nation, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the need for accelerated modernization of housing, utilities, and water infrastructure, as well as the expansion of the “Smart Cities” concept to all regions of the country.
According to the Head of State, years of inaction by national and local authorities have brought the public utilities system to a critical state. Today, measures are being taken to reduce infrastructure wear and tear, including through the liberalization of tariff policies and the creation of a new model for managing energy and utility systems.
“Such a model must enhance the reliability and quality of services in proportion to tariff growth,” the President noted.
“Smart City” as a tool for sustainable development
Tokayev highlighted the importance of introducing digital and innovative solutions into urban management. He stressed that the “Smart City” concept currently being implemented in Astana should be scaled up to all regions of Kazakhstan.
“It is necessary to adopt the best international practices and attract competent managers, including foreign specialists. In today’s realities, modernization of public utilities is impossible without state-business partnership. This is an axiom,” the President said.
The Head of State also pointed out the need to reconsider whether certain utility facilities should remain under the balance of local administrations. In his view, the state should focus on regulation and oversight, while infrastructure modernization and technology implementation should become the responsibility of the private sector.
Context
The “Smart City” project in Astana has already proven itself as a comprehensive system for integrating digital technologies into the management of transport, energy consumption, safety, and public utilities. Expanding this experience to other regions will improve the quality of the urban environment, reduce operational costs, and create sustainable conditions for economic development.
According to the Head of State, years of inaction by national and local authorities have brought the public utilities system to a critical state. Today, measures are being taken to reduce infrastructure wear and tear, including through the liberalization of tariff policies and the creation of a new model for managing energy and utility systems.
“Such a model must enhance the reliability and quality of services in proportion to tariff growth,” the President noted.
“Smart City” as a tool for sustainable development
Tokayev highlighted the importance of introducing digital and innovative solutions into urban management. He stressed that the “Smart City” concept currently being implemented in Astana should be scaled up to all regions of Kazakhstan.
“It is necessary to adopt the best international practices and attract competent managers, including foreign specialists. In today’s realities, modernization of public utilities is impossible without state-business partnership. This is an axiom,” the President said.
The Head of State also pointed out the need to reconsider whether certain utility facilities should remain under the balance of local administrations. In his view, the state should focus on regulation and oversight, while infrastructure modernization and technology implementation should become the responsibility of the private sector.
Context
The “Smart City” project in Astana has already proven itself as a comprehensive system for integrating digital technologies into the management of transport, energy consumption, safety, and public utilities. Expanding this experience to other regions will improve the quality of the urban environment, reduce operational costs, and create sustainable conditions for economic development.