"It is necessary to solve current problems related to infrastructure"
On 21, October, 2024, there was a round table discussion on the topic "It is necessary to solve current problems related to infrastructure" with the 3rd year students of Translation Studies major. The event was dedicated to the Message of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the people of Kazakhstan "Fair Kazakhstan: law and order, economic progress,social optimism" which coincides with Sustainable Development Goal 7 “Affordable and clean energy”.
Listening to the report: "This work should be carried out, first of all, in the energy and housing and communal services sector. At present, we cannot say that the terms of lending for the construction of new energy generating facilities are favorable. Therefore, the Government should think about how to provide long-term affordable loans through financial institutions," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
According to the President, the state must have a clear long-term tariff policy, i.e., an appropriate plan. This is the main condition for attracting "long-term investments" to this field. However, the unjustified increase in tariffs for consumers must not be allowed.
"The national project for modernizing the energy and public utilities industry must be approved by the end of the year. Establishing a culture of saving communal resources is a very relevant issue. Clear rules must be introduced starting next year. The principle of 'the more you consume, the more you pay' has to be followed. However, consumers should not be left alone in the grip of individual monopolists. The concept of socially significant services should be introduced into the legislation. It needs to be regulated like the process of providing public services," the Head of State said.
Group leader: "At present, the energy shortage in the world is increasing. Our country urgently needs reliable and environmentally friendly energy sources. Therefore, I believe that we should focus on the development of nuclear energy. Because our economy requires more energy every day. Such demand can be met by nuclear energy. Currently, around 200 nuclear power plants are operating in 30 developed and developing countries."
We just need to move forward, taking into account the unique characteristics of our country and long-term national interests. In short, we need to think about the future. That is why I have always said that the most serious decision must be made regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant. I believe that strategic plans should be widely discussed in society.
Every important step in the country's life should be made in cooperation with the public. The same should be true of the nuclear power plant referendum. Last year, I expressed my opinion on this subject, that is, it has been a year since the topic of the referendum entered the public discussion. I think this is enough time for our citizens to think comprehensively and make a serious decision. Therefore, I support the proposal of the Government.
The national referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant will be held on October 6 this year. Today I will sign the corresponding decree. The upcoming referendum will be another vivid manifestation of a large-scale national dialogue. In fact, this is a characteristic of "a state that listens to the voice of the people." Through such steps, we are laying the foundations of a new socio-political culture. We will create a new model for making important state decisions".
*Baltabai Sultan*: "The next issue. Developing the transport and logistics sector is a strategic priority of great importance. Our country is located right at the center of the Eurasian continent. This gives us a significant advantage in global competition. Therefore, every investment made in transport infrastructure will undoubtedly pay off. We must leave future generations with high-quality roads and railways. In addition, we need to build efficient air hubs, railway stations, and seaports. In this regard, it is essential to address a number of complex issues."
To implement reforms in the railway sector, the tariff system needs to be revised. This is an obvious fact. New tariffs will allow the railway network to be maintained in proper condition and increase its transportation capacity. The company "Kazakhstan Temir Zholy" has undertaken three major infrastructure projects, which involve the construction of railways. Their total length exceeds one thousand kilometers. These projects must be implemented on time and with very high quality.
The condition of the roads is a pressing issue. I have addressed this matter before. This year, nearly 12,000 kilometers of roads are being constructed and repaired in our country. Such extensive work has not been seen in Kazakhstan before. The reconstruction of major highways, including Astana-Almaty, Aktobe-Atyrau-Astrakhan, and Taldykorgan-Ust-Kamenogorsk, is nearing completion.
The program for the average repair of inter-regional and inter-district roads with a length of 2.5 thousand km is of great importance. It is on these roads that people walk very often. Therefore, I instruct you to expand the scope of the program and cover at least 10 thousand kilometers of roads. Of course, quality is more important than quantity here. To do this, innovative modern methods and techniques should be widely used. To strengthen public control over this work, it is advisable to launch a single digital platform. It should contain information related to the construction and repair of all roads, including roads in the city"
"Kazakhstan should double the achievements in the field of digitalization. It is necessary to introduce artificial intelligence technology to the e-government platform as much as possible. Kazakhstan should become a country that widely uses artificial intelligence and develops digital technologies. This is one of the main tasks of the government. I invite members of Parliament to take part in this work.
Organizer: Alpysbayeva A.E.
