Tokayev orders overhaul of public council law and road quality controls
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the government to improve legislation on public councils and build a unified system of public oversight at the first session of the Khalyk Kenesi. He also ordered stricter construction control and a revised road quality assessment system after citing the deteriorating Taldykorgan–Ust-Kamenogorsk highway. The president linked public order to the 'Taza Kazakhstan' concept and called on wealthy citizens to fund restoration of historical monuments.
Key Facts
- Tokayev ordered the government and Khalyk Kenesi to form mechanisms for building professional capacity of public councils.
- The president said Kazakhstan lacks a unified procedure or system for public oversight and called on Khalyk Kenesi to systematize the field.
- Tokayev cited the Taldykorgan–Ust-Kamenogorsk highway, opened recently, where road surface has already begun to deteriorate.
- The president instructed to strengthen the National Center for Quality of Road Assets and conduct a deep reform of the road sector.
- Tokayev said the reconstruction of the Dostoevsky Literary-Memorial Museum in Semey will be fully funded by sponsors.
Public Council Reform
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated at the first session of Khalyk Kenesi that public councils previously lacked such work and communication experience. He said the capabilities of public councils must be used more actively in discussing national issues. Tokayev instructed the government, jointly with Khalyk Kenesi, to form mechanisms for building the professional capacity of these institutions. The president noted that Kazakhstan currently lacks a unified and specific procedure or unified system for conducting public oversight. He said Khalyk Kenesi should take active part in systematizing and streamlining the sphere of public control, involving independent experts and qualified specialists.
Construction and Road Quality
Tokayev said the quality of some new buildings in Kazakhstan does not withstand criticism and can even become a subject of public criticism. He warned that negligence in construction work can lead to tragic consequences. The president cited the Taldykorgan–Ust-Kamenogorsk highway, where road surface has already begun to deteriorate shortly after opening. Tokayev ordered a revision of the road construction quality assessment system and strict control at all stages of construction work. He instructed to strengthen the work of the National Center for Quality of Road Assets and said the sector needs deep reform.
Taza Kazakhstan and Cultural Heritage
Tokayev said work on forming a culture of cleanliness, order, and careful attitude to nature must continue under the 'Taza Kazakhstan' concept. He linked the culture of order with compliance with the law, citing the 'broken windows' effect known in urban studies. The president said the reconstruction of the Dostoevsky Literary-Memorial Museum in Semey has begun and will be fully funded by sponsors. Tokayev expressed belief that wealthy citizens of Kazakhstan will take active part in restoring other historical monuments and museums. He also called for supporting the institution of mediation as a universal mechanism for preventing conflicts and strengthening public stability.