OREANDA-NEWS. September 09, 2013. The development of the countryside has been discussed at a meeting of the Government chaired by Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov.

According to Akhmetov, pursuant to the President’s instruction on implementation of systematic measures for the development of the countryside, the main activities in this area have been reflected in the government and industry programs, and there was developed a roadmap to revive the rural areas.

"The election of governors of district towns, settlements and villages were held in August. Their powers have been expanded, financing was increased," the Prime Minister said.

Vice Minister of Regional Development Serik Zhumangarin delievered a keynote speech during the meeting. According to him, there are 6936 rural settlements in Kazakhstan. 7.6 million people live in the countryside. 1310 villages have a high potential for development, 5192 have the average level.

The programs on development of education, health, housing and communal services, "Ak Bulak" are aimed at infrastructure development.

Thus, it is planned to hold repair and build 85 educational facilities for a total amount of 27.4 billion tenge, including 63 schools, 17 kindergartens, 4 vocational lyceums.

In the framework of the projects for the development of health care facilities it is planned to build 101 health facilities totaling 17.3 billion tenge.

Also, in the framework of "Ak Bulak" Program and the development of housing and communal services it is planned to build and repair 168 water supply facilities to the amount of 34.4 billion tenge, as well as gas supply in 14 villages to the amount of 2.5 billion tenge.

"In general, 373.2 billion tenge will be allocated in the framework of these programs in 2013-2016," Zhumangarin said.

The Vice Minister informed about the directions of the roadmap for the revival of the countryside, which was designed in line with the program "Development of Regions" and stressed the role of local agencies in its realization.

According to him, "the proposed measures will help build an integrated system of rural development, ensure the coordination of central and local executive bodies."

"The implementation of systematic measures on revival of the countryside will form the centers of economic growth and create favorable conditions for the life of the rural population," the Deputy Minister of Regional Development emphasized.

Minister of Economy and Budget Planning Dossayev, Finance Minister Zhamishev, governor of East Kazakhstan region Saparbayev, governor of North Kazakhstan region Yeskendirov, and other governors delivered their reports as well.

The Prime Minister said that "all necessary conditions will be created for the effective work of the newly elected governors, and further development of rural areas will largely depend on the activities of governors."

In conclusion, Serik Akhmetov instructed the Ministry of Regional Development together with the concerned government agencies and the governors of regions to make adjustments to the program "Development of Regions", include a separate section "Development of rural areas" into this program until November 1 of this year.

The Prime Minister congratulated the newly elected governors and wished them success in work.