OREANDA-NEWS. April 21, 2014. First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Bakytzhan Sagintayev has held a meeting in the selector mode where rates of socio-economic development in the first quarter of this year and the implementation of the program "Affordable Housing-2020" were considered in Ukimet Uiy.

Also, the meeting discussed the organization and conducting spring field work, the current flood situation and the stability of prices for socially important food products in the region. The meeting was attended by heads of central government agencies, Akimats of regions, cities of Astana and Almaty.

Minister of Regional Development B.Zhamishev reported on the implementation of the program "Affordable Housing-2020". According to him, 110 billion tenge were directed to housing construction in January-March, or 123% in the same period last year. 1,7 million square meters of housing were commissioned, which is 111% of the corresponding period of 2013.

Vice Minister of Economy and Budget Planning M.Abylkasymova informed about the rate of socio-economic development. According to preliminary data, GDP growth was 2,9% in January-March of this year. The Government is to ensure sustainable economic growth at 6,7% in 2014 In accordance with the instruction of the Head of State.

As Emergency Situations Minister V.Bozhko aasured, flood situation is stable in the country. Filling volume of all reservoirs is within the project scope. Safe water discharges is conducted to prevent overflow threats, which in turn contributes to flushing rivers and environmental improvement.

This year the farming culture will be on an area of 21,8 million hectares, which is more for 1,5% (313 hectares) than in 2013, A.Mamytbekov said.

Spring sowing areas will remain at the same level as last year - 19 million hectares. 15,9 million hectares will be occupied bycereal crops, including the wheat – 12,8 million hectares with a reduction for 311,3 hectares of 2013. Oil-yielding crops will be planted on an area of 2 million hectares, sugar beet – 11,5 thousand hectares, cotton - 133 thousand hectares, melons - 220,7 thousand hectares, potatoes - 189 thousand hectares, feed crop – 3,4 million hectares.

"The means are allocated in full for implementation of the program "Affordable Housing". Akimats of the regions must keep this issue under special control. Undeveloped funds will be reallocated to the regions where they have successfully been mastered," B.Sagintayev emphasized.

"Conference calls on these issues to be conducted monthly. We will track the pace of socio-economic development, implementation of government and sectoral programs and all relevant instructions of the President," First Deputy Prime Minister concluded.