OREANDA-NEWS. Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V. (KPO) announced today that a new Tennis Complex built as part of the company's social infrastructure development programme was successfully put into operation in the city of Uralsk.

The WKO construction company "SV Plus LLP" was the general contractor of the project.

The official opening ceremony was attended by a delegation of the West Kazakhstan Oblast authorities headed by the WKO Akim Nurlan Nogayev, KPO General Director Damiano Ratti, and representatives of both the contractor organisations and the sports community.

Damiano Ratti, KPO General Director, said in his welcoming speech:

"On behalf of KPO, I would like to congratulate all citizens of Uralsk with the opening of this new Tennis Complex, the construction of which has become possible thanks to our fruitful co-operation and partnership between KPO and the authorities of Western Kazakhstan oblast.

"It is quite symbolic that this event has coincided with the celebration of the Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

"KPO is committed to sustainable development and operating as a responsible corporate citizen, our company is working towards achieving sustained success to the benefit of the local communities and the Republic of Kazakhstan as a whole.

"We are proud that the residents of Uralsk will now be able to play tennis at this modern sports facility, which meets the requirements of international standards. I hope in the nearest future Uralsk will become the centre of attraction for all of those who love tennis", he added.

The Complex is a two-story building that consists of indoor and outdoor tennis courts, including stands with seatings for 300 spectators.

The tennis hall is divided into four zones. On the ground floor there is an entrance lobby, universal gym, medical center, administration room and lockers. On the second floor there is a martial arts hall, equipment store, and the spectator stands.

The overall improvement and landscaping of the adjacent land was also undertaken as part of the project.

Every year KPO implements a significant number of social infrastructure projects in WKO. The list of priorities is defined by the West Kazakhstan Oblast administration. The KPO social development programme is focused on the construction of healthcare, education, culture and sports facilities. All projects are carried out by Kazakh contractors. To date, KPO has invested nearly USD 250 million into the social infrastructure development projects in WKO.

KPO's efforts to develop the region's social infrastructure have been recognized at the national Paryz Corporate Social Responsibility Competition where over the years KPO has won several prestigious awards, including the 2013 Silver Paryz Award in the Best Social Project category.