Kazakh PM Emphasizes Rigorous Oversight for ‘Comfortable Schools’ National Project Implementation

Astana, The Gulf Observer: Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov announced on Tuesday that the government is set to intensify control measures over the implementation of the ‘Comfortable Schools’ national project, expressing concerns about potential delays in the construction process and land allocation for schools in various regions.

Speaking at the traditional Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Bektenov raised doubts about the timely execution of the national project, citing prolonged construction processes and land allocation issues in the regions. He emphasized the need for more stringent oversight to ensure the project stays on schedule.

Minister of Enlightenment Gani Beisembayev provided an update on the ‘Comfortable Schools’ national project, highlighting that the estimated cost of the project is 2.3 trillion tenge, funded from the republican budget.

Minister Beisembayev reported that the ministry is exercising weekly and biweekly step-by-step control over the project’s implementation. The ambitious plan includes putting 369 schools into service, providing 740,000 seats over the next couple of years. By 2024, at least 217 ‘comfortable’ schools are expected to be commissioned, with an additional 152 schools in 2025.

All schools will adhere to a common standard, utilizing local construction materials, with 44% of them planned for construction in rural areas. The ministry has established a comprehensive legal framework and introduced new construction requirements to create state-of-the-art schools and ensure a safe educational environment.

Key features of the ‘comfortable’ schools include separate premises for elementary school students, video surveillance, alarm buttons, and automatic door-locking systems to enhance overall safety.

Minister Beisembayev pledged the ministry’s commitment to creating a barrier-free environment for students with disabilities. Rigorous selection processes for potential principals and teachers of these schools will be implemented. The ministry will also draw insights from leading educational institutions, including Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, to develop an innovative model for the educational process.

Prime Minister Bektenov reiterated the government’s commitment to the successful implementation of the ‘Comfortable Schools’ national project, emphasizing the importance of providing modern, safe, and inclusive educational facilities for the youth of Kazakhstan.