Kazakhstan’s President focuses efforts on helping flood-affected people

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired the 28th session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK), titled “Unity”. Construction Progress,” during which he focused on his government’s efforts to assist people affected by the severe floods that began nearly a month ago.

According to a release from the Embassy of Kazakhstan, participants in the session included Senate representatives from the APK, leaders and members of republican ethno-cultural associations, APK volunteers and regional representatives of the Assembly via video conference.

On the floods in Kazakhstan, President Tokayev stressed that the people of Kazakhstan showed unity and solidarity during the difficult days experienced by the country during the floods.

“As a result of coordinated actions of the government, state agencies, special services and assistance of volunteers, more than 119,000 people, including about 45,000 children, were evacuated in a timely manner,” he said.

“In a very short time, national and regional headquarters of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan were established to provide comprehensive assistance to flood victims. He also said, a large-scale campaign “Dil Se Dil Tak” is underway, in which more than 1,500 tonnes of food and essential goods worth about Rs 770 million have already been sent to the disaster areas.

The participation of 12,000 volunteers from ethno-cultural associations in collecting charitable and humanitarian aid, organizing evacuation and informing citizens is an example of unity and mutual assistance among citizens. The primary function is to ensure the safety of citizens.

“The government is taking all necessary measures, and appropriate funds have been allocated. Big companies and business representatives are also providing assistance. The government will reduce budgetary expenditure in favor of essential works to eliminate the consequences of floods. A system of strict economy of state funds will be introduced in the country,” the President also said.

The government is committed to a prompt and comprehensive response to natural disasters, including compensation for damages, construction of housing, and restoration of infrastructure. The Embassy of Kazakhstan said that a significant financial commitment from the state to ensure the well-being of its citizens, with an accelerated timeline of 5 months for major reconstruction efforts.

The President announced that affected families would receive a one-time payment and compensation for damaged or destroyed property after assessment.

The state will repair damaged houses and build new ones in place of those destroyed in floods. He also said that large-scale construction is expected to provide new opportunities for citizens to relocate to areas with better economic and environmental conditions.

President Tokayev also highlighted tackling floods and preventing future natural disasters

“The interaction between the state and science needs to be fundamentally rebuilt to create an effective system to deal with natural disasters. The Kazakh Hydromeliorative Construction Institute will be re-established, and the work of the Institute of Seismology in Almaty will be expanded. Special attention needs to be paid to studying and mitigating the effects of climate change,” he said.

The entire water management system will be reorganized, including modernization of companies such as “Kazvodhozh” and “Nurinsky Group Water Supply”. Twenty new reservoirs will be constructed and 15 existing reservoirs will be reconstructed to reduce flood risk in 134 settlements in 11 regions of Kazakhstan. According to the Embassy of Kazakhstan, the development concept of water resources management will be extended to incorporate advanced international practices for flood prevention and impact reduction.

“The technical resources of the Ministry of Emergency Situations will be updated and the supply of special equipment, including helicopters and airplanes, will be increased. The National Hydrogeological Service will be re-established to explore and protect underground water resources. The ongoing initiative for greener and cleaner areas in all areas is urging participation of the local community to improve living conditions,” he also said.

President Tokayev briefly discussed reforms in the country, noting that all branches of power are now working in a new coordination system, focused on protecting and promoting the legitimate interests, rights and freedoms of the individual.

“Kazakhstan has begun to transition to a new economic model based on the principles of fairness, inclusivity, pragmatism and has laid a solid foundation for improving the well-being of its citizens. “Kazakhstan is building a country of equal opportunities, where everyone will have a decent standard of living.”

Meanwhile, in international relations and foreign affairs, Tokayev covered a range of issues related to global affairs and challenges.

Citizens of Kazakhstan can travel to dozens of countries without a visa, and this list is constantly growing thanks to the country’s targeted efforts. Kazakhstan is currently ranked 66th in the World Passport Index. Every citizen of Kazakhstan enjoys all the privileges regardless of ethnic background, views and beliefs. Kazakhstan’s turquoise passport symbolizes the high values ​​on which our country is built. According to the Embassy of Kazakhstan, it is recognized throughout the world as a progressive, modern state document.

Established in 1995, the Assembly is a constitutional body that aims to strengthen ethnic compromise in the country and ensure that all rights and freedoms of citizens are observed regardless of one’s ethnic affiliation.