14.06.2024, 17:14 68046
Kazakhstan to introduce penalties for sexual harrassment
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Kazakhstan plans to introduce penalties for sexual harassment. The corresponding bill is being drafted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, Kazinform News Agency quotes Renat Zulkhairov, Deputy Chairman of the MIA Administrative Police Committee, as saying.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection is currently working to introduce liability for harassment. Legislative amendments and the initiative itself are being discussed by the government agencies. I believe this issue will be considered in the nearest time. The law is being drafted by the Ministry of Labor," Zulkhairov said at a press briefing of the Central Communications Service.
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27.06.2024, 10:52 6076
Olzhas Bektenov instructs to integrate "green economy" indicators into regional development plans
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In the Government session at the Council on the transition to a "green" economy chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov considered the implementation of the goals set by the Head of State in his Address to the people of Kazakhstan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and reduce energy intensity. The Chairman of the Board of the International Centre for Green Technology and Investment Projects (ICGTIP) Didar Karimsakov reported on the progress of work on the implementation of the set objectives, and reports of a number of regional akims were also heard, primeminister.kz reports.
The concept of transition to a "green" economy has been implemented in Kazakhstan for more than 10 years. During this period, the share of renewable energy sources in the country has reached 4.5 %. The level of recycling of production waste has reached 25 %, consumption 39 %. One of the most effective tools for realising the goals outlined in the Concept is the application of the best available techniques by industrial and agricultural enterprises. Over the period 2021-2023, the ICGTIP has formed 16 16 industrial and agricultural enterprises. ICGTIP has developed 16 guides for different industries on the use of efficient technologies in production processes, covering the activities of large enterprises from the TOP-50. By 2027, it is planned to develop another 16 documents for companies in the manufacturing, water, waste management and livestock sectors.
World experience shows that in many developed countries, business itself is interested in investing in the development of industry guides. In this regard, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources together with the Chamber "Atameken" and interested industry associations and organisations need to work out the issue of co-financing of activities for the development of guides, planned for 2025-2027," Olzhas Bektenov said.
During the meeting it was noted that as part of the transition to a "green" economy, much attention is paid to equal territorial development. For example, the North Kazakhstan region demonstrates positive results in the use of renewable energy. The region has 174 sources with a total capacity of 70.3 MW. At the same time, 125 biomass boilers fuelled by vegetable fuel have been installed, providing energy to 80 public institutions, which saves about 260 million tenge. In Akmola region, the volume of emissions of enterprises at the end of last year was reduced by 96% compared to 2021. In the power sector, the share of green energy from the total volume of the region is 74 %. Zhambyl region reported on plans to repair 257 water bodies until 2025 due to the need for efficient use of water resources. Currently, the bulk of the region's irrigation water comes from the transboundary Talas and Shu rivers.
Olzhas Bektenov stressed that the new Decree of the Head of State on updating the Concept of transition to a "green" economy set actual targets for reducing air pollution, increasing the production of organic products, introduction of water-saving technologies. Work on the transition to a "green" economy should be intensified at all levels. Prime Minister instructed the akimats together with interested central government agencies to provide for measures aimed at achieving indicators of "green" economy in the draft plan. In the future to integrate the relevant targets into regional development plans.
For financial support of green projects it is necessary to develop mechanisms of green lending and issuance of green bonds," Prime Minister emphasised. A draft of the relevant action plan for 2024-2030 is being developed to realise the set objectives.
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25.06.2024, 19:28 25091
Kazakh Ministry of Energy announces delays at thermal power plants repairs
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The Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan, Almasadam Satkaliyev, announced delays in the scheduled repairs at thermal power plants in various regions of Kazakhstan, as reported by a Kazinform News Agency correspondent.
According to the Ministry of Energy, in 2024, major repairs are planned for 10 power units, 55 boilers, and 45 turbines. Currently, repairs are underway on 3 power units, 32 boilers, and 16 turbines. Repairs have been completed on 1 power unit, 6 boilers, and 9 turbines.
Also, in 2024, major repairs of transmission lines totaling about 20,800 km, and 423 high-voltage substations are planned. Repairs have already been completed on 4,100 km of transmission lines and 227 substations, along with 909 distribution points and transformer substations," said Almasadam Satkaliyev.
The minister reported that there are currently delays in starting repairs on the main equipment at power stations in Zhambyl (JSC "Tarazenergocentr" CHPP-4), Karaganda (JSC "Qarmet" CHPP-2, Topar CHPP) and Pavlodar (JSC "Pavlodarenergo") regions.
Furthermore, the ministry has pinpointed energy firms that will be given additional focus in readiness for the heating season.
Ridder CHPP
Minister Satkaliyev instructed to accelerate the start of repairs of Boiler 5, which has not yet begun. According to him, it is crucial to complete the scheduled replacement of the circulating water pipeline, the repair of Turbine 4, and the cleaning of the ash dump within the planned deadlines.
Ekibastuz CHPP
The minister noted that the start of repair works has been postponed from May to the third decade of June. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the completion of the planned repairs of 4 hot water boilers by September this year.
CHPP-2 Temirtau
The start of Boiler 1 repairs at CHPP-2 JSC "Qarmet" has been delayed by two months, from June to August. The volume of work is planned to be reduced. Satkaliyev has called for an acceleration of the construction of the new Boiler 7.
Moreover, according to him, at the Zhezkazgan CHPP, the repair of Boiler 5 needs to be accelerated to ensure adequate reserves by September.
Due to the postponement of some repairs from 2023 to 2024 at the power stations of LPP "MAEK" it is also necessary to expedite all planned repair works.
At the Kentau CHPP, the repair of Boiler 5 has not started, and there is a delay in the reconstruction of Boilers 8, 11 (from 3 to 24 days). The reconstruction of Boilers 7 and 12 has just begun.
Delays in repair schedules to a later date have also been noted at the Stepnogorsk CHPP, the minister added.
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25.06.2024, 13:49 6051
Olzhas Bektenov instructs to intensify work on providing population with employment
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Measures to ensure sustainable employment in the country discussed during the Government session chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. The Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population Svetlana Zhakupova reported on the implementation of the task set by the Head of State on employment of about 1 million Kazakhstanis in the current year, primeminister.kz reports.
According to the approved Regional Employment Cards in 2024 it is planned to employ 948 thousand Kazakhstani citizens. To date, about 353 thousand people have found work, which is 37% of the total figure. At the same time, 148 thousand of them are young people. Thus, since the beginning of the year, 137 thousand unemployed people have been employed on state-subsidised jobs, more than 97 thousand as part of the Head of State's initiative "100 new jobs for every 10 thousand people", more than 103 thousand on employers' vacancies and about 16 thousand people have been directed to programmes implemented under national projects.
In terms of regions, positive dynamics was noted in Abay region (53%), North Kazakhstan region (47%), Kyzylorda region (45%) and Zhambyl region (45%). The lowest indicators of fulfilment of envisaged plans were recorded in Aktobe region (30%) and Almaty city (30%). Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov noted the need for regional akimats to intensify work in this direction.
Head of the Government stressed that in accordance with the current challenges last year was approved the Concept of "Development of the labour market of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2024-2029 years". The document provides for the creation of a maximum number of permanent jobs, including for young professionals. Today up to 25 per cent of graduates of technical and vocational education work outside their speciality. It is important to establish interaction with employers, including through digital monitoring of employment with tracking of all projects where new labour force is needed.
Special attention during the meeting was paid to the issue of employment of Kazakhstanis abroad and the protection of citizens' rights.
We know such facts when their salaries were not paid, medical services were not provided, contracts were grossly violated. Therefore, work is now underway to conclude relevant intergovernmental agreements. It is already necessary to systematise the work of private agencies that employ our citizens abroad. Kazakhstani citizens should receive reliable guarantees under the contract," Prime Minister emphasised.
Within the framework of this work it is planned to open centres of professional and language training in East Kazakhstan, Turkestan and Almaty regions. The experience of the regions can be further used to ensure quality employment and increase the incomes of the population. In general, the implementation of measures to ensure employment will make it possible to create 3.8 million quality jobs by 2029.
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25.06.2024, 11:41 6201
Olzhas Bektenov put under special control infrastructure readiness for heating season
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Preparation for the upcoming heating season was considered during the Government session chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. Minister of Energy Almassadam Satkaliyev reported on the progress of work at power plants, Minister of Industry and Construction Kanat Sharlapayev reported on the status of reconstruction of heating networks. Akims of a number of regions reported on the situation in the regions, primeminister.kz reports.
In the current year it is planned to overhaul 10 power units, 55 boilers and 45 turbines at power plants. Today modernisation of 1 power unit, 6 boilers and 9 turbines has been completed. Work on the remaining facilities is currently at various stages. Also within the framework of preparation for the heating season it is planned to cover about 20.8 thousand kilometres of power grids and 423 high-voltage substations with different types of repairs. Reconstruction of heating networks will affect 541 km of communications, today the degree of readiness is 23%.
Prime Minister drew the attention of the meeting participants to the risks of preparation of heat supply facilities. Thus, on Ekibastuz CHPP the start date of works has been postponed from May to the end of June. In Temirtau the extended repair of the boiler at CHPP-2 has not yet started, the delay from the schedule is 2 months. Deadlines for modernisation of heat sources in Taraz, Zhezkazgan and other regions have been disrupted.
In early May this year at the Government session, I gave an instruction to prevent the extension of repair deadlines and reduction of their volumes. However, the repair schedule approved by the operator KEGOC is regularly amended at the discretion of the owners. This year alone, the schedules have been amended 18 times to postpone repairs. And this happens without participation and co-ordination with Akimats and the Ministry of Energy. These facts indicate their lack of control," Head of the Government stressed.
Low pace of work on modernisation of heating networks, especially in Akmola, Aktobe, Atyrau and Mangystau regions, was also noted. In addition, attention was paid to the issue of insufficient use of the potential of the "Tariff in exchange for investment" programme. The tendency of repair of engineering communications at the expense of the republican budget remains in the country.
Olzhas Bektenov instructed to monitor the progress of preparatory work for the heating period on the ground to the First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar.
Roman Vasilyevich, take the necessary operational decisions and the toughest measures on the ground. Pay special attention to the quality of repair work," Head of the Government stressed.
Ministries of Energy and Industry together with regional akimats have been instructed to strengthen control over the timeliness and quality of the repair campaign at heat sources and networks, to provide fuel to all CHPPs and boiler houses by 1 September. By 15 September in the central, northern and eastern regions, in the rest of the regions to make all engineering infrastructure ready for the new heating period by 15 October.
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24.06.2024, 13:12 27696
Olzhas Bektenov holds Board of Directors meeting of Samruk-Kazyna Fund
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Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting of the Board of Directors of National Welfare Fund Samruk-Kazyna JSC on the implementation of major investment projects, primeminister.kz reports.
Reviewed the current status of projects in the oil and gas, petrochemical, energy, transport and logistics, mining sectors. The list of initiatives of strategic importance includes 44 projects totalling 26.9 trillion tenge, 11 of which are already under construction and installation works. As a result of the implementation of these projects, over 53,000 jobs will be created in Kazakhstan during construction and about 11,000 jobs during operation.
Special attention was paid to increasing the volume of financing of priority projects for the economy. This year 105.1 billion tenge will be directed to gasification of objects, 272 billion tenge to construction of rental housing, over 680 billion tenge will be spent on implementation of investment projects. In addition, Samruk-Kazyna intends to attract funds for expansion and reconstruction of Ekibastuz GRES-2, construction of the main gas pipeline "Taldykorgan-Usharal" and railway line "Darbaza-Maktaaral".
The Fund continues to work on the construction of a gas processing plant at the Kashagan field with a capacity of 1 billion m3, which aims to increase crude oil production and rational use of crude associated natural gas. There are also plans for further development of the oil and gas chemical industry such as construction of a gas chemical complex for the production of polyethylene and a gas separation complex for raw material supply of the plant for the production of polyethylene.
Prime Minister stressed the importance of diversification of the economy of the Fund and instructed to direct all free liquidity to the implementation of strategically important projects and support of key industries.
Olzhas Bektenov instructed to ensure an increase in the share of in-country value in the purchases of the Fund up to 88% (at the end of 5 months of 2024 the share of local content - 61%). It should be noted that according to the data for January-June this year, the number of concluded contracts with domestic manufacturers has increased twice compared to last year's figures.
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21.06.2024, 18:54 74666
MTI RK: the first meeting of the working group to consider the time zone petition was held
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Today, 21 June, at the site of the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan held the first meeting of the working group to consider the petition regarding the time zone, press service of the Ministry of Trade and Integration reports.
The working group included members of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the initiator of the petition, representatives of public associations and expert community, representatives of the Ministries of Health, Energy, Agriculture, Transport, Emergency Situations, Labour and Social Protection, Trade and Integration and other state bodies.
All representatives of the petition author's side spoke at the meeting. In particular, Aset Nauryzbaev, a member of the Public Council of Almaty, named two main reasons for the petition to gain 50 thousand votes:
The first is the disruption of circadian rhythms, in a country as large as ours one common time zone cannot be close to the natural rhythm of people. The second is that an extra hour of time in the evening results in costs to individuals and businesses. We must get closer to the natural circadian rhythms", - he believes.
However doctor of medical sciences, professor of the department of general biology and genomics of ENU named after Gumilev Bek Zhetpisbaev, on the contrary, noted that since March of this year Kazakhstanis began to live in accordance with the natural time and now there is a process of adaptation.
Adaptation to stress has its certain types and stages, they were defined by the Canadian scientist Hans Sellier. The first stage is the stage of anxiety. Yes, we are faced with the impact of a physical factor on the body. However, our biorhythms adapt to the new factors and our biological clock is running. We are all different and the process of adaptation proceeds differently", - said the professor of the Department of General Biology and Genomics.
Evgeny Yan, a psychologist and representative of the petition author's side, believes that along with the advantages of the transition to a single time zone - such as simplification of logistics and transport, convenience for business and simplification of communications - the disadvantages are disruption of human biorhythms and reduction of labour productivity. The psychologist believes that in order to improve public health and reduce social tension, it would be an appropriate solution to transfer time to optimal time zones.
In turn, Sultan Tleukhanov, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences, Head and Professor of Biophysics and Biomedicine at Al Farabi KazNU, cited the example of China, which has applied uniform time throughout the territory. According to him, the majority of the population - both students and adults - switch off the light at around 10pm and get up at 6am. This practice is widely used around the world.
The first meeting of the working group was constructive, all representatives of the petitioner's side spoke and the arguments of experts from both sides were heard. All aspects of the discussion were recorded by video and audio recording. The issues and arguments raised at the meeting will be scrutinised for further discussion at the next meeting.
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21.06.2024, 17:59 74496
Kazakh President receives credentials from ambassadors of four countries
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Ambassadors of four countries presented their credentials to the Kazakh President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, at the presidential residence Akorda, Kazinform News Agency reports.
Ambassador Abdullah Hussein Mohamed Jaber of Qatar, Rosalba Lo Bue Antico of Venezuela, Chea Sok of Cambodia and Joseph Nkurunziza of Burundi presented their credentials to the Kazakh President.
President Tokayev extended his congratulations to the ambassadors on the official beginning of their diplomatic missions in Kazakhstan and conveyed his best wishes and greetings to the Heads of their States.
We pursue the weighted, constructive, peaceful foreign policy. We believe that new results in our mutual cooperation could be reached with the countries, concluded the Head of State of Kazakhstan.
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21.06.2024, 15:13 73646
President Tokayev receives Omirzak Ozganbayev, Deputy Chairman of Kazakhstan Veterans Organization
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Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has received Omirzak Ozganbayev, Deputy Chairman of the Kazakhstan Veterans Organization, Kazinform News Agency learned from the Akorda press service.
The meeting discussed the issues related to the development of the country and younger generation upbringing.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called the older generation to actively join the fulfillment of the tasks voiced at the III session of the National Kurultay (Ulttyq Qurultai) in Atyrau and at the XXXIII session of the People’s Assembly of Kazakhstan.
Special attention should be given to the promotion of family values and protection of young people from such negative phenomena as drug addiction and gambling," he said.
Omirzak Ozganbayev put forward some propositions on the development of rural areas and briefed on the initiatives being implemented by the Organization of Veterans and further plans of the association.
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