331 Million Tenge for Aktobe's Urban Makeover: A Controversial Project Sparks Debate

Aktobe Invests Heavily in Urban Beautification: A 331 Million Tenge Project Raises Questions. Aktobe, Kazakhstan is witnessing a significant upgrade to its urban landscape. The city council has allocated a record-breaking 331 million tenge for small architectural forms (MAFs), a dramatic increase from the previous annual budget of approximately 100 million tenge. This substantial investment has been entrusted to Kairbek Takhanov's "Kaisar Relations" firm, a company with a history of winning similar contracts. The project encompasses the installation of over 200 street benches and trash cans made of composite marble, art benches, illuminated circles, cylinders, and "clouds." These elements will adorn squares in the city's central area. However, the tender process itself has raised eyebrows. While officially titled "State Procurement for the Akim's Office of the Astana District of Aktobe City," the technical specifications repeatedly mention MAFs. Adding to the intrigue, 62 million tenge is earmarked for stelae bearing the names of Akshat, Akzhar, and Karghaly residential areas, along with a photo zone near the railway station. Takhanov's firm will also maintain all monuments, stelae, and the newly installed structures for an additional 62 million tenge. According to Takhanov, the design prioritizes functionality. The Aktobe regional administration has expressed concerns, although they have not commented publicly. This significant investment in urban aesthetics, while welcome, highlights the need for transparency in public procurement processes.