(22 January 2026 | Source: Zakon.kz)
The authorities of Kazakhstan intend to change the logic of road construction in small villages.
According to the Minister of Transport Nurlan Sauranbayev, the focus on asphalt has proven to be economically inefficient: expensive surfaces are difficult to maintain, and local authorities lack the funds for their upkeep.
WHY THEY DECIDED TO ABANDON ASPHALT
According to Zakon.kz, speaking at a briefing in the Majilis on 21 January 2026, the minister stated that the length of roads from hub villages to small settlements and between them reaches approximately 35,000 km. Local executive bodies are primarily responsible for their condition.
According to Sauranbayev, in practice, akimats tend to build asphalt roads, even though they cost 6–10 times more than gravel roads. As a result, funds are often insufficient even to complete the work, let alone for subsequent repairs and maintenance.
THE PROBLEM OF OPERATION AND WEAR
The minister highlighted that asphalt roads in rural areas quickly deteriorate. When potholes appear, residents often prefer to drive not on the roadway but along the roadside, as damage to wheels on broken asphalt is worse than when driving on the verge.
At the same time, the budgets of local executive bodies, as the head of the department noted, do not allow for regular maintenance of asphalt surfaces to a standard condition.
WHAT THE NEW PROGRAMME PROPOSES
The Ministry of Transport has prepared a programme that provides for the construction of high-quality gravel roads that meet all standards. According to Sauranbayev, this approach will fully resolve the issue of access roads to populated areas.
The programme has already been developed and awaits the appropriate approval. After that, the department plans to begin its implementation.
HOW MONEY FROM TOLL ROADS IS CURRENTLY CONTROLLED
Earlier, on 15 January 2026, the government commented on the issue of spending funds received from toll roads.
First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar stated that the national operator — JSC "KazAvtoZhol", maintains accounting records and prepares financial statements in accordance with legal requirements. It was noted that the company annually discloses financial data on the depository's website and undergoes legally mandated audits, including state and financial audits.
According to Sklyar, the government is also ready to consider initiatives to introduce additional mechanisms for transparency and openness in the use of these funds should they be proposed.