(24 February 2026 | Source: response of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan to a request from deputies of the Mazhilis of the Parliament)
The Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan has presented a response to a parliamentary request regarding the state of the road industry. The document outlines measures aimed at strengthening quality control of construction, compliance with deadlines, and the use of budget funds.
DIGITAL TOOLS AND THE "E-JOLDAR" SYSTEM
The response states that mechanisms involving digital tenge are used to monitor the targeted use of funds. Unlike traditional non-cash payments, digital tenge enables programmability of transactions, allowing for the tracking of the intended use of funds. Essentially, this refers to a mechanism aimed at restricting their use outside the framework of a specific project.
An information system called "E-Joldar" is also being developed, with its launch planned for 2026. The system will include the following modules:
- "Zhondeu" (Repair) — An internal digital journal designed for monitoring the progress of road works and maintaining related documentation.
- "Kogamdyk bakylau" (Public Control) — A public interface for citizens, which handles the receipt and review of user reports on the condition of roads and provides access to information about projects.
The response notes that the system is intended to increase transparency and responsiveness of oversight.
FIVE-TIER CONTROL SYSTEM AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
The road industry operates a five-tier quality control system: the contractor, technical and designer supervision, the Republican State Enterprise "National Centre for Quality of Road Assets", and the client.
It is reported that requirements for the accreditation of technical and designer supervision organisations have been strengthened, along with increased personal responsibility for specialists. A ban on bringing roads into service when unresolved comments from the Quality Centre remain has been enshrined in law.
INTERNATIONAL FIDIC STANDARDS AND THE EPC+M MODEL
International contractual mechanisms are used for the implementation of major projects.
- FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers) — standard international contracts are used, providing for transparent procedures and independent oversight.
- IRI (International Roughness Index) — an international index of surface evenness, used during the acceptance of facilities.
- EPC+M (Engineering, Procurement, Construction + Management) — a contract model whereby the contractor is responsible for the design, construction, and subsequent operation of the facility for a period of up to seven years. Effectively, this model entails the contractor's long-term liability for the quality of the completed works.
DEADLINE CONTROL AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Project implementation timelines are set out in calendar schedules and monitored by the client jointly with technical supervision. Penalties, disciplinary measures, and the possibility of having contractors added to the register of unscrupulous suppliers through a judicial procedure are stipulated for delays.
In terms of road safety, regulatory changes are being developed that would require a mandatory conclusion from internal affairs bodies confirming that facilities meet safety requirements before they are brought into service.
Overall, the measures listed are intended to improve the transparency of procedures, the quality of road projects, and the efficiency of using budget funds.