A scandal has erupted in Kokshetau around the regional specialised boarding lyceum "Bilim – Innovation". At the start of the academic year, parents and teachers were expecting the opening of a new building, but the contractor once again missed the deadline. After two weeks of online learning, students were forcibly returned to the old building.
According to the Telegram channel "HALYQSTAN", the situation is causing particular concern for final-year students — preparation for the UNT (Unified National Test) under the conditions of the old building is proving difficult.
The deputy head of the regional education department, Valery Gamazov, explained that the contractor — SCS Engineering LLP — had failed to fulfil part of its obligations: furniture had not been delivered to the lyceum, not all engineering systems had been connected, and the canteen lacked a water supply.
The acting head of the construction, architecture and urban planning department, Azamat Baikuanyshev, reported that the facility was originally designed as a regular school, but the project later had to be adapted for a boarding lyceum.
According to him, the main construction and installation work has been completed, utilities have been connected, and the heating system is scheduled to be switched on in the coming days. A team of 20 workers has returned to the site.
Officials assure that the installation of equipment will be completed by the end of September, and on 4–5 October students will move into the dormitory. From 6 October, the lyceum is expected to switch to a normal learning schedule.
However, parents view these statements with scepticism.
"We have not seen any significant changes since the August tour. We doubt that a team of 20 people can fix everything in such a short time," noted members of the parent committee.
The "Bilim – Innovation" story has become yet another example of systemic problems with long-term construction projects and protracted repairs in the education sector.
Recall that it was previously reported that repairs are ongoing at Secondary School No. 9 in Kokshetau, which became problematic immediately after being commissioned in 2023.
Construction of the educational complex began in 2016 and dragged on for seven years. After its opening, the former director reported numerous defects: a leaking roof caused short circuits in the fire alarm system and electrical wiring, classroom ceilings became damp, and furniture was damaged.