(6 January 2026 | Source: MIA "Kazinform")
Heating problems in the town of Stepnyak, Akmola Region, which sparked a wave of complaints last winter, have resurfaced. Despite officials' assurances that the boiler houses are operating normally, residents continue to report cold temperatures in their apartments, while the akimat speaks of systemic difficulties accumulated over the years.
REPEATED COMPLAINTS FROM RESIDENTS
At the start of the current heating season, posts from residents of Stepnyak once again appeared on social media, complaining about low temperatures in their homes. A similar situation was observed last winter, when townspeople repeatedly reported cold in their apartments.
At that time, local authority representatives attributed the situation to problems with pumping equipment and coal quality.
POSITION OF THE HOUSING AND COMMUNAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
The Housing and Communal Services Department of the Birzhan sal district acknowledged that the heat supply situation in the town remains difficult.
"The district akimat and utility services are well aware of the problems that have accumulated in the town's heat supply sector over a number of years. The issue is under constant monitoring, and it would be wrong to deny the existence of systemic difficulties," the department reported.
According to officials, the main cause of the difficulties in the current heating season is a shortage of qualified personnel. It was also clarified that the stoker staff is fully staffed, and a review of personnel work schedules is currently underway.
BOILER HOUSE OPERATION AND PROBLEM AREAS
The Housing and Communal Services Department stated that all boiler houses in the town are operating normally, and the heating medium parameters comply with established standards.
The boiler house in the Abylaikhan microdistrict was specifically mentioned, where difficulties arise periodically.
"Control over this boiler house has been strengthened, round-the-clock duty by engineering and technical personnel has been organised, and monitoring of temperature conditions in residential buildings and social facilities is being carried out," officials reported.
COAL QUALITY AND RESERVES
Unlike last year, according to the akimat, there are no issues with fuel quality in the current heating season. The coal supplied to the boiler houses has passed laboratory tests.
According to the reports, the coal quality meets the stated characteristics and requirements of regulatory and technical documentation, and its reserves are considered sufficient.
RESPONSE TO CITIZENS' APPEALS
The Housing and Communal Services Department assured that all residents' appeals are being reviewed, specialist visits are being made to problem areas, and decisions are being taken promptly.
"We understand residents' concerns and share responsibility for the stable passage of the heating season. Work to ensure reliable heat supply to the town will continue in an intensified mode," the department stated.
PROMISES FROM THE HEAD
Incidentally, in September 2025, the head of the Department of Energy and Housing and Communal Services of the Akmola Region, Baktybek Zhapayev, assured that the heating problems in Stepnyak would not recur in the future.