The construction cost of the multi-specialty regional hospital in Petropavlovsk has increased from KZT 144 billion to KZT 176.3 billion. At the same time, the published completion figures for individual engineering systems are significantly lower than those for the concrete works.
WHAT THE ACTIVIST WANTS CHECKED
Civil activist Serik Baibekov drew attention to the increase in the project cost by more than KZT 32 billion, the long pause in construction and the difference in completion figures for certain types of work.
Baibekov is asking for an explanation of which documents justify the cost increase, what changes have been made to the design and estimate documentation, and whether the work actually performed corresponds to the volumes reflected in the acceptance certificates and financial documents.
The activist also raises questions about the quality of the building structures and engineering equipment, the work of technical and author's supervision, and the documented date for commissioning the hospital. He emphasises the need for transparency in expenditure and does not rule out a state audit if there are lawful grounds for one.
BY HOW MUCH THE HOSPITAL'S COST HAS INCREASED
According to data from the health department of the North Kazakhstan Region (NKR), the project cost is KZT 176,371.54 million. Construction was initially estimated at KZT 144 billion. The cost overrun has therefore reached KZT 32.37 billion, or about 22.5% of the original cost.
The project provides for a medical complex with 480 beds and a total area of 89,463 sq m. According to the published information, the design and estimate documentation has passed state expert review.
However, the available information does not provide a detailed breakdown of the cost increase by expenditure item and project changes. The reasons for the cost overrun therefore require a separate documentary explanation.
WHAT WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED AT THE SITE
As of 3 July 2026, the concrete works were 99.5% complete and the horizontal waterproofing 98.5% complete. At the same time, the completion of the electrical installation works stood at 12%, and that of ventilation installation at 1.5%.
These figures relate to different types of work and do not reflect the hospital's overall completion. However, they indicate the need to clarify the current state of the engineering systems and to compare the remaining scope of work with the construction schedule.
WHEN CONSTRUCTION BEGAN AND WHEN IT WILL BE COMPLETED
Construction of the hospital began in 2020 after the capsule was laid in 2019. The works were suspended from 1 March 2022 to 1 September 2023, after which they resumed.
As Qazaqstan Media reported, in August 2025 the developer announced its intention to complete construction within a year and a half. That timeframe points to the beginning of 2027.
