In the city of Semey, the prosecutor's office uncovered violations in the implementation of the local water utility's investment programme. The inspection showed that some measures were not carried out, despite revenue being collected through higher tariffs. As a result, a temporary compensatory tariff will be introduced for residents of the city and the Zhanasemey district.
WHAT VIOLATIONS DID THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE UNCOVER?
The Prosecutor's Office of the Abai Region established violations in the implementation of the investment programme of the state communal enterprise (SCE) "Semey Vodokanal".
According to the supervisory authority, the enterprise received revenue through higher tariffs but failed to carry out some of the measures stipulated in the investment programme for 2025.
As a result, consumers paid for services at tariffs calculated to include investments that were not actually implemented.
HOW MUCH DID CONSUMERS OVERPAY?
According to the prosecutor's office, residents and organisations overpaid:
- 375.1 million tenge — for cold water supply services;
- 103.7 million tenge — for wastewater (sewerage) services.
The total amount of overpaid funds amounted to 478.8 million tenge.
WHAT MEASURES WERE TAKEN AFTER THE INSPECTION?
Following the inspection, the prosecutor's office achieved the cancellation of unlawful decisions.
SCE "Semey Vodokanal" was held administratively liable. The enterprise was fined 13.8 million tenge.
Additionally, to compensate for the overpayment, a temporary compensatory tariff will be introduced in 2026. Under this mechanism, the cost of cold water supply and wastewater services will be reduced by up to 12%.
HOW MANY CONSUMERS ARE AFFECTED BY THE CHANGES?
According to the prosecutor's office, the measures will affect more than 110,000 consumers, including:
- 106,000 individuals;
- 3,300 legal entities;
- 14 investors.