FBRK.KZ

The first test launch of the "Sunkar" ("Soyuz-5") carrier rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome has been postponed again, this time to a window up to 26 April. The decision is linked to additional checks of the launch complex equipment and the rocket's systems. The launch date had already been pushed back several times before; the final decision will be made by the Intergovernmental Commission after all checks are complete.

Construction of a 35 km western sewage collector has started in Almaty, which will provide centralised wastewater disposal for around 200,000 residents of the Nauryzbai district. The contractor is JSC "Pavlodar River Port", which has previously faced criticism over deadlines and quality of work. The project cost is over 7 billion tenge including VAT, with completion scheduled for December 2027. The project also includes the construction of a pumping station and the reconstruction of the Kargaly riverbed.

In Astana, the LLP "JV Coca-Cola Almaty Bottlers" has been held administratively liable for violating requirements when connecting to the gas infrastructure. The situation attracted attention due to an attempt to connect to a social gas pipeline intended for the public.

Residents of the village of Karakemer in the Korday district of the Zhambyl region have expressed concern following several tragic incidents involving minors. It was previously reported that teenagers had died, with suicide cited as the preliminary cause.

In Semey, a 20-year-old worker suffered a severe injury on a construction site — his arm was amputated after working with equipment without having received safety training or a signed employment contract. The victim is under medical supervision and undergoing treatment. The State Labour Inspectorate Committee is conducting an investigation: a commission has been formed, and the materials may be handed over to law enforcement authorities, as the employer has admitted to allowing the employee to work without health and safety training.

Minister of Health Akmaral Alnazarova emphasised the unacceptability of violence against medical workers and reminded of the toughening of liability in Kazakhstan, where such offences carry up to 12 years of imprisonment.

The Senate of Kazakhstan has not yet taken a position on amendments to the law on responsible treatment of animals, which provide for the euthanasia of stray animals. The document was received from the Mazhilis on 15 April and is currently under review in the relevant committees. Speaker of the Senate Maulen Ashimbayev stated that deputies will need around 7–10 days for a detailed analysis, including the study of international experience.

The Financial Monitoring Agency has completed its investigation into the embezzlement of budget funds allocated for the development of apple orchards in Shymkent. According to the investigation, the former head of the Agriculture Financial Support Fund, Omarov Zh.D., organised a scheme involving affiliated companies. The damage to the state is estimated at over 430 million tenge, and additional violations were identified in the receipt of subsidies totalling more than 327 million tenge. The case has been sent to court, and the suspect remains in custody.

The Astana Transport Department confirmed that errors were made in the application of road markings on Mangilik El Avenue. Previously, the FBK editorial team had drawn attention to this section after receiving photographs of contradictory markings.

In Almaty on Zhansugurov Street, residents found a road sign with several spelling mistakes in city names and the surname of Turar Ryskulov. After discussion on social media, the sign was dismantled. The Almaty akimat confirmed that the errors would be corrected.