Construction sector under control: U. Shukeyev

ALMATY. January, 29. KAZINFORM /Daniyar Sikhimbayev/ A sitting devoted to discussion of building sector issues has taken place in Almaty today. Deputy Prime Minister Umirzak Shukeyev, akim (mayor) of Almaty city Akhmetzhan Yessimov, heads of the development funds, representatives of construction and financial companies including the participants of shared construction took part in the discussion, Kazinform correspondent reports.

As U. Shukeyev noted, the country had adopted an anti-recessionary program covering eight directions which also include stabilization of the real estate market. According to the Vice PM, the akims of Astana and Almaty cities have not given any building permissions for more than a year. ?The first thing that we did in accordance with a certain agreement ? was provision of the developers with new loans so they could complete the construction. At that time the developers received credits through ?Kazyna? Fund and the second-tier banks without distinct prospects for sale of these apartments?, he explained and added, that this step gave a huge positive effect. ?The equity holders whose houses were not completed could receive their apartments. The second efficient measure implemented in Astana was allocation of financial means to the akimat and central bodies for purchase of apartments followed by their lease. This program covered six thousand apartments. Their cost amounted to USD 1 thousand per a sq m. Thirdly, we found some projects in Astana and Almaty cities completion of which was impossible due to various reasons. We named them ?problematic projects?. In fact these houses will be completed by akimats. The completed apartments will be distributed among equity holders according to a special mechanism?, - the Vice-minister explained. ?Another measure is purchase of elite apartments through the national company ? 2000 flats in total for the national company?s employees. ?SamrukKazyna? Fund has already selected 500 apartments in Almaty. But the potential of these programs has not been exhausted yet and all of them will be continued in Almaty and Astana cities?, - U. Shukeyev said.