Balapan Program to be implemented in four stages – Mayor of Astana

According to the Mayor of Astana city, at first it is planned to return those buildings which were signed for stated institutions in regard to their relocation to Astana city.

"There are 14 such facilities. This will let provide places for about 3,000 children. This work will be completed in the first half of the year", I. Tasmagambetov said.

The second stage presupposes use of first floors of residential estates, that will be constructed by the city akimat.

"Over 16,000 sq m are expected to be used in 15 housing complexes of Astana city for this purpose. Last year we constructed 3 preschool institutions and mini-centers. The whole complex of mini-centers will provide additional places for 3,000 children", the Mayor of Astana said.

The third and fourth stages include private construction of kindergartens including construction of 10 new kindergartens at the expense of the national budget.

"As a whole 24 kindergartens (for over 6,000 places) are expected to be constructed by the end of 2012. In such a manner, we expect the problem will be solved up to this time", I. Tasmagambetov explained.

As earlier reported, the deficit in kindergartens all over the country made 28,000 places.