Almaty – September 11, 2026 -- The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation has allocated 460 million tenge (approximately $1 million) to fund the gasification of private housing in Almaty, partnering with the city's Akimat to expand urban infrastructure and cut winter air pollution.
Foundation and city sign MoU covering inspections, consultations and gas connections
Under the recently signed memorandum of understanding, the Almaty Akimat will conduct inspections of private homes, advise residents on connection procedures and provide end-to-end support for switching to natural gas heating. Licensed contractors will then carry out the required construction and installation work.
Mayor Satybaldy says corporate backing extends city's gas connection drive
Darkhan Satybaldy, akim of Almaty, said the city continues targeted efforts to connect private households to the municipal gas network, noting that requirements vary by case and require support ranging from consultations to technical installation. He said backing from socially responsible businesses allows the initiative to scale.
Coal-to-gas switch targets a leading source of winter pollution
The transition from coal to natural gas in private homes is described as a critical step for improving Almaty's air quality, with solid fuel use in the private sector remaining a major pollution source during the heating season.
Foundation CEO frames funding as continuation of infrastructure support
Ainur Karbozova, CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, said the funding aims to develop urban infrastructure and give Almaty residents more comfortable living conditions. She said expanding gas access will let households not yet connected to the network move to modern heating.
Gasification project follows prior Foundation initiatives in Almaty
The Foundation has previously funded the renovation of Almaty's Botanical Garden, modernization of ventilation and air conditioning systems at the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the opening of one of the first "Asyl Miras" autism centers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it also supported the local health system by deploying mobile PCR testing laboratories.