Chingiz Lepsibaev, a well-known blogger and public figure, has drawn attention to systemic errors in the construction of Astana and identified the individual he believes is responsible for them.

Word for word:

«Thanks to NAK (National Agency for Public Service Affairs) and a few other similar organizations, the capital of Kazakhstan is becoming more like Cairo with each passing day.

There are many astonishing moments here. The most astonishing, of course, is the fact that local architecture seems to have no brains.

Why build high-rises in the steppe? What does it achieve, apart from cheaper construction? It’s the same case as with the ‘Arcelor’ mines. The purpose of oversight is to ensure the rights of citizens, not to protect business interests.

These ‘chicken coops’ have no courtyards or parking spaces. There is no urban environment. People are forced to buy residential space, any they can afford. Prices don’t allow for purchasing decent housing, again, thanks to the lack of control.

The strain on infrastructure is growing.

Each housing complex should have a school and a hospital nearby. But that’s another issue…

But this is all just lyrical. Kulginyov (possibly referring to a government official) changed the master plan seven times, and he still walks around with impunity…»