Maslikhat* delegates as drivers of housing stock modernisation

On April 8, 2025, a webinar on The Role of Maslikhat Deputies in the Development of Sustainable and Energy Efficient Housing: International Approaches and Local Solutions was held, organized within the framework of the EU ENABLE project by IWO’s partner, the Foundation for the Development of Parliamentarism in Kazakhstan (KPDF) in Astana.

The event was attended by 40 participants – delegates of maslikhats from 17 regions of Kazakhstan, as well as representatives of international organizations, experts in the field of sustainable development and housing policy. The main topic was strengthening the role of local deputies in the implementation of energy efficiency policies and modernising the housing stock.

At the opening of the webinar, Zauresh Battalova, President of the KPDF, Astana, emphasised: “High-quality housing is not only a basic right, but also an investment in the future of the country. Local delegates should be at the forefront of this process”.

Welcoming speeches were held by Bibigul Jexenbai, Deputy of the Senate of the Parliament of of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Lyazzat Suleimen ─ former-deputy of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Deputy Director of the ‘Institute of Parliamentarism’ (Republican State Enterprise with its own administration under the administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan). Both pointed out the importance of a systematic approach to sustainable urban development, including through legislative initiatives.

International examples – for local solutions

The centerpiece was the presentation of the project ENABLE by Larissa Schreckenbach, Project Director at IWO. The project ENABLE in Kazakhstan pays particular attention to the transfer of European experience in energy modernisation of housing stock as well as the involvement of civil society in this process. In the online educational programme of the project (information about ToT and registration for webinars), participants are given the opportunity to study the best examples and accumulated experience of Western and Eastern Europe and the Baltic States. The presentation introduced the concept of integrated energy-efficient modernisation of buildings, gave examples of the modernisation of houses in Germany and explained the most important components of energy-saving policies in buildings.

Aktobe is a leader among regions

Anar Darzhanova, Chairwoman of Maslikhat Aktobe, shared the experiences of her city: meetings with residents, information campaigns, work with programme operators. Aktobe has already applied for the modernisation of the first 15 houses. Anar Darzhanova will participate in the educational trip to Lithuania, which will take place within the framework of the ENABLE project from 20 to 26 April 2025. Participants from Aktobe will learn in practice about state funding instruments and management systems for housing modernisation projects.

Legislation and incentives

The delegates raised an urgent issue – the lack of consistency in legislation, which prevents the development of state programmes to support homeowners in improving the energy efficiency of their homes. There was a proposal to appoint a bank to operate the programme and to strengthen training. Participants highlighted the need for legal clarity, stable financing and public awareness. Ways of working with ministries and parliamentary committees were discussed.

A glimpse into the future

Concluding the discussion, Zauresh Battalova, KPDF, Astana, emphasised the importance of studying international experience on energy modernisation of buildings/residential buildings for the delegates of the maslikhats. The maslikhats should take a leading role in regional initiatives on modernising the housing stock.