What Will Change in Astana: New Law on Capital Status Submitted for Discussion

The draft law «On the Status of the Capital» has been published on the website «Open NPA.» The discussion will last until April 20, Orda.kz reports.

The law regulates public relations in the functioning of the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan and defines the legal, economic and organizational foundations of its activities. the message states. 

What will be prescribed in the new law

The document distributes powers between the akimat and the maslikhat of the capital. This concerns key areas: urban planning, transport, ecology, migration, land issues and others.

Separately addressed are:

• territory and suburban area;
• uniform architectural appearance and design code of Astana;
• traffic management center;
• architectural, urban planning and construction policy in the city;
• infrastructure;
• features of the forest park zone regime.

It is proposed to remove duplicative powers of the akimat and maslikhat, as some of these norms are already covered in other sectoral laws.

The law also specifies the status of the capital: it is the political and administrative center of the country, where Akorda, the Kurultai, the government, the Supreme Court and other central state bodies are located.

The design code of the city

One of the main focuses is the appearance of Astana. The authorities plan to introduce a uniform architectural appearance and design code for the capital. The rules will apply to buildings and structures, roads, utility networks, infrastructure, advertising, signage, lighting and unfinished facilities.

All work — from construction to improvement — must meet the established requirements. The planning and development of the city will also be carried out in accordance with the design code.

The law also establishes requirements for an accessible environment — infrastructure should be convenient for everyone, including people with disabilities, children and the elderly.

Roads, parking and traffic control

The draft law separately provides for a traffic management center, which will be responsible for almost everything that happens on the roads.

The center will oversee parking facilities, monitor their occupancy, control traffic lights, develop traffic patterns, analyze traffic and regulate traffic flows. It will also handle vehicle towing and storage, including parking.

In addition, the structure will take on the regulation of freight traffic and the coordination of public transport routes.

Protecting the forest park zone

The forest park zone consists of territories within the capital that serve protective, health and recreational functions.

Any activity that could harm the environment will be prohibited on these lands — from waste disposal and grazing to hunting, logging and any interference that could disrupt the natural environment.

Original author: Raushan Korzhumbekova

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