Almaty – September 11, 2026 -- The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation has allocated 460 million tenge (approximately $1 million) to fund the gasification of private homes in Almaty, partnering with the city's Akimat to expand urban gas infrastructure.
Foundation and city sign memorandum to convert coal-heated homes to natural gas
Under a newly signed memorandum, the Almaty Akimat will inspect private residences, advise homeowners on connection procedures, and provide end-to-end support for the switch to natural gas heating. Qualified contractors will then carry out the required construction and installation work.
Mayor Darkhan Satybaldy said the city continues working specifically to connect private homes to the municipal gas network, noting that requirements vary case by case and that support from socially responsible businesses allows the initiative to scale.
Coal-to-gas shift targets pollution from private heating during winter season
Solid fuel combustion in Almaty's private housing sector remains a major source of air pollution during the heating season. The Foundation's leadership stated the gasification effort will give households not yet connected to the gas grid access to modern heating, calling it a priority for urban infrastructure and living conditions in the city.
Funding follows Foundation's prior Almaty projects in health, culture and public infrastructure
The gasification commitment extends the Foundation's track record in Almaty, which includes the reconstruction of the city's Botanical Garden, modernization of ventilation and air conditioning systems at the National Central Museum of Kazakhstan, and the opening of one of the first Asyl Miras Centers for Autism. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation also supported the local health system by installing mobile PCR testing laboratories.