A lawmaker calls for the removal of parental rights from the head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations due to the seismic station in Almaty.
Deputy Bakytzhan Bazarbek from the Mazhilis proposed transferring the Institute of Seismology to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, as reported by Orda.kz.
https://orda.kz/deputat-trebuet-lishit-roditelskih-prav-glavu-mchs-iz-za-sejsmostancii-v-almaty-397730/2025-02-05 07:31:20
“The Institute of Seismology is like your child, and unfortunately, it is currently deprived of parental care from the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES). I have visited most of the seismic stations. They are in a state of disrepair, essentially scrap metal. For example, at the 'Botanica' station, there is no water. Seismologists have to transport water in canisters in the center of Almaty. Some seismic stations have lost their land, as land parcels are being taken away from them. The only seismic station that meets the requirements is 'Medeu.' Seismologists have been equated with civil protection agencies, even though they are scientists. A year and a half ago, I discussed this issue with the Minister of Higher Education and Science, Sayasat Nurbek. A government resolution was born regarding the transfer of this Institute of Seismology from MES to the Ministry of Education and Science (MES). Currently, no one remembers this resolution,” said Bakytzhan Bazarbek.
Minister Chingis Arinov also chose to respond with a metaphor.
“If we draw analogies with parental love and care, not only the Institute of Seismology, but many other departments are also underappreciated. Unfortunately, over these 11-12 months, we have not been able to put everything in order at once. We are undergoing a phased renovation and correction of the situation,” explained the head of MES.
He clarified that other areas within MES have been modernized, and only recently have they begun to address the issues concerning the Institute of Seismology.
“For a long time, we were discussing with the Ministry of Education and Science who should actually be in charge of the Institute of Seismology. There was a clear government decision that it should remain with MES. By the directive of the Head of State, funds have been allocated, and work is currently underway on project and cost documentation. This summer, we hope that repair work will begin in the main building of the institute,” added Chingis Arinov.
As for the seismic stations, of which there are about 150 according to the minister, Chingis Arinov described the situation as dire.
“One option we are currently considering is the purchase of capsule homes. We will strive for a civilized solution to ensure that our employees are comfortable carrying out their duties there. In terms of social support, for the first time this year, they received bonuses, and they are slightly moving into the positive. When I arrived, they were in the negative and unable to pay salaries,” summed up the head of MES.
In December of last year, at an extraordinary session of the Almaty Maslikhat, a budget was approved for 2025–2027, which includes the installation of 70 new seismic stations to improve the earthquake early warning system.