Discontent among Konaev's Business Community Regarding Local Administration's Actions
Harassment and Land Disputes Plague Entrepreneurs on Konayev Beaches
Entrepreneurs operating on the beaches of Konayev are facing a difficult season due to ongoing conflicts with local authorities. According to reports, these issues include harassment from the akimat and disputes over land use rights, which are causing uncertainty and affecting the business stability and livelihoods of these small business operators.
The harassment reportedly includes pressure and restrictions from the akimat, making it difficult for the entrepreneurs to conduct their seasonal trade and manage their income effectively. In addition, disputes over land use rights are causing additional uncertainty, as control over beach areas is contested between entrepreneurs and local government bodies.
Bakytzhan Bazarkhan, a Majilis deputy, stated that 82 land plots in the water protection zone of the Kapchagai Reservoir and the Ili River had ended up in private ownership, which contradicts the norms of the Land and Water Codes. One entrepreneur mentioned that the contract only allows for lightweight portable structures, not capital structures, adding to the confusion and tension.
The authorities plan to implement new projects on these beaches next year with the involvement of large investors. However, officials have stated that bringing one beach up to modern standards requires 2-3 billion tenge, a sum that local entrepreneurs cannot provide. As a result, the entrepreneurs are asking for long-term rentals of at least five years, but the akimat has responded that contracts will only last until autumn and will not be renewed.
The entrepreneurs are also alleging that the authorities are depriving them of seasonal income and not giving them time to recoup investments or make a profit. The flow of vacationers at the coast of Kapshagai this season exceeded 1.5 million people, making it an important source of income for these businesses.
As of August 2025, these conflicts remain unresolved, with the entrepreneurs continuing to express frustration publicly but no official new resolution has been reported. Forty-two entrepreneurs are reporting harassment from the akimat at eight beaches in Konayev, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue. The authorities have not yet responded to these concerns publicly.
[1] Statement from the 42 entrepreneurs, August 2025. [2] Unrelated video content.
- The ongoing conflicts with local authorities, including harassment and land disputes, are impacting the finance and viability of small-business entrepreneurs operating on Konayev beaches.
- The implementation of new projects by large investors on these beaches next year could further complicate the careers of smaller entrepreneurs who struggle to secure long-term business stability due to policy-and-legislation and politics.
- General-news coverage highlights that the authorities' stance on rentals and future contracts is causing concern among entrepreneurs, as they seek five-year lease terms to ensure business sustainability.
- There are increasing calls for the government to address the harassment and disputes faced by small-business entrepreneurs on Konayev beaches, with 42 entrepreneurs publicly voicing concerns and reporting incidents to the akimat this August.
