Kazakhstan, Astana, August 21 / Trend D. Mukhtarov
The current situation in the Kazakh oil town of Zhanaozen is causing concern, Director General of the Centre for Social Partnership of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurlan Erimbetov declared at a press conference in Astana on Wednesday.
"Personally I am very concerned with the situation in Zhanaozen. Firstly, due to its population growth amid a decrease of the oil field reserves," Erimbetov said.
He noted that the problem of overpopulation in the city is complicated by the lack of outgoing migration and unwillingness of youth to move to another place.
According to him, it is not just the problem of local authorities or KazMunaiGas.
"It should be a nationwide problem that is governmental. It is necessary to organise courses for oralmans arriving from neighbouring Turkmenistan and Karakalpakstan (Kazakhs who returned to their historic homeland), so that the issue of unemployment was eliminated for the future. It is impossible for everyone to work in the oil company," he noted.
On December 16, 2011 mass riots took place in the city of Zhanozen in the Mangistau region of Kazakhstan. During the suppression at least 14 people died and more than 80 were injured. Buildings and cars were burned. The riots were preceded by months of oil workers on strike demanding higher wages. The court found the strike illegal and the companies dismissed several thousands of workers.