In today’s world, digitalization has become an important tool for improving citizens’ quality of life. However, the housing and communal services (HCS) sector faces a number of challenges that hinder effective management of apartment buildings (ABs). These include low resident engagement, lack of transparency in management processes, and high costs of implementing modern technologies.
JSC “Kazakhstan Housing Company” (KHC, a subsidiary of JSC “NUH Baiterek”) and LLP “Upravdom Kazakhstan” signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at increasing the digitalization of the housing and communal services sector. One of the key projects of this partnership is the implementation of the mobile application “Upravdom”, which is already showing impressive results.
The “Upravdom” app is designed to digitalize the HCS sector and simplify interaction between homeowners’ associations (HOAs), management companies, and apartment residents.
Through the “Upravdom” service, residents can pay utility bills online, submit requests for repairs or landscaping, participate in online voting on building management issues, receive instant notifications about incidents or planned maintenance.
A particularly important function is the online creation of HOAs, including the election of the HOA chairman, council members, and audit commission. All processes—from collecting signatures to generating electronic protocols—are automated. This significantly simplifies residents’ work and makes building management transparent and effective.
Currently, over 3,200 KHC tenants are registered in the app, and residents of more than 35 KHC apartment buildings actively use its functions. The app is available for free download and already covers all regions of the country.
One of the most significant initiatives of the app is the “Safe Yard” project, which has already demonstrated its effectiveness in pilot mode.
Within the Upravdom partnership program, in collaboration with Sergek Group, video surveillance cameras were installed in KHC apartment buildings. The system not only monitors blind spots and yard areas but also responds promptly to various violations.
The results of the system’s implementation have been impressive:
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Cases of hidden narcotics were detected;
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Fights and other conflicts were recorded;
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Attempts of theft and vandalism were prevented.
When suspicious actions are detected, the system automatically sends notifications to the HOA chairman or the Operational Control Center (OCC) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). This allows competent authorities to respond promptly to incidents, ensuring residents’ safety.
The pilot project in KHC apartment buildings was successful, confirming the high efficiency of the system. Based on the results, further installation of surveillance cameras is planned for all buildings managed by KHC.
Currently, KHC has implemented 407 residential complexes in Kazakhstan, of which 84 lack video surveillance cameras, 40 have systems integrated with the MIA OCC, and work continues on the remaining properties. KHC intends to continue providing video surveillance for all ABs, which requires active participation and engagement from residents.
Thus, the “Safe Yard” project not only addresses security issues but also reduces social tension in neighborhoods, increases trust, and fosters a culture of responsible behavior in courtyards, creating a comfortable living environment for citizens.