Yessimov voices expenses of Year of Culture in Almaty

5.4 billion tenge ($36 million) were spent to hold the Year of Culture events in 2012, Tengrinews.kz reports citing Almaty Akim (Mayor) Akhmetzhan Yessimov as saying at the annual meeting with the citizens. "Reconstruction of the National Musical Instruments Museum, Begalin Library and the Puppet Theater was completed. All these facilities are now furbished with modern equipment. Besides, the Glory Memorial in 28 Panfilov's Park was renovated for the first time," the Akim said. "Flowers festival, Apple Fest and other significant events were held in 2012. The plan of the Year of Culture in Almaty was fulfilled. However, development of the city as a cultural center should not be limited to festivals. We spent a lot of money. Let's not forget that development of culture is related to growth of the people's inner culture," the Akim said. Akhmetzhan Yessimov announced the Year of Culture in Almaty in 2012. On February 20 the Akim declared 2013 the year of public transport development.