For instance, the akim of Astana recently recognised that many of Astana's current inhabitants are unregistered and therefore not accounted for in official statistics. Unofficial population estimates exist for large cities such as Astana, Almaty City and Shymkent. A systemic underestimation of actual population by official statistics in large uiban centres has many potential adverse consequences. City and regional administrations need accurate population figures to plan for uiban development and local services such as schools, hospitals and public transport.