On the evening of July 14, 2026, residents of building No. 44 in the 12th microdistrict of Aktau discovered that metal poles were being installed behind their building. By midday on July 15, the area was fully enclosed with corrugated sheeting—construction of a commercial facility had begun, reports Lada.kz.
It turned out that the city's Department of Architecture and Urban Planning had approved the preliminary design as early as November 7, 2025. The designated purpose of the plot is the construction and operation of a commercial facility. However, residents claim that no public hearings were held.
“Can we somehow stop this and sort it out? No hearings were conducted with residents. We are all outraged. There is already little space and not enough oxygen,” residents said.
The editorial board obtained documents showing that the city's Department of Architecture and Urban Planning approved the preliminary design. Residents are concerned that the distance from the future building to the facade of their home is about 6 meters.
Residents have prepared a collective appeal addressed to the akim. Copies were sent to the State Architectural and Construction Control Department (GASK), the city prosecutor's office, and the Anti-Corruption Service department. In the appeal, they request a review of the legality of the construction and compliance with all legal requirements.
Among residents' concerns: deterioration of natural lighting in apartments and violation of insolation standards; reduction of green space; possible removal or damage to trees; worsening of sanitary and fire safety conditions; increased traffic load and shortage of parking spaces; and hindrance of emergency vehicle access.
Residents also state that they lack information about public discussions, insolation calculations, compliance with building and sanitary norms, and whether the construction matches the approved detailed planning project. Another issue concerns utilities: a sewage manhole is located on the construction site, and a central sewer line presumably runs beneath it. Residents ask to verify compliance with protective zones and the availability of necessary approvals.
Furthermore, residents opposed the installation of a new playground near the building, arguing that three modern play areas already exist nearby, fully meeting the neighborhood's needs. In their view, building another playground would only reduce the green area.
Currently, residents continue to collect signatures for the collective appeal. The correspondent sent an official inquiry to the city administration. As of publication, no response has been received.