In Almaty, demolition has begun on a bus stop complex where entrepreneurs have run their businesses for many years. However, the owners of the retail outlets disagree with this decision, reports infohub.kz.
According to Astana TV, the complex is located at the intersection of Tole bi and Momyshuly streets. Since 2003, entrepreneurs have been working here, providing employment for thirty people. But in 2018, the akimat refused to extend the land lease agreement. Later, the district court ordered the demolition of the structure. The day before, the area was cordoned off with tape, and heavy machinery was brought in.
The businesswomen, who have devoted more than twenty years to this place, tried on the spot to negotiate with the authorities and stop the demolition. "We pay taxes on time, we do everything by law. Why does the architecture department give its approval, why does it give a commissioning permit! Why did they give them to us? Just to throw us out on the street later? We won't let them tear it down, we won't," they protested.
A lawyer also actively obstructed the demolition. According to him, the final point in the dispute has not been reached, as a complaint is pending before the Supreme Court. He considers the actions of the private bailiff illegal. "The court decision says it is an unauthorized construction. In reality, back in 2003, they were allocated a land plot. This plot has a legal address, a cadastral number, and registration. These decisions are illegal. I have filed a complaint with the Supreme Court, a constitutional complaint, and I am 100% sure, even 500%, that they will overturn this demolition order because it is illegal," said lawyer Nurlan Ustemirov.
A representative of the Almaty Urban Development Control Department, present at the scene, confirmed that the plot is not yet needed for state needs. However, the official stressed that the owners had been given repeated delays, but the court decision that has entered into force must be executed without delay. "This is an unauthorized construction; they leased it in 2003, renewed it, but in 2024 the court ordered demolition. They can no longer legalize this structure; it is already a built object. Understand, no one will give them documents," noted Azamat Kozhamuratov, chief specialist of the Almaty Urban Development Control Department.
Immediately after that, heavy machinery began demolishing the pavilions. In desperation, the women tried to block the excavators until the last moment, but police officers had to pull them aside for their own safety. Thus, despite all the efforts of the entrepreneurs, the structure is being demolished. Many did not have time to remove their goods and hurriedly began doing so.
Now the entrepreneurs, together with their lawyer, intend to seek from the city authorities the allocation of a new land plot to restore their business, as no alternative to demolition has been offered to them.