In Almaty, nearly 200 families fear losing their homes, which are slated for demolition to make way for a new highway. Property owners claim the proposed compensation is too low, reports infohub.kz.
Residents of the Kairat microdistrict are unhappy with the city administration's decision to demolish their homes. According to KTK TV channel, 197 houses are at risk. Owners say the land plots have been valued very cheaply: they are offered 6.5 million tenge per 100 square meters, while the market value is twice as high.
"I came from a village because there was no work there. We used to wear rubber boots or plastic bags because of the mud. We invested in all the infrastructure: we paid for the asphalt and the sewer system ourselves. Civilization came, asphalt was laid - now they are kicking us out of our homes. It's really upsetting," said Zukhra Aliyeva.
"The market value is about 12 million tenge per 100 square meters because this microdistrict is located in a very good spot. It's easy to get to the city from here, gas was installed, and asphalt was laid - all done at the residents' expense," said Gabit Umirbekov, adviser to the chairman of the Republican Collegium of Legal Consultants.
Vera Zheleznyak bought her cottage 16 years ago. The house has two floors and five rooms. She recently finished major renovations. The owner says she put a lot of effort and money into it. "We replaced all the windows, changed the tiles, renovated the bathrooms, and ordered new furniture. You know? Moving to another district and starting from scratch: dirty roads, no sewage, no clean water, no internet, no greenery that makes me happy. I have a vineyard here with four grape varieties. My home is my soul, my life. Now they want to take away what I built for myself. And where am I supposed to go?" says Vera Zheleznyak.
However, officials have assured that the road will be built. The city administration confirmed that owners are offered nearly 6.5 million tenge per 100 square meters. Houses will be appraised separately, taking into account materials, year of construction, and renovations. Compensation for green spaces is also promised. "You should understand that there are no free land plots in Almaty. A resolution has been adopted for 197 owners - a resolution on the seizure of land plots for state needs. It's not 6 million but 6.4 million per 100 square meters. The appraisal company conducts a comparative analysis. Officials say that if residents agree with the assessment, they will have a month to move out. Those who are unhappy with the amount are advised to go to court," commented Mukhtar Kolbayev, head of the seizure department at the Almaty Land Relations Department.
Recall that in May it became known that 197 land plots in the Kairat microdistrict are planned to be seized for state needs. The decree was signed by Almaty Mayor Darkhan Satybaldy.