Footage has appeared on social media showing workers laying slabs over a section of the irrigation ditch system on Satpaev Street in Almaty. Users questioned why the work was being done, the website infohub.kz reports.
The photos and videos were posted on Threads. The author of the post asked directly: "Explain to me why they are doing this?" The footage shows specialists installing slabs on top of the ditch.
The city's Department for the Development of Public Spaces commented on the situation. It explained that a comprehensive improvement project based on a "facade-to-facade" principle is currently under way on Satpaev Street between Baizakov Street and Luganskogo Street. The project provides for wider pedestrian zones, cycling infrastructure, landscaping and upgraded outdoor lighting.
"On the southern side of Satpaev Street, near the intersection with Musrepov Street, owing to constrained conditions, the existing irrigation ditch system will be partially covered with special slabs for approximately 5-7 meters to ensure safe and continuous movement for cyclists," the department said.
The department noted that this solution makes it possible to organize a bike lane without significantly reducing the adjacent green area.
"After this section, the bike lane continues again across the area envisaged by the project. The irrigation ditch system is preserved, and its function of draining surface water remains unchanged. The covering is purely local in nature and allows for further maintenance of the drainage channels," the department added.
The department stressed that the work is being carried out in line with approved project designs. Its goal is to ensure safe and comfortable movement for pedestrians and cyclists while preserving the existing drainage system.