In Temirtau, a conflict has erupted over a metal tank installed in the courtyard of house No. 3 in the 9th microdistrict. For over 35 years, this combat vehicle has been a local landmark, but after an accident involving a child, the prosecutor's office ordered its removal. However, residents have rallied to defend the symbol of their courtyard, reports infohub.kz.
Outraged residents quickly organized a petition and recorded a video appeal. According to them, the tank has long become part of the neighborhood's history, and a single incident should not be grounds for dismantling. Long-time residents recall that in the late 1980s, an attempt was made to send the vehicle to be melted down. At that time, residents managed to get permission to keep it in the courtyard, and in exchange, they collected and delivered an equivalent amount of scrap metal to the factory. Since then, the tank has been the subject of disputes on several occasions, but each time it was preserved.
After the story gained publicity, a district deputy and representatives of the housing and utilities department arrived at the scene. It turned out that the authorities had not made a separate decision on dismantling—the discussion was prompted by the prosecutor's order. The situation was commented on by the mayor of Temirtau, Sapar Satayev.
"Today I saw that many of you are concerned about the issue related to the tank near house No. 3 in the 9th microdistrict. I understand your worries, so I want to personally clarify. As of today, the question of dismantling the tank is not on the agenda. No decisions have been made or are planned regarding its removal. At the same time, the surrounding area indeed needs improvement. If the necessary funding is available, we will consider the possibility of comprehensive improvement of this area in 2027. Until then, I have instructed to ensure proper maintenance of the territory and take necessary measures for the safety of residents," Satayev said.
After the intervention of the local administration, the legendary tank will remain in place. The discussion has shifted from the issue of dismantling to how to make the area safer without depriving the neighborhood of one of its most recognizable symbols.