Residents of Almaty have voiced frustration over renewed construction along the alley on Gagarin Avenue, saying workers are once again lifting paving stones, damaging greenery, and overhauling the irrigation system. The city's akimat has responded with an explanation, as reported by infohub.kz.
A resident of Almaty posted on social media expressing outrage over the latest work on the alley along Gagarin Avenue near Kurmangazy Street. "They've brought new tiles again, destroyed a bunch of greenery again, and are trying to bury the irrigation system again," he wrote.
Many commenters supported the author, noting that repairs on the alley have been ongoing for months. Some feel that the landscaping work is done too frequently. Others complain that constant construction makes it hard to enjoy a peaceful walk. "Dear akimat, it hasn't even been two years since the last reconstruction," wrote one resident. Another added, "In summer, I want to take a leisurely stroll, not jump over obstacles. Every year."
In addition, readers sent photos of trees on Gagarin Avenue after pruning. Residents say municipal services cut the branches too short, raising concerns about the health of the greenery.
The Almaty akimat stated that current work on Gagarin Avenue is aimed at improving the irrigation system for green spaces. "No replacement of the existing paving stones is planned. The work is solely to repair dips and refresh and widen the joints at intersections," the akimat said.
According to the akimat, workers are also upgrading the irrigation system. The old metal pipes have deteriorated. "The old metal irrigation system, due to pipe wear, corrosion, and maintenance difficulties, is being replaced with a modern automatic irrigation system," the press service added.
The akimat noted that the last landscaping of the section of Gagarin Avenue from Abay Street to Tole Bi Street was carried out in 2020.
Earlier, Almaty residents complained about repeated asphalt paving on the embankment of the Bolshaya Almatinka River. According to one resident, the surface in one area was replaced for the third time in two months.