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The ambitious renovation of Almaty's Grand Canal embankment is facing significant delays and a barrage of criticism over quality concerns. Originally slated for completion in May, the project remains unfinished, prompting city officials to take legal action against the contractor.

Work Progress and Identified Flaws

While approximately 90% of the construction and installation work is reportedly complete, a recent inspection revealed numerous defects. Journalists observed unrepaired asphalt, missing railings on staircases, a mix of old and new structures, sunken manholes on newly paved roads, and a lack of accessible ramps. Heavy machinery is still present in some areas, pedestrian pathways are incomplete, and while fences and seedlings are being installed, the overall execution appears rushed and unrefined. Several bridges and landscaping sections show poor craftsmanship, with some staircases leading to dead ends and inconsistent ramp accessibility.

Resident Dissatisfaction

Local residents have expressed disappointment with the quality of the work, having anticipated a modern, well-designed public space with natural materials, children's play areas, and meticulous landscaping. However, the city administration maintains that all materials and solutions adhere to the approved project documentation and have passed state expert review. The contracting company, 'Pavlodar River Port' JSC, declined to comment, citing the Almaty Department of Ecology as the client.

Connectivity Issues on Embankment

The section of the embankment extending uphill from Al-Farabi Avenue appears more visually complete, with asphalt laid, railings installed, and benches placed. Despite the construction of new bridges, residents complain about the lack of pedestrian crossings between the banks. The new bridges are positioned near the old ones, failing to bridge the approximately 1.2-kilometer gap between them. The city administration stated that additional pedestrian crossings were not included in the original project plan.

Contractor's Track Record

'Pavlodar River Port' JSC, the company responsible for the Grand Canal's reconstruction, has secured several large state contracts in Almaty exceeding 67 billion tenge. Past projects involving the company, including the landscaping of Sairan Reservoir, have also been marred by missed deadlines, legal disputes, and quality complaints. Work on the Grand Canal embankment is ongoing, but significant rectifications are still required.

This information was reported by Infohub.kz.