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Residents in Almaty are voicing strong dissatisfaction with the compensation offered for their homes and land, which are slated for demolition to make way for a new public park. The proposed compensation amounts have sparked protests, with locals arguing they are insufficient to purchase comparable housing in the current market.

Disputed Compensation Offers

The city authorities have proposed compensation of up to 12 million tenge per hundred square meters of land. However, residents deem this amount unfair, claiming it undervalues their properties and fails to account for the existing structures. A total of 34 homes are planned for demolition in the area to create a new park.

Residents argue that the offered sums are significantly lower than the current market value, making it impossible to acquire new housing. They feel that only the land area is being considered, neglecting the value of their homes and the disruption to their lives.

Residents' Demands and Concerns

One resident, Yerkebulan Yedikeev, stated he was offered approximately 45 million tenge. "I don't know what kind of house I can buy for this amount. My children also have concerns; they have their education, friends, and school here. Moving from this place will be a big blow for them," he shared.

Another resident, Musa Zhumagaliyev, whose plot is less than two hundred square meters, was offered 10-12 million tenge for the land, plus a mere 300,000 tenge for the structure. "You can't buy anything for this money in Almaty right now. We can probably only afford a toilet," he expressed frustration.

City Administration's Response

The Almaty city administration stated that compensation amounts are determined by independent appraisers. Agreements have already been reached with eight property owners, and negotiations are ongoing with the remaining residents.

Temirlan Mukhanov, Deputy Head of the Land Relations Department of Almaty, explained, "The price of land in this area starts from approximately 12 million tenge per hundred square meters, determined by independent appraisal companies. The technical characteristics of the real estate are also taken into account when determining the price. If a property owner disagrees with the compensation amount, they can go to court."

Negotiations between residents and city officials are continuing. The residents remain firm, stating they will not vacate their homes until they receive compensation that allows them to purchase equivalent housing. They have also indicated their readiness to pursue legal action.