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Residents in the Zhetysu region of Kazakhstan are raising urgent concerns about the state of their homes، with many buildings reportedly falling into disrepair. The situation highlights the challenges faced by inhabitants of older structures، some dating back to the 1930s.

Deteriorating Living Conditions

In the village of Saryozek، located in the Kerbulak district، dozens of apartment buildings are in a critical state. Originally constructed in the 1930s to house workers for the Turkءسىب railway، these homes were once considered prestigious. Today، however، they are visibly crumbling، posing safety risks to hundreds of residents.

Residents report widespread issues، including leaking roofs، damaged water pipes، and non-functional sewage systems. Gulbadan Bekturowa، a resident who purchased an apartment five years ago، described the constant struggle to maintain her home. "Our house was previously recognized as dilapidated. The roof leaks، we are constantly repairing it. Everything is falling apart،" she stated. "Water flows from the ceiling، we carry drinking water، and the toilet is outside. We are on the housing waiting list، but the promises have not yet been fulfilled."

Another resident، Dariga Alimbaeva، a pensioner، expressed her frustration with the lack of basic amenities and the uncertainty surrounding relocation. "We have no sewage، and no proper roof over our heads. We are constantly patching holes،" she said. "Although they promised to demolish the houses، no one has given a specific timeline. Moreover، they only offer rental housing. How can I، a pensioner، afford these expenses؟ Besides rent، I also have to pay utility bills."

Addressing the Housing Crisis

The history of Saryozek village is closely tied to the Turkءسىب railway، with these buildings erected for its laborers. The once-elite neighborhood now presents a somber picture، with two-story buildings leaning precariously، empty window frames، and peeling plaster.

According to the district's housing and communal services department، a comprehensive technical assessment was conducted over the past two years. This evaluation confirmed the status of many structures، identifying 248 apartments that require mandatory relocation.

Last year، 60 families received keys to new rental apartments. An additional 60 units are ready for distribution under the "Otbasy Bank" program. "Construction of the next apartment building has begun،" announced Aigul Mustekbaeva، deputy head of the department.

Data indicates that under the region's renovation program، 390 apartments have been purchased over three years for 4.2 billion tenge. There are still 342 apartments classified as emergency housing requiring attention.