Information has been received by the FBKK editorial office regarding systematic violations in the Shubar microdistrict of Astana. The owners of the Urbo car wash, located at 58A Kosmonavtov Street, have illegally expanded the parking area onto public land, thereby destroying green spaces and creating a safety hazard for local residents.
According to documents and photographic evidence received, the area near the car wash has changed dramatically over the past two years. The pavement has disappeared, which was previously used for the safe movement of pedestrians. In its place, an informal car park has appeared, where vehicles regularly drive onto the pedestrian crossing.
Of particular concern is the destruction of green spaces. According to available data, at least five mature trees have been cut down, which provided shade in the summer and served as natural noise insulation for residents. It is noted that one of the trees, which was still alive in the spring of this year, died after its root system was completely covered in asphalt.
The situation with the gas pipeline raises serious concerns. According to the project documentation, the pipe should run along the boundary of the plot, but after the parking expansion, it is now located in the middle of the car park. Vehicles manoeuvre directly beneath the gas pipe, creating a risk of damage to the utilities. With the onset of cold weather and the traditional increase in customers for tyre fitting, these risks increase manifold.
Notably, a whole network of Ministry of Internal Affairs CCTV cameras has been installed on the corner of the intersection. However, constant monitoring by law enforcement agencies has not affected the situation.
From official correspondence with state bodies, it appears the problem is known to the authorities. Astana's Department for Land Resource Management (DULRM) conducted an unscheduled inspection. Based on its findings, violations of land legislation were identified, an order to rectify the violations was issued, and a protocol on an administrative offence was drawn up.
The Police Department of the Yesil District also responded to citizens' appeals. The responsible person was brought to administrative responsibility under Article 386 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan for violating the rules for maintaining green spaces.
However, almost five months after the orders were issued, the situation remains unchanged. The pavement has not been restored, no compensatory tree planting has been carried out, and the car park under the gas pipeline continues to operate.
The Emergency Situations Department of the Yesil District was unable to conduct an inspection due to a lack of data on the owner of the property. According to information from the branch of the NJSC 'State Corporation 'Government for Citizens', ownership rights for 58A Kosmonavtov Street are not registered.
The Astana production branch of JSC 'QazaqGaz Aimaq' stated in its response that it is not the customer for the gasification works in the area. According to building regulations, the height from ground level to the bottom of the gas pipeline in areas of pedestrian passage must be at least 2.2 metres, and in places where it intersects with roads, at least 5 metres. The branch recommended contacting the project client, the Department of Energy of Astana.
The Department of Digitalisation and Public Services of the City confirmed that the installed cameras belong to the official video surveillance system and are intended to ensure public safety. At the same time, the department noted that 'facts of unauthorised installation or illegal connection of equipment are not confirmed'.
Residents of the microdistrict are demanding concrete action: restoration of the pavement, provision of a safe pedestrian crossing with dividers and lighting, planting of trees to replace those destroyed, and the installation of physical barriers to prevent vehicles driving under the gas pipe.
The FBKK editorial office asks the Akim of Astana, Zhenis Kassymbek, to pay attention to this issue and take personal control of the situation. Must we wait for a tragedy before already-issued orders are enforced and the safety of citizens is ensured?