(12 January 2026 | Source: courts press service)
The proceedings regarding the accident at the sewerage networks in the Abay region ended with a formal dismissal of the claim, but revealed a more serious problem. It emerged that a residential building had been constructed directly over engineering communications of strategic importance, creating a threat to residents and urban infrastructure.
HOW THE DISPUTE AROSE
State Communal Enterprise "Semey Vodokanal" took the matter to court after an accident on the networks of an apartment building. A sewerage backup led to flooding of facilities. The company demanded access to the networks and the dismantling of structures located within the sewer collector zone.
While the process was ongoing, the accident was resolved. Since the dispute over the right essentially disappeared, the court refused to satisfy the claim.
WHAT THE COURT ESTABLISHED
Despite the dismissal of the claim, the court highlighted serious violations. Water supply and sewerage networks of strategic importance to the city were found to be blocked by a residential building.
According to the court's assessment, such development creates a risk to human health and could lead to severe sanitary consequences for the entire city.
DESIGN AND SUPERVISION ERRORS
The court established that the violations began as early as the design stage. The documentation contained inaccurate distances between the pipelines and the development objects.
Design and expert organisations did not verify the actual location of the networks and approved the construction based on erroneous data. Supervision of the work was also perfunctory in nature.
THE ROLE OF THE DEVELOPER AND AUTHORISED BODIES
The developer, despite the obvious discrepancy between the project and the actual location of the engineering networks, continued and completed the construction. The court stated that this jeopardised not only future residents but also the operation of the city's water supply and drainage systems.
When the building was commissioned, the authorised bodies also failed to respond to the violations discovered.
THE COURT'S RESPONSE
The court concluded that the actions of the design organisations, the developer, and officials may contain indications of criminally punishable acts.
The materials have been sent to the prosecutor of the Abay region for a legal assessment and to decide on holding those involved accountable, including the possible revocation of licences and permits.