The Akimat of Akmola Region explained the reasons behind the court proceedings concerning a plot of land that ended up inside the boundaries of a specially protected territory — the Burabay State National Nature Park (SNNP).
According to the Telegram channel "Nege.Aqsha", in May and August 2024, the regional prosecutor's office initiated the annulment of several decisions made by local executive and representative bodies.
Specifically, joint decisions by the akimat and maslikhat approving and amending detailed planning projects for certain microdistricts of Shchuchinsk, as well as the master plan combined with the detailed planning project for the village of Burabay, were declared invalid.
Law enforcement agencies paid particular attention to a plot of land measuring 1.0043 hectares, which was leased in 2004 by the Akim of Burabay to the Central Council of the Union of Vehicle Drivers.
A year later, based on a purchase and sale agreement, this territory was bought by the LLP "TRANSSERVICE". However, it later transpired that the plot fell within the boundaries of the Burabay National Park.
This situation led to the court proceedings. As explained by Deputy Akim Murat Balpan, after the annulment of the local government acts and the adjustment of Shchuchinsk's boundaries, it was determined that the disputed territory lies on lands of a specially protected natural area.
"The said land plot is located on lands of a specially protected natural territory under the jurisdiction of the SNNP 'Burabay'," Balpan reported.
Consequently, the Department for Land Resource Management filed a lawsuit to invalidate the lease agreement from 2004 and the purchase and sale agreement from 2005. The court also summoned all individuals who had previously participated in the preparation and approval of these decisions.
"At the same time, the question of the legality or illegality of granting the land plot can only be resolved through court proceedings," the deputy akim concluded.
This dispute is part of a broader conflict. Previously, the Ministry of Agriculture, through the regional Department for Land Resource Management, filed a lawsuit against the alleged brother of former Akim of Akmola Region Yermek Marzhikpayev — Bolat, businesswoman Maira Nurturina, and the land relations department of the Burabay district. The subject of the dispute was the legality of transferring plots within the boundaries of the Burabay National Park.
Back in March 2023, the FBRK editorial team revealed the business empire of the Yermek Marzhikpayev family, following an accidental slip of the tongue he made during an interview on the YouTube channel "Obozhayu". While serving as the Akim of the Akmola Region, he carelessly mentioned his wife's surname — Gulsara Kurmanova. The investigation revealed an extensive network of family businesses: hotels in Borovoye, numerous companies, and the active involvement of brothers and nephews in commercial activities.