In the North Kazakhstan Region, a scandal is brewing over new homes built under a state programme for socially vulnerable categories of the population.
According to KTK, in the village of Presnovka — the administrative centre of the Zhambyl District — orphans, large families, and families raising children with disabilities were moved into housing built a year ago. However, according to the new residents, living in these homes has proved almost impossible.
Residents report that the buildings are freezing through completely: walls are cracking, wind blows through the joints, and windows and doors are covered in ice. In some cases, the front doors are completely frozen shut, meaning people cannot leave their homes.
"I couldn't take my daughter to school — the door simply wouldn't open. Everything is covered in ice: doors, windows, walls. The windows aren't foamed, and ice comes right inside. I kept the stove burning until five in the morning, but it doesn't help," one female resident said.
In total, 105 houses were built in Presnovka for those on the waiting list, and 85 families have been moved in so far. Despite years of waiting for a new home, the joy of receiving the housing has turned to disappointment.
According to the residents, even in relatively warm weather the houses are cold, and during frosts snow has to be swept up right inside the rooms — it accumulates along the skirting boards and walls.
Local executive authorities do not deny the problem. Officials acknowledge the existence of construction defects and assure residents that the houses are under warranty for another two years. According to them, the contractor is obliged to fix all identified issues.
"Construction was carried out in a tight timeframe because funding was allocated at the end of the year. Work took place during the winter period, so the houses are now settling. We are accepting all residents' complaints and working with the contractor to address the defects. It just needs to be understood that not everything happens quickly, but teams are working," said the Deputy Akim of the Zhambyl District, Ruslan Ayupov.
To speed up the process, the akimat has already filed a lawsuit against the contractor. Meanwhile, residents continue to live in extremely cold conditions, fearing serious consequences for their health and safety.