A conflict is escalating in Astana over an old five-storey residential building constructed in 1963. According to its residents, the structure has deteriorated so much that it poses a threat to life, yet the authorities are in no hurry to declare the building unsafe.
According to Informburo.kz, the residents are insisting on the demolition of the building and are requesting a re-examination. They claim that the brickwork crumbles at the slightest touch.
"There are big holes there. So a repeat inspection needs to be carried out, starting from the foundation. When it rains, water pours from the fifth floor down to the first, flooding the stairwells and apartments," said resident Yelena Zharkova.
For its part, the city's akimat stated that in 2024, representatives of the city authorities had already met with the residents and offered to carry out major repairs, but were met with refusal.
"The building was built in 1963. Its current condition is extremely poor. According to the inspection, the roof has been declared 60% unsafe, the building itself 70%, and the electrics 55%. The decision on which programme to participate in is made by the residents themselves," said Nurlybai Khamiuly, deputy director of the 'Өrken qala' LLP (operator of the housing and communal services modernisation programme).
It is noted that the demolition of the building is not within the competence of 'Өrken qala' LLP. Nevertheless, the company has carried out a survey and is ready to begin repairs if the majority of owners agree.
Meanwhile, according to the residents themselves, current repairs will not solve the fundamental problems. They insist that the building must be declared unsafe.