Atyrau's Bold Plan to Replace 3,000 Apartments in Two Years
New High-Rises to Replace Over 200 Dilapidated Two-Story Buildings in Atyrau
Under a housing renovation program adopted in 2023, city authorities in Atyrau plan to relocate residents from more than 3,000 apartments in unsafe housing within two years. However, due to a lack of funding, progress has fallen significantly behind the original schedule.
Since the program's launch, only 154 apartments across 12 multi-unit buildings have been vacated for renovation.
According to Tilek Makhuov, deputy akim (mayor) of Atyrau, the renovation projects are financed through the local budget and other sources, with additional support from private investors.
"The housing renovation program involves demolishing old buildings and constructing new residential complexes in their place, carried out by private investor companies," Makhuov explained. "All activities are conducted under bilateral agreements between property owners and private developers."
He noted that the new housing developments would not only provide residents with modern, comfortable homes but also enhance the architectural appeal of the regional capital and create opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses.
Currently, the akimat (city administration) is in negotiations with potential investors to address the relocation of residents from emergency and dilapidated buildings. While it remains unclear how many structures will be demolished by the end of this year, a list of 93 residential properties has already been finalized.
From the outset, the renovation program included a shared responsibility mechanism: the akimat oversees the demolition of old buildings and prepares the sites, while developers compensate for the public funds invested by allocating apartments in new constructions to those on the housing waitlist.
To accelerate the process, Serik Shapkenov, akim of Atyrau Region, has instructed officials to develop a special mechanism involving tripartite agreements among the akimat, residents, and construction companies. These agreements will include provisions for temporary housing during construction.
"Modern residential complexes with well-designed architecture, landscaped areas, and essential social infrastructure must replace the old buildings," Shapkenov emphasized during a meeting. "We must avoid overcrowded developments and the emergence of so-called 'human anthills.'"
City authorities have assured that each building and its surrounding area will be evaluated individually, taking into account the opinions and preferences of residents. Forced demolitions are ruled out—renovation will proceed only with the unanimous consent of all property owners.
As part of the program, utility networks will be upgraded, public spaces will be improved and landscaped, and—critically—historical landmarks will be preserved.
