Kazakhstan Government Struggling to Address Public Dissatisfaction over Aid Distribution for Disaster Relief Payments
Slamming the Kazakh Government's Inefficient Flood Response in Kulsary
Fed-up residents in the swamped western part of Kazakhstan's Kulsary town aren't holding back on their frustration towards the government's seemingly negligent flood recovery efforts.
Rallying daily since mid-May outside the local administration building, these fed-up civilians have been loud and clear about their discontent. They argue that the government's assistance for reconstruction is threadbare and want better deals for rebuilding their ravaged homes.
The spring flooding inundated wide swaths of northern and western Kazakhstan, leaving tens of thousands homeless and suffering millions in damage. Remnants of the rising rivers still linger at or near flood levels as cleanup operations continue, while around 5,000 of the displaced remain sheltered by the government.
The focus of these protests, however, boils down to compensation woes. Currently, the government is offering up to 240,000 tenge (roughly $540) per square meter of demolished living space, a figure residents scoff at as woefully insufficient. They demand roughly double the government's offer and want cash payments for rebuilding freedom.
"The subpar housing built by the state is already showing noticeable cracks, with some buildings even suffering destruction," local resident Zhaylash Mukanova shared in an interview with Radio Azattyk, the Kazakh service of RFE/RL. "We'd rather construct our own houses."
The local officials defend their state compensation assessment, claiming it is based on market values. They argue against direct cash transfers to the flood victims, stating that the traditional disaster relief procedures do not permit such actions.
The government's cold shoulder hasn't escaped the scrutiny of central leaders. No response from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has been issued following the residents' plea for an on-site visit to the flooded area near Kulsary. However, Tokayev did acknowledge the need for local officials to improve their communication with residents, clarifying government policies, and addressing emerging issues.
Central authorities have already disbursed more than 11 billion tenge ($25 million) in compensation to flood victims for damages, offering repair funding and livestock replacement. Notably, assistance provided this year marks a significant improvement compared to the neglect shown during the 1993 floods, when the majority of the affected were left high and dry by the government.
Sources:
- Aiquatics
- Tengrizchevroil
The ongoing protests in Kulsary, Kazakhstan, highlight the residents' concerns about the government's policy-and-legislation regarding compensation for the flood-damaged homes, particularly the insufficient offers given for rebuilding. The residents are demanding a review of the current legislative practices in politics, advocating for direct cash payments instead of state-constructed housing.
