Locals voice concerns over unauthorized expansions to their households
In the heart of Almaty, Kazakhstan, a contentious issue has arisen surrounding the construction of commercial and office spaces near a residential complex. This development, which took place after the initial construction of the apartments in 2012, has resulted in a series of concerns for the residents.
The windows of apartments on the first and second floors now face the walls of these commercial and office spaces, a change that was not part of the original plan when the apartments were purchased. This alteration has led to a number of issues, including a lack of natural light and privacy for the residents.
Moreover, the residents are now responsible for the common expenses due to the construction of these commercial and office spaces. The problem is said to lie with the first developer who did not complete the construction and was convicted.
Over the years, 26 commercial and office spaces have been constructed near the residential complex, including cafes, stores, and offices. However, it appears that the land for these commercial spaces does not belong to their owners, and they have not received a certificate of occupancy.
Residents have also reported environmental and health issues caused by the commercial spaces, such as sewage and waste products from a cafe ending up in the common property, causing an unbearable smell. Despite these complaints, local authorities have not been explicitly specified as being aware of these issues.
Marina Vorontsova, a lawyer, stated that there is no building permit for the commercial and office spaces near the residential complex. A separate JSC "Kypchak Adilet" has been created and is undergoing registration in the justice authorities based on the documentation of the initial buyer who owns these commercial premises.
Erik Kanafin, head of the city's Department of Urban Environment Control and Quality, confirmed that a housing cooperative (JSC) for commercial premises has been formed, consisting of 26 people. However, it remains unclear who the rightful owners of these commercial spaces are.
Residents claim that they were not consulted or provided with documents regarding the construction of these additions. The accumulation of snow under the windows due to the additions results in flooding in the spring. Recently, the floors have been covered in ice, and there have been disruptions in heating.
The capital's akimat (city administration) is aware of the communal issue regarding the legality of the catering establishments due to the lack of documents. Further information can be found in a report by Almaty.tv correspondent. The residents are urged to be patient, as all documents for the commissioning of commercial premises to their owners will be ready soon.
Kazakhstan's strict crackdowns on various illegal economic activities, such as the ongoing ban on vape products, demonstrate strong enforcement willingness on illicit commercial activities. The government also enforces laws on illegal asset acquisition and property, suggesting legal mechanisms exist to address unlawful property use or acquisition, potentially including illegal commercial conversions.
In Kazakhstan's case, relevant local municipal bodies, urban planning departments, and law enforcement agencies would be responsible for identifying illegal commercial operations, enforcing demolition or closure orders, managing communal cost allocations fairly, and addressing legal disputes concerning property damage. However, specific ongoing actions or named responsible parties for Almaty residential complexes are not detailed in the results.
If you seek more precise or recent details, contacting Almaty city administration or local housing authorities could provide direct information on enforcement measures and dispute resolutions related to these illegal commercial spaces.
- The ongoing issues in Almaty, Kazakhstan, surrounding the unauthorized construction of commercial and office spaces near a residential complex, have sparked discussions in the realm of politics and policy-and-legislation, as residents demand clarification on ownership and fair communal cost allocation.
- Local residents have reported a series of concerns, including a lack of natural light, privacy, and environmental and health issues due to the nearby commercial spaces, which have not been addressed by the relevant authorities, leading to general-news coverage and public outcry.
- The illegal construction of commercial and office spaces near residential complexes has led to a dip in confidence in the system of crime-and-justice, as concerned parties, such as Marina Vorontsova, lawyer, and Erik Kanafin, head of the city's Department of Urban Environment Control and Quality, have confirmed the absence of building permits and the formation of a housing cooperative (JSC) of 26 individuals, yet it remains unclear who the rightful owners are.
