Resettlement of old house dwellers planned for Almaty?

Making Way for Modernity: The Consent-Driven Demolition of Old Homes in Almaty

Say goodbye to outdated homes in Almaty only when their residents wholeheartedly agree! That's the word from Askar Bilisbekov, chairman of AO "SPK Almaty", following a presentation of the city’s housing renovation program for 2021-2025, reported by "Kazinform".

Approximately 1427 antiquated two-story houses, erected between 1930 and 1975, line the streets of Almaty, with the Turkestan district boasting 607 of them. The primary challenges these structures face are seismic and fire hazards as well as inadequate engineering infrastructure.

Bilisbekov noted, "Most of these homes are a hodgepodge of frames and straw bales, with a smaller section of brick, primarily in the city center. We've sorted them into two phases: what can realistically be tackled now and what's feasible in the future." Realistically speaking, 708 old homes can be swapped out right away. Private investments will sponsor the replacement of 458 homes, with work currently underway in 280 of them. Budget loans will also facilitate the replacement of 250 homes.

Future plans call for the replacement of 719 homes. Private investments will again sponsor the replacement of 458 homes, and budget loans will sponsor the replacement of 261 homes. Bilisbekov emphasized that these old homes will only be bulldozed if every single resident agrees to the move.

"If, for instance, out of ten occupants of a dated dwelling, nine agree but one refuses, there'll be no demolition. Take my word for it—no demolitions will occur without the enthusiastic support of each and every resident," adds Bilisbekov.

As per the renovation program, homeowners will be given temporary or permanent apartments as substitutes. Residents can return to their original neighborhood once the construction of new homes is complete on the site of the old ones.

Homeowners will relocate into identical new apartments on a 'room-for-room' basis, based on the technical blueprints of their apartments, regardless of the number of inhabitants. Homeowners may also increase their living space for an additional fee.

Although the specific process for obtaining consent for demolishing homes in Almaty isn't explicitly detailed, a hypothetical process might include:

Notice: Residents of the affected area should be formally notified about the demolition and renovation plans, including details of the proposed changes, timelines, and any compensation or relocation options.
Engagement: Engage with local residents and stakeholders through public meetings or surveys to gather feedback and address concerns.
Legal Framework: Ensure that the demolition process adheres to local laws and regulations concerning urban development and property rights.
Compensation and Relocation: Offer clear information about compensation for those whose homes are marked for demolition. This might include financial compensation or alternative housing arrangements.
Gaining Consent: While consent isn't always a legal requirement, it's crucial for maintaining public trust. Work with residents to build consensus through open communication about the benefits of the renovation program.
Documentation: Maintain records of all interactions and agreements made with residents to address potential disputes or legal challenges.

For specific details about Almaty's consent process, consult local government resources or legal documents related to the housing fund renovation program.

In Almaty, the demolition of old homes happens only with the explicit consent of each resident. This is part of the city's housing renovation program for 2021-2025, as announced by Askar Bilisbekov. A total of 250 homes will be replaced via budget loans, but demolition will not occur unless every resident involved agrees to the move.

The process for obtaining consent in Almaty may involve formal notification, engagement with residents and stakeholders, adherence to local laws and regulations, provision of compensation or alternative housing, and building consensus through open communication.

Residents in Almaty are assured temporary or permanent apartments as substitutes during the demolition and construction process. Upon completion, they will have the option to return to their original neighborhood in identical new apartments, with the possibility of increasing their living space for an additional fee.

For concrete details about the consent process in Almaty specifically, it's advisable to consult local government resources or legal documents related to the housing fund renovation program.