"Anxiety over potential loss of possessions or resources"
In the heart of Almaty, Kazakhstan, a controversial street extension project has been causing unrest among the residents of the Ojet microdistrict. The project, which aims to extend Street Tlendieve from Ryskulov to the city border, is part of Almaty's general plan until 2040. However, the construction timeline remains uncertain.
The extension, spanning over 10 kilometers, is set to seize more than 500 land plots in the Ojet microdistrict, including homes and properties that have been in the hands of generations of families. The proposed solution to connect the planned routes without demolishing residential areas has been met with resistance, with an akimat representative deeming it impractical.
Residents, determined to defend their rights, have been protesting against the street extension for the past two years. Raushan Nusupova, a resident, shared her concerns, stating that residents receive notifications to vacate their homes and face long lines at the CES for document issues.
The project, if implemented, will also impact three rivers within the Ojet microdistrict: Terenkara, Malaya Almatinka, and Ashybulaq. Each river has a sanitary zone that cannot be located where the extension is planned. Moving the sanitary zones east would lead to more land seizures, according to Almaty City Mobility Management Department Chief Specialist Kaiarat Anarbayev. This could potentially cause environmental concerns, as the rivers and their ecosystems may be disrupted.
Residents have proposed an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution to address these issues, but their voices have yet to be heard. Most residents are not willing to leave their homes and community, and the street extension project is still ongoing, with no final decision made.
As the situation unfolds, the future of the Ojet microdistrict and its residents hangs in the balance. The community's fight for their homes and livelihoods continues, as they strive to protect their rights and preserve their beloved neighbourhood.
- The controversy surrounding the street extension project in Almaty, Kazakhstan, extends beyond urban planning to various aspects of health and wellness, as residents fear the potential impact on their mental health due to displacement.
- The proposed street extension, nested in the city's policy and legislation, could mark a significant turning point in workplace-wellness, forcing many residents to seek new jobs due to the disruption caused by the project.
- The folding of fitness and exercise routines could become a concern, as residents' access to parks and green spaces along the rivers might be compromised by the street extension project.
- In the realm of general news, it remains unclear how the ongoing street extension project will intersect with crime and justice, particularly with regards to potential conflicts that may arise between construction workers and the resistant residents.
- As the saga of the street extension project unfolds, the political sphere will likely take notice, with critical eyes watching the city administration's approach to addressing residents' concerns and the potential long-term ramifications for science, technology, and the overall growth of the city.
