Over 1600 flood-hit houses to be demolished in Petropavlovsk
Following the floods, 1,696 houses have been identified as emergency housing in Petropavlovsk. The demolition process is now underway in the affected areas, Kazinform News Agency reports.
The majority of the houses scheduled for demolition are located in Podgora microdistrict. In some instances, the houses have already been dismantled and removed, while in others, they remain in piles of construction debris.
In 2020, Podgora microdistrict has been restored. The area's historical character was preserved through the restoration of traditional architectural styles, including old-style houses and distinctive squares. These elements served to evoke the city's rich history, tracing its origins back to its earliest settlements. Podgora microdistrict holds a special significance as the birthplace of Petropavlovsk, where the city's growth and development originated. Visitors to the city could immerse themselves in its historical past through these architectural landmarks. However, the recent floods have caused extensive damage to the area, resulting in the destruction of these historical structures.
The city mayor’s press service has from now on banned all construction works in this neighborhood. In lieu of demolished houses, trees and shrubs will be planted.
As of today, more than 540 houses have been demolished. Emergency response teams from across the region, including Petropavlovsk, are on the ground and working to resolve the situation. In total, more than 800 units of equipment are involved. At the demolition sites, construction is prohibited, and the issue of landscaping is being worked out," the press service’s spokeswoman, Asem Aitulova, said.
In a previous statement, the city akim, Serik Mukhamediev, indicated that 1,696 houses in Petropavlovsk had been labeled as emergency housing. 757 houses more are scheduled for repair.
Those whose properties have been destroyed by water are being relocated to specially constructed dwellings in a newly established microdistrict or to apartments purchased with the assistance of sponsor funds.
