Authorities To Tighten Astana Development Rules

Kazakhstan plans to tighten development rules for the capital and create a unified architectural style. Deputy National Economy Minister Bauyrzhan Omarbekov announced this at a joint meeting of the chambers of parliament during discussion of the constitutional law “On the Status of the Capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan,” Orda.kz reports.

According to him, the law on the capital’s status is aimed at strengthening urban development.

The draft law clarifies the powers of the capital’s maslikhat and akimat in architecture, urban planning, road traffic, ecology, tourism and communal property. We are also introducing uniform requirements for the city’s architectural appearance. They will apply to buildings, roads, advertising and external design elements,the deputy minister said.

Omarbekov noted that new buildings and landscaping in Astana should comply with a single city development plan.

To coordinate development issues, we will create an urban planning council. It will review architectural and artistic projects both in the capital and in the suburban area. This will help implement a unified urban planning policy, develop infrastructure and shape the city’s modern image,Omarbekov said.

Deputies also raised the issue of land seizures in Astana. They said that amid active development, residents often have conflicts with the state over compensation and land valuation.

According to deputy akim Yersin Otebayev, the state first publishes information about the seizure of land plots for state needs and then negotiates with the owners.

After the announcement is published, we conduct reconciliation work with the owners for 15 days. Independent valuation companies determine the cost. If the owner of the plot does not agree with the valuation or the terms, the dispute is considered by a court based on a forensic examination,Otebayev said.

The bill also:

• Regulates the development of Astana’s suburban area;
• Strengthens control over the environment and forest park zone;
• Introduces modern traffic management systems;
• Expands the powers of the capital’s akimat and maslikhat;
• Creates a traffic management center to reduce congestion and manage traffic flows.

The constitutional law “On the Status of the Capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan” was adopted in the first reading.

Original author: Alina Elgeldina

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