Concerns Over Almaty Hippodrome: Bazarbek Targets Otbasy Bank and Developers Over Illegal Construction

Otbasу Bank may soon find itself at the center of a major scandal. Speaking from the parliament rostrum, Majilis deputy Bakytzhan Bazarbek claimed that the construction chaos in Almaty and Astana is being enabled not only by developers, but also by the very officials who were supposed to oversee them, Orda.kz reports.

Bazarbek warned that Almaty risks repeating Shymkent’s fate and losing its hippodrome — one of the city’s largest recreational areas. He said there are growing concerns that the land could once again be opened up for development, similar to what happened in the south, where the Shymkent hippodrome was effectively privatized and built over with luxury residential complexes. 

The court sided with the developer, and we lost the Shymkent hippodrome. Will the same happen in Almaty? Will the Almaty hippodrome end up in the hands of developers, leaving residents without both the historic equestrian complex and yet another major public recreation area? the deputy said.

Bazarbek went on to say that he personally visited several residential complexes that are legally subject to demolition, yet construction continues. He cited the Switzerland complex in Almaty, where 150 equity holders were affected.

According to him, the buildings were erected on land designated for gardening, without any proper permits. Despite a court order mandating demolition, Otbasу Bank allegedly continued issuing mortgages for apartments in the complex.

Why is only the developer under investigation? Why is no one touching the officials at Otbasу Bank? Who is protecting them? he said, adding that more than 50 citizens lost money as a result of the bank’s decisions.

He claimed that similar issues exist at another two dozen sites: court rulings ordering demolition exist, but are not enforced. In some cases, property owners block state inspectors and bailiffs; in others, he said, officials themselves appear to obstruct demolition.

In Astana, the deputy criticized the city administration for inaction around the Taldykol lakes. He argued that authorities are ignoring the roadmap signed with eco-activists and failing to establish water-protection zones — leaving the lakes vulnerable to development.

Bazarbek added that plots near the lakes have already been allocated to several construction companies.

The deputy demanded that the Prosecutor General’s Office question Otbasу Bank employees and Almaty officials involved in issuing documents and loans for the Switzerland complex, and ensure the actual demolition of all sites that courts have ordered to be dismantled.

Regarding Taldykol, he called for the immediate establishment of water-protection zones and a review of any development permits.

Bazarbek warned that if state agencies ignore these demands, he will initiate the creation of a special commission and “personally expose the construction lawlessness in Astana.”

Original Author: Artyom Volkov