East Kazakhstan Transport Department Head Resigns Amid Corruption Probe After Bridge Collapse

Daniyar Uakhitov no longer holds the position of head of the East Kazakhstan Region's Department of Passenger Transport and Highways. He held the position for only six months, Orda.kz reports.

This decision was made as part of efforts to combat corruption risks among civil servants, following instructions from the regional akim, Nurymbet Saktaganov.

 A new head has been appointed to the East Kazakhstan Region Department of Passenger Transport and Highways. The previous head, Daniyar Uakhitov, has resigned. said the press secretary of the East Kazakhstan region akim, Laura Zhakupova.

The suspension was preceded by an investigation initiated after the incident on the Shnaider Bridge. Its findings revealed illegal actions by Uakhitov, although the specifics were not specified.

The authorized bodies will make the final legal assessment.

Information about who has been appointed to the vacant position has not yet been disclosed. The Akimat has also not revealed the reasons for Daniyar Uakhit's resignation.

Daniyar Uakhitov was appointed head of the East Kazakhstan region's passenger transport and highways department on July 1, 2025.

The Shnaider Bridge collapsed this fall, on September 1st. Fortunately, no one was injured. Previously, over a billion tenge had been spent on repairs to the overpass.

A criminal case has been opened regarding the bridge collapse. The investigation is being conducted under Part 2 of Article 278 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan – "Poor-quality construction."

After examining the bridge's structures, it was decided that it would not be restored, but that another one would be built next to it.

Original Author: Elena Medvedeva