Alterations in Almaty: Number of Homes and Characteristic Districts marking Demolition
In the heart of Kazakhstan, the city of Almaty is undergoing a significant transformation, with a housing renovation program aimed at replacing dilapidated houses with modern apartments. The program, which runs until 2030, has made substantial progress, having relocated over 220 residents into new apartments by mid-2025 [1].
The program, overseen by the Almaty Akimat Capital Construction Enterprise and private investors, targets dilapidated housing across the city, with specific demolition sites not yet detailed in official reports [1]. The focus is on two-story frame-and-brick houses built in the late 1950s and privatised in the 1990s, of which there are 1427 in Almaty, primarily located in the Turkestan and Zhetysu districts [1].
The resettlement process involves issuing new apartment keys to residents from old, unsafe houses. This coordinated effort between municipal authorities and investors is ongoing, with residents being moved into new homes on a 'room for room' basis [1].
While official reports emphasise the government's provision of modern housing, they do not mention community feedback or challenges faced during relocation [1]. However, recent interviews with residents offer a glimpse into their thoughts and feelings about the program.
Some residents, like Gulzhahan-apai, are open to demolition if provided with an apartment in the same or neighbouring building. Others, such as Amantay and Tatyana Sevośćyanova, prefer major repairs over demolition, citing concerns about leaving their long-time homes and communities [2].
Amantay, a builder, expresses apprehension about moving into high-rise buildings due to fears of corners being cut and poor-quality materials. Ulut Shalgibaeva, who lives in a 1949-built two-story house, also prefers to stay put [2].
On the other hand, Sergei is happy about the renovation program and was promised a large park and relocation to a new, comfortable house near it by the akimat's employees [2].
The program plans to demolish 708 dilapidated houses (or 6,637 apartments) and construct 683 new residential buildings (34,605 apartments) in their place [3]. The planned demolition sites include various streets and microrayons in the Auezov, Turkestan, Zhetysu, Medau, Almalinsky, Bostandyk, and Nauryzbai districts [3].
As the renovation program continues, it will be interesting to see how the city of Almaty evolves and how residents adapt to their new living environments.
Sources: [1] Almaty Akimat, Housing Renovation Program Report (2021-2025), July 2025 [2] Interviews with Almaty residents, July 2025 [3] Almaty Akimat, Housing Renovation Program Master Plan (2021-2030), February 2021
Investors and the Almaty Akimat Capital Construction Enterprise are collaborating to finance the demolition of dilapidated houses in Almaty, focusing on two-story frame-and-brick houses, with the aim of constructing modern apartments in their place. The housing renovation program is expected to construct 683 new residential buildings, providing 34,605 apartments by 2030.
By relocating residents on a 'room for room' basis, the program is not only investing in real-estate but also in the city's future by offering modern apartments to those living in old, unsafe houses.
