The future of "Sputnik": In Yangikhayot district, officials announced when demolitions and relocations of residents from wooden houses will begin.

Uzbekistan, Tashkent – AN Podrobno.uz. Today, a press conference was held at the Yangihayot District Administration regarding the future development of the area. District Head Hayot Inogamov outlined key projects planned for the next five years and addressed questions from journalists. The most pressing issue discussed was the fate of the residents of the Yuldosh neighborhood (Sputnik). A Podrobno.uz correspondent investigated when demolition and mass relocation will begin, how negotiations will be handled in cases of residents' firm refusal to leave their homes that they have lived in for decades, and what the future holds for the green spaces that the neighborhood is known for.

https://podrobno.uz/cat/obchestvo/budushchee-sputnika-v-yangikhayetskom-khokimiyate-rasskazali-kogda-nachnutsya-snosy-i-pereselenie-zh/2024-11-29 08:13:28

When is the housewarming?

Earlier, we reported that the residents of "Sputnik" are planned to be relocated to a new neighborhood nearby as part of the launched renovation project. Construction of a residential complex with over 13 thousand apartments began just 1.5 kilometers from the area a few days ago.

According to Khayot Inogamov, the complex is expected to accommodate all residents of the area. He noted that more than 21 thousand people currently live in 409 two-story wooden houses. Relocation to the new apartments will occur as construction of the buildings is completed. The full completion of the complex is scheduled for 2027.

"First, we will build, then relocate, and start demolition. No one will be evicted right now," emphasized the district's hokim.

In response to a question about the conditions of relocation, Bahrom Shakirov, the head of the "Tashkent Invest" company present at the press conference, reiterated that the relocated residents will be provided with equivalent housing.

"Additionally, by law, they have the right to an extra 20% of living space compared to what they currently have. The apartments will be handed over fully finished, meaning with repairs," he answered to a question from the Podrobno.uz correspondent.

Legal basis

At the press conference, the hokim confirmed that the residents of "Sputnik" have not yet been notified about the ongoing renovation. Public discussions and property assessments are still to be conducted. He assured that no one will be forcibly evicted, but the authorities will strive to negotiate with people in accordance with the law.

When asked about the legal basis for the renovation project, Inogamov reminded that discussions about demolitions and relocations are not currently taking place, and as long as the new housing is being constructed, there is time to finalize the relevant legislation.

"If not today, then tomorrow these houses will fall into disrepair. An assessment has not yet been conducted, but we see the situation. They are almost 60 years old, the wood is rotting. All of this is done for the better living conditions of the people. There are no other goals," said Inogamov in a conversation with the Podrobno.uz correspondent.

Who is footing the bill?

The highlight of the event was the question regarding the funding of the relocation of the Sputnik residents. The new apartments for the residents of the "wooden houses" will be provided free of charge. The land freed up after the demolition of the 409 houses will be handed over to the state. According to the hokim, it will not be transferred to entrepreneurs. So where will the funds for construction come from?

The speakers announced that the expenses will be covered by the investor – the company GC-Group Industries. The cost of the project is 1.5 trillion sums.

"This is a social project. It is not for profit. The investor has other projects for that," stated Bahrom Shakirov, head of the "Tashkent Invest" company.

Furthermore, the complex will not only be intended for the residents of the area; other citizens will also be able to purchase housing there.

What will happen to the trees?

The "Sputnik" area is famous for its green spaces. It is home to 60-year-old linden, plane, oak, and other valuable tree species. Therefore, the renovation project raises concerns among residents regarding the preservation of these plantings. The hokimiyat has decided that after the demolition of the "wooden houses," a central park of Yangihayot will be established in that location, covering an area of 72 hectares.

"The project is already being developed. It is expected to be ready by May 2025. Then we will present it to the public," said hokim Khayot Inogamov at the press conference.

According to him, the district and city ecology departments will calculate how many trees grow in this area, how many are diseased and need to be cut down. Work in this direction will begin in the coming weeks.

"We also plan to rejuvenate some trees, but no healthy tree will be harmed. We are aware of cases of deliberate drying out of plantings. However, as we have already stated, we will not give this land to entrepreneurs, and others do not need it," he said.

At the same time, when asked about the park's profitability, Inogamov noted that the authorities still plan to place some trade and service facilities there.

"However, there will be no capital construction on this territory," he assured.

Recall that Podrobno.uz correspondents spoke with the residents of the "Sputnik" area to find out their thoughts on the upcoming mass demolition and relocation.