“Under the pressure of concrete”: residents of a Tashkent neighborhood complained about ongoing construction and demanded a response from the authorities

In Tashkent, there are still cases of chaotic construction being built against the wishes of local residents. This was reported to NOVA24 by residents of the Hamida Suleimanova mahalla on Minglar Street in the Yakkasaray district of the capital.

The tension due to the construction of the private sector in the microdistrict has been escalating for several years. Local residents say the first changes began during the pandemic, when quarantine restrictions were in effect in the city. According to them, it was then that the builders began digging a pit, erecting new facilities, and adding floors.

The area, which had remained green and open for decades, has quickly turned into a construction site: hotels have grown around, residents are breathing dust, trees are drying up, garbage is piled up everywhere, new buildings are shielding the sun, and the windows of multi-story buildings are peering into the windows of the residents.

Most of the projects were initially presented as small two-story eco-hotels or neat buildings that were supposed to “fit into the atmosphere” of the mahalla. In practice, the number of floors was increasing: instead of the promised two, four, five, and sometimes even six floors appeared, — local residents shared their suffering.

This problem is particularly acute at the Minglar Street facility, building 22-24. According to city residents, the fence on this section had to be removed earlier due to regular traffic accidents.

According to the residents, the real building is different from the sketch project. It is completely glazed, with a different appearance and meter. Residents note that such cases in the neighborhood are not isolated: many buildings have changed their floors not by document, but actually, which causes concern. The residents also demand a temporary ban on sales and insist that the developer first demolish the two upper floors.

Proposed project on Minglar Street, building No. 22-24.

Local residents cite the loss of green spaces as an equally serious problem. Many houses in the neighborhood traditionally had gardens, the shade of which cooled the streets and provided natural ventilation. Now the tall walls are blocking the sun, the trees are gradually withering, and the air has become heavy and dusty.

Communal networks are also experiencing serious strain. Water supply has become unstable, pressure drops during peak hours, and electricity is often cut off for whole days. During interruptions, we hear the rumble of the gasoline generator, from the hotel, where the units can work for hours and don’t let the children sleep, — the residents said.

City residents emphasize that the infrastructure was designed for a small number of families, not for apartment buildings and commercial facilities.

The neighborhood’s narrow streets no longer withstood the traffic flow. Freight trucks with construction materials, taxis, and hotel customers visit the district daily. Residents share that traffic has become dangerous and unpredictable, accidents are now common, parking lots intended for homeowners are occupied by vehicles related to construction or commercial facilities, and residents have become difficult not only to drive in or leave their cars, but also to simply move through the streets.

The new construction on Mirabad-2 Street, house 51, also caused particular outrage among residents. The passport of the object is placed on the fence, according to which it is about the “reconstruction” of the existing residential building for a business center.

NOVA24 correspondent visited the site and found out that the building had been completely demolished, the area had been filled with concrete, and construction of a new structure was actually underway. According to residents, this is another confirmation that the “reconstruction” category is used formally, as a way to circumvent existing restrictions.

A citizens’ assembly was held in the mahalla, where residents invited representatives of the district administration, hoping to receive explanations on the issues raised and hear what measures the authorities are ready to take.

As reported by NOVA24 correspondent who attended the meeting, the dialogue concluded with a proposal to prepare a new collective appeal, in which residents would explain their grievances and suggestions in detail. Abdurasul Vahabov, Acting Deputy Hokim of Yakkasaray District for Construction, Housing and Communal Services, Transport, and Ecology, stated that he would review the application in the prescribed manner by convening a commission.

However, residents intend to fight to the end and appeal to other authorities. Many of them say that they have repeatedly appealed to the district authorities, but received only notifications or short answers without a specific decision. This time, residents say they intend to transfer materials and complaints to the Prosecutor General’s Office, as the situation has gone beyond ordinary administrative disputes and concerns safety, legality, and compliance with urban planning regulations.