Almaty is breaking population growth records, with the city's population approaching three million people today, according to Qazaq.today. This figure includes only officially registered residents. Along with the growing population, the demand for housing is increasing, making the southern capital not only the fastest-growing city but also the fastest in terms of construction.
Currently 136 new residential complexes are under construction in Almaty, as reported by the City Planning and Urban Development Department. The most significant construction projects are taking place in Alatau, Nauryzbai, and Turksib districts. The city is experiencing a construction boom, having delivered 20% more housing for occupation in the spring of 2023 compared to the previous year.
While the availability of apartments for sale is relatively satisfactory, the lack of infrastructure for residents of new developments is a significant concern. In the Bostandyk district alone, there are six problematic areas. The reason is straightforward: the pace of building social facilities is slower than the speed of constructing new residential complexes. Not every developer considers the availability of childcare centers, schools, and clinics at the project stage. This is understandable as social facilities do not generate profit, so most focus on constructing residential complexes.
The authorities have been attempting to address the shortage of social facilities for many years. The city administration of Almaty even introduced new requirements for residential development. Now, when constructing new housing, developers must take into account the proximity of outpatient clinics, kindergartens, and schools. For example, nearby kindergartens should have no fewer than 100 available spots, and schools should have 180 spots per thousand residents. If these facilities are lacking spots, they must be built.
This initiative has been effective. For example, School №125 in the Almagul district has expanded by an additional 600 seats due to the construction of a new, modern educational building. The developer, SABA GROUP KZ, took care of where the newcomers' children would attend school. The new building includes classrooms for elementary classes and a gymnasium. The developer transferred the new building to the city administration.
Another new educational institution is in the works, this time in the Medeu district, where the "Arman City" residential complex is being built, and the same company, SABA GROUP KZ, is involved. President of the company, Erzhan Abdikadyrov, emphasizes that schools are not the only focus. They have also considered leisure infrastructure. The rapidly growing metropolis residents want not only to study but also to relax. Options have been thought out for both children and adults.
"We are starting two projects. One of them is 'Arman City,' located in the Medeu district on 9 hectares, there will be 52 houses. They will have its infrastructure: a school, which we will also transfer to the city, and other socially oriented facilities. There will be many entertainment establishments: cafes, restaurants, an alley, a fountain," Erzhan Abdikadyrov said.
The second mentioned building is an ambitious, innovative project called SABA TOWER HOTEL. It will be located along the transportation artery of Satpaev Street at the intersection with Manas Street. It will be a 23-floor building with 125 apartments, parking, numerous restaurants, cafes, offices, and a spa center. Based on previous projects by SABA GROUP KZ - of which the company has accumulated 12 in its portfolio over six years - neighbors of new developments are likely to benefit as well.
"When we start construction, we try to befriend the neighbors and, understanding their problems, we try to help them. In particular, we worked well with the residents of the 'Molodezhny' residential complex on Tulebaev Street, below Gogol Street: we renovated entrances, roofs, and arranged landscaping in the yard. In other words, residents turn to us, and we try to help them," the company's president says.
"In addition to all of the above, we care about social responsibility: we have a kindergarten, a medical center, and a police department. The medical center and kindergartens are in private hands, and the police department is provided to the state free of charge. Social responsibility is perhaps the most crucial "building material" in this business. If all industry players follow suit, the advertisements "Selling an apartment. Forty minutes to school" will soon disappear from Almaty's real estate listings” Erzhan Abdikadyrov said.
https://rus.qazaq.today/k-resheniju-infrastrukturnyh-problem-almaty-podkljuchilsya-chastnyj-biznes/