In 2018, construction of a multi-story residential building began on Shohrukh Street in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, by the private enterprise "JAHON KAFOLAT STIL." The developer promised local residents new apartments in exchange for the demolition of their old homes. Many trusted these promises, selling their houses, allowing demolition, or making advance payments. However, eight years later, the construction site stands abandoned, the company has gone bankrupt, its director is imprisoned, and the affected families are forced to live in garages and unfinished structures.
The plight of the victims is severe. Asror Turdiev and his family, including grandchildren, are renting accommodation after the construction, initially promised to be completed in two years, dragged on and eventually halted. Mavjuda Ruziqulova permitted the demolition of three properties in hopes of new apartments and a fourth for monetary compensation. She now lives with her children and grandchildren in an old garage, barely renovated. Her son, who dreamed of moving into a new apartment, died in 2023. Others invested money earned abroad or sold their only homes or vehicles, with nearly all facing dire financial situations. Radik Muminov, with no other options, moved into an unfinished apartment lacking windows and doors.
Authorities have shown sluggishness in addressing this crisis. According to Bekzod Khojaev, a representative of the regional construction department, construction was halted due to regulatory violations: the developer began building four floors instead of the permitted three. A lawsuit was filed, and the court ordered the extra floor demolished at the company's expense, but with the developer imprisoned, the process has stalled. The local administration reported that the site is included in a list of problematic housing projects, and efforts are underway to find a solution.
The affected residents are not interested in bureaucratic processes but demand concrete outcomes. They seek answers on when construction will resume, how they can obtain their promised apartments, or receive compensation. This case highlights systemic issues in Samarkand's housing development and inadequate protection of citizens' rights, marking it as a notable regional incident with broader implications for urban governance and social welfare.
Source: kun.uz