In Tashkent’s Yakkasaray district, the demolition of an illegal one-story terrace on the roof of a 17-story residential building on Kichik Beshagach Street — in effect an unauthorized 18th floor — caused flooding on the top floor when rain began while the structure was being dismantled and water entered the building. The incident gained public attention after videos circulated on social media, with users reporting flooding in a residential complex linked to the Better Best company and problems with the elevator. The Inspection for Control in the Construction and Housing and Communal Services Sector confirmed the violation and said the roof was being restored. According to preliminary findings, Alaniya Stroy Servis, acting as the construction customer, had built the additional terrace without permission.
Key Takeaways: The illegal rooftop terrace on the 17-story building was fully dismantled; rain during the demolition sent water into the 17th-floor corridors; the inspection said roof restoration and cleanup of the flooding consequences were underway.
The case reflects a wider problem of unauthorized construction and unapproved reconstruction in Tashkent. Earlier, the Ministry of Construction said 61 apartment buildings in the capital had been built without the necessary permits, while the total number of illegal construction sites exceeded 320. Such projects matter beyond urban planning: adding an extra floor or terrace can alter structural loads, damage waterproofing and interfere with engineering systems, raising the risk of leaks, elevator failures and other emergencies. For residents, the issue is also about confidence in construction oversight and whether violations are corrected before people move into a building.
According to the inspection, Alaniya Stroy Servis had built a one-story terrace on the roof at Kichik Beshagach Street without authorization, effectively creating an illegal 18th floor. Inspectors recorded the violation and issued a written order to demolish the structure. During the demolition, however, rain began and because the roof had been opened, water entered the corridors of the 17th floor. The authority stressed that the building had not yet been officially commissioned for use; the official statement did not specify the completion date for repairs or the possible amount of damage. Reports about elevator problems emerged in the social media videos.
Repair and restoration work is now focused on the roof and the aftermath of the flooding, while further checks may be needed for waterproofing, utilities and elevator equipment. No final timeline or damage estimate has been announced. The next steps will depend on construction-control findings and on whether all unauthorized changes are eliminated before the building is formally commissioned. The episode is also likely to increase scrutiny of rooftop additions and other self-built structures in Tashkent, as well as pressure for clearer public information about the safety of residential buildings.
Source: podrobno.uz