Uzbekistan is finalizing a draft law to regulate the demolition of dilapidated and unsafe housing and the construction of new buildings. The most debated provision is the requirement for consent from 80% of property owners, which has sparked widespread public discussion. However, representatives from the Ministry of Justice clarified that 80% consent is only needed to advance the proposal to the next stage, while actual demolition requires 100% agreement from all owners.

In an interview with Kun.uz, Hidiral Sodiqov, Head of the Economic Legislation Department at the Ministry of Justice, explained that if any owner opposes the demolition of their home, it will not be demolished. He also noted that the Senate cannot amend the draft law, only approve or reject it. Sodiqov referenced Article 21 of the Constitution, stating that individuals must not infringe on the rights of others when exercising their own rights, emphasizing that living in a hazardous building could endanger neighbors.

Officials from the Committee for Urban Development and Housing Market stated that compensation to property owners will be based on market value, as determined by independent appraisal companies. Artem Kreskas, Head of the Committee's Department, warned that some owners might seek inflated prices, but international experience should be considered. Urban planning expert Murodkhon Usmonov called for renovation to be based on thorough analysis, taking into account engineering networks.

Usmonov stressed that the primary goal is to create more comfortable, modern buildings that enhance the city's overall appearance. He pointed out that demolishing a three-story building to construct a ten-story one may be incompatible with existing infrastructure. The full discussion is available on the Kun.uz YouTube channel.

Source: kun.uz