"We are afraid it will be left for rainy days": What are the residents of the Chaqar neighborhood dissatisfied with?

"We are afraid it will drag on into the rainy days": What are the residents of the Chaqar neighborhood dissatisfied with?

In the Chaqar neighborhood of the Shaykhantakhur district, as part of the "Obod Mahalla" (Prosperous Neighborhood) program, trees were cut down, and sidewalks and asphalt were destroyed, but the work was left half-done. As a result, dust storms and safety issues have arisen. Residents are asking for the work to be completed and for green areas to be restored. The neighborhood chairman explained the delay by citing hot weather and financial difficulties, while the district administration stated that the work is ongoing.

### "It is not good to destroy everything and leave it abandoned"

One of the neighborhood residents recalled the previous state, saying that even before the start of the beautification work, there were certain shortcomings, but there were no inconveniences like today. According to him, there were many trees in the neighborhood, places for children to play, and the asphalt roads were in good condition.

"There were children's playgrounds here. There were a lot of trees. Many trees were cut down. Our asphalt was good. Now everything has been destroyed, and the houses are filling with dust. We suffered a lot, especially during the summer months. Fine, we said let's be patient, thinking the work will be finished soon, and we waited. But the work did not move forward. About a month ago, we turned to some bloggers. After they came, there was a little movement. People from the administration came and promised to finish it nicely within two months, saying that 60–70 people would start working from tomorrow. But four or five people came, and then silence again. No result of the work is visible," says the applicant.

### "Everyone lies, they just lie"

Another applicant is dissatisfied with the fact that construction work lasts for a few days and then stops again. According to her, workers come, measure the area, seem to be starting something, and then disappear for a long time.

"We never thought we would end up in such conditions. Everyone lies, they just lie. Four people came and measured. I asked them: 'My children, will you work?' They said: 'Yes, we will work.' But then they vanished too. Every day promises, every day lying. We are afraid it will drag on until winter again," she says.

Among residents, it is also noted that cases of falling due to rebar and other construction materials left in the construction area are frequent. This heightens concerns, especially regarding the safety of children playing in the area.

"The deputy governor of Shaykhantakhur district came and promised to fix it immediately before leaving. But it doesn't work like this. No one is dealing with us. How long will this continue? How long will we be unable to freely take the children downstairs and walk around with our grandchildren? It is very dangerous for children. As you can see, stones are lying around. There is rebar when going down from the steps. We cannot let the children go alone. Children throw stones and fall in the dust. We ourselves fell and got injured," expressed her dissatisfaction the applicant.

### "The project was not agreed with us"

A third applicant also mentioned that the construction project had not been sufficiently discussed with the residents. According to him, the project was brought in a ready-made form and approved. Even though residents submitted proposals regarding certain shortcomings, they were not convinced that they were taken into account.

"Before the project was approved, it was not agreed with us. When I asked the designer who approved it, he said the deputy governor approved it. But the deputy governor does not live here. We live here. They should have come and asked us," he says.

The applicant stressed that he pointed out certain flaws in the project and asked to correct them. However, although promises were made, the proposals were not taken into account in the final result.

He also emphasized the need to inform residents during the construction period, take ecological conditions into account, and conduct an open dialogue regarding changes in the area. Referring to Article 49 of the Constitution, he noted the necessity of paying attention to environmental protection and ecological rights.

"When the trees were being cut down, I contacted the Ministry of Ecology. Representatives of the ministry came and asked: 'Who gave permission?' They said there was no permission. Then they [the workers] answered: 'You interfered with our work.' I told them: 'If you are not capable of bypassing a tree, then you lack experience. In foreign countries, they even bypass bridges, but in our country, isn't it possible to bypass a simple paving stone?' They said they would bring and plant trees worth $300–$500 in place of the cut trees. But no matter how many expensive trees they bring and plant here, a person who understands the ecological situation realizes that just planting a tree in this place is not enough. Because under the ground, as you can see for yourselves, it is full of construction materials, waste, and stones," said the applicant.

### Neighborhood chairman: work should be completed within a month

The neighborhood chairman stressed that the opinion of the residents had been studied, saying that before the start of the project within the "Obod Mahalla" program, representatives of the administration and the neighborhood met with residents several times, conducted explanatory work, showed the projects, and the residents approved them.

"The opinion of the residents was studied; before the project started, representatives of the neighborhood and the administration met with residents several times and conducted explanatory work. When the projects were shown, the residents agreed and were even happy. Due to the intense heat in the summer, work stopped for a month, then there was also a problem with financing, but it was resolved. To date, 60–70 percent of the work has been completed at the expense of the allocated funds, and we are waiting for the next funding for the remaining work. The city administration said it would fully complete the area within a month and hand it over to the residents. Recreation areas for residents and children's playgrounds will be organized here. This was previously an abandoned place, and there were many requests regarding its beautification. As the neighborhood chairman, I took responsibility from the very beginning of the work and will answer until the end. The area will not be abandoned; residents should not worry," said the neighborhood chairman.

### Administration: "Work has not stopped"

The opinion of the press secretary of the district administration was also obtained regarding the situation. He stated that the construction work had not stopped and that the builders only rest on Saturdays and Sundays. At the same time, he noted that separate permission from each citizen is not required for beautification work.

"Work is underway in the Chaqar neighborhood, work has not stopped. The builders rested on Saturday and Sunday. You were given incorrect information. That is nonsense, they lied to you. I personally went there last week and filmed it. Work is happening," said the press secretary.

According to him, the deputy governor stated that the construction work would be completed by November 15. The press secretary said that by that deadline, the work would reach a visible level.

When Kun.uz visited the area on September 13, no workers were visible on-site, and the construction process was halted.