Minister of Construction, Architecture, and Housing and Communal Services Nurdin Oruntaev tried to answer her questions, but his tone of communication unsettled Kozhokulova. Oruntaev noted that he was being interrupted.
In turn, the deputy asked him to "tone it down" and respond calmly.
To this, the minister countered that he was already responding, but was being interrupted.
Kozhokulova pointed out the confusion regarding who was interrupting whom.
Oruntaev continued that the Stalin-era buildings are currently in a state of emergency and have "outlived their time."
To this, Kozhokulova asked whether the minister had the right to make such an assessment, hinting that he is not the chief architect.
The minister explained that their status is evaluated according to technical standards. The lifespan of Stalin-era buildings was calculated to be 50 years, but they have been in use for over 100 years.
Kozhokulova noted that the minister was confusing Stalin-era buildings with Khrushchyovkas.
Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar Amangeldiev also spoke on this issue.
He confirmed that the technical condition of the buildings would be taken into account. "We also want to preserve the historical center, as you pointed out. This is an important remark, and we will base our decisions on the condition of these buildings," he added. Furthermore, he reminded of the need for renovation as part of the modernization of urban infrastructure and promised to consider the issues raised by Kozhokulova.
The deputy emphasized that the concern regarding historical and architectural structures is shared not only by her but by society as a whole. "This is the face of the capital. In any country, there is an old and a new part of the city. Why is this principle not taken into account?" she exclaimed, questioning the minister's competence in this area.
Amangeldiev assured that expert opinions would be considered, and the historical center would be preserved, as stated in the general plan.
