05 July 2022

[Summary translation prepared by Business and Human Rights Resource Center]

...The scandal erupted around the construction of the international highway Aktobe - Atyrau - Astrakhan. According to the project, one of the sections passes through the village of Bestamak. Locals demand to reconsider the project. They are outraged that the road will divide the village into two parts, and all the important centers [school, kindergarden, hospital] will be in the other half...

“Imagine coming out of your yard and straight to the highway! What will happen to a child who suddenly runs out? There will be accidents, mortality, etc! We are against the four-row highway! Either they should build a bypass, or narrow the road," said Natalya Nekrasova, a resident of the village.

People are also not happy with the prospect of breathing exhaust gases. In addition, the construction of the road will cause a serious blow to the rural business, the owner of a local cafe is sure of it...

The project of the international highway Aktobe - Atyrau - Astrakhan was developed 5 years ago. The Aktobe branch of "Kazavtozhol" undertook building a 100-kilometer highway from the regional center to the city of Kandyagash. Three kilometers of the new road must pass through the village of Bestamak. Officials assure that public hearings were held immediately. At that time, many villagers did not mind. Now, when construction is in full swing, almost nothing can be changed...

Representatives of the national company assured that the Bestamak residents have nothing to worry about. The village will be provided with a soundproof fence and three traffic lights. But local residents do not agree to these conditions either. If the parties do not come to an agreement, then part of the project will have to be changed. But it will take too much time...