34 markets to be demolished in Almaty

34 Almaty markets in Almaty are going to be demolished as part of the measures to optimize sales area, Almaty Administration press-service announced. The tough measures are going to be applied to the markets that violate regulatory requirements or infringe on town-planning regulations. Territory of the most of the markets is being leased, so the market administration will be provided land in appropriate locations to construct properly equipped shopping facilities. “Akhmetzhan Yessimov, Akim (Mayor) of Almaty has instructed that all the markets should be properly equipped according to modern standards; entertainment-and-shopping malls should be built in place of the demolished markets. Civilized conditions for trading should be created; market territories should meet sanitary and other standards,” said Sairan Fazylov, head of Almaty Architecture and City-Planning Administration. Currently there are 74 markets in Almaty. The sales premises which are not subject to demolition will be reconstructed. Administration of these markets is recommended to construct underground and above ground parking areas, properly equip the markets territories and provide convenient conditions for shopping. According to Sairan Fazylov quoted by KazTAG newswire it will take 5-6 years to reconstruct the Almaty markets.