On August 27, 2025, a briefing was held in Shymkent, where city authorities presented information on the large-scale land acquisition process for state needs. According to the city administration, 254 plots have been returned to state ownership since the beginning of this year. This process is part of the city's overall development strategy and is necessary for the implementation of a number of important infrastructure projects.

City officials noted that the land seizure is being carried out strictly within the law. The primary focus is ensuring that property rights are not infringed. Most citizens received monetary compensation, and some were offered equivalent plots. Thus, 207 owners received a total of over five billion tenge for 116.7 hectares of land. In 31 cases, the owners were provided with new plots to replace the ones seized, another six citizens voluntarily relinquished their plots, and three plots, totaling 11.3 hectares, were returned to the state by court order. Seven cases involved lands totaling 57.24 hectares, which were also seized by court orders, but without compensation. This measure saved the budget approximately 500 million tenge.

The majority of the returned land is related to major transport and social infrastructure projects. These include the continued construction of the fifth phase of Kunayev Avenue, where 248 of the 270 plots were expropriated. An equally important project is the A-2 highway, which will connect the Badam River and the bypass road in the Kazygurt microdistrict, where compensation is being processed for the owners of 23 of the 80 plots. As part of the Bayterekova Street extension, 33 of the 56 land plots were transferred to the state. In the Karatau District, a stadium is being built in the 223rd block, and 174 owners have received compensation for this project, while another six have agreed to equivalent land plots. In the Abay District, 23 of the 24 plots were expropriated for the renovation of Yusupova, Tamshylybulak, Zhana Qonys, and Izendi Streets.

Land expropriation for state needs has been ongoing in Shymkent for several years. Similar measures have been taken before, but in previous years, the process was often accompanied by complaints about a lack of awareness among residents and long compensation payment deadlines. For example, in 2022, land expropriation was carried out during the construction of the previous stages of Kunayev Avenue, and many residents expressed dissatisfaction with the protracted procedures. In 2023, the process affected the A-2 highway, and in some cases, issues were resolved in court. The current situation demonstrates greater openness and transparency. The authorities strive to inform owners in advance, explain the payment procedures in detail, and publish data in official sources. Since 2024, the city has implemented a more precise land valuation system, which has reduced the number of conflicts.

Although land acquisition is always a sensitive issue and evokes emotional reactions from citizens, it generally plays a positive role in the city's development. New roads are designed to relieve traffic congestion, sports and social facilities create conditions for active leisure and improve the quality of life for residents, and renovated streets make city districts more modern and comfortable to live in. At the same time, authorities emphasize that they strive to find the optimal solution in each case, whether it be monetary compensation, an equivalent plot of land, or a phased court hearing.

In the coming months, approximately thirty more land seizure cases are planned to be completed, with the lands being returned to the state without compensation. In most cases, these are vacant or illegally occupied lands. This approach not only saves budget funds but also ensures more efficient use of urban areas.

Shymkent is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and the issue of efficient land allocation is particularly important here. As residential areas expand and new schools, kindergartens, medical centers, and sports facilities are built, the demand for land will only increase. Therefore, the authorities view the current land acquisition campaign not as a one-off measure, but as a systematic effort that will form the basis for the city's sustainable development in the future.

Thus, the seizure of more than 250 land plots in 2025 has become a logical step in the city's development. Unlike previous years, the process is more transparent, open, and fully procedural. This has reduced conflicts, strengthened public trust, and made the process more civilized. Ultimately, Shymkent gains new opportunities for growth, while residents gain modern infrastructure, convenient roads, and comfortable living conditions.