OMM Redaksiyası
The phased demolition of 52 unsafe buildings in Baku’s Sabunchu district and the relocation of their residents is continuing. After the demolition work is completed, the area is expected to be renovated, while new buildings will be constructed in some sections.
“Operative Information Center-OMM”, citing AzTV, reports that Ashig Ali Street is among the locations where demolition work is currently underway. Most of the unsafe buildings in the area have already been demolished. The condition of the structures in one of the buildings scheduled for demolition can be seen clearly.
According to the report, 29 of the 52 unsafe buildings are planned to be demolished at the expense of investors, 17 at the expense of the state, and the remaining buildings with the participation of both the state and investors.
After the demolition process is completed, the area is planned to be renovated. The construction of new residential buildings is also envisaged in some locations.
Unsafe homes to be demolished in Ramana settlement
Some homes in the 11th and 12th mining areas of Ramana settlement are also scheduled to be demolished, with residents to be relocated to new addresses.
Most of the homes in the area are reportedly in an unusable condition. Some residents have reinforced their houses in various ways, including with rebar, to prevent them from collapsing.
Residents said some of them had lived in the area for decades and that the condition of the homes had seriously deteriorated.
What do residents say?
Residents of the area have welcomed the demolition of the unsafe homes.
One resident said the family had lived there for more than 30 years:
“We have lived here for 30 years, more than 30 years. Our grandparents and all of them also lived here. It is good and appropriate that we are being relocated because our houses are in very poor condition. If you film inside the house, you can see that there are cracks in the walls in several places.”
Another resident said the relocation was important because it would protect people from danger:
“There was a building here. Its relocation means saving people from an accident, from death, so to speak. It is a great help.”
Some residents want to receive new apartments in addition to compensation:
“They say compensation will be paid. But our family is large. It would be better if we were given a home; otherwise, we agree to compensation as well.”
How much compensation will be paid for unsafe homes?
The amount of compensation to be paid to residents in connection with the demolition is determined by taking the characteristics of the area into account.
First, an assessment is conducted. A relevant company then determines the value of the apartment or other real estate and calculates the compensation amount.
According to the information provided, compensation rates have currently been set at approximately 1,300–1,500 manats per square meter.
In areas located in the center of Sabunchu district, prices are reportedly expected to be approximately 20–25 percent higher because of their central location.
Compensation for non-residential premises will also differ from that for residential areas. According to the report, the amount for non-residential premises will differ by approximately 20–25 percent from the generally established compensation rate.
Which other streets will see demolition work?
The demolition of unsafe buildings in Sabunchu will continue in stages.
In the next stages, demolition work is also planned on Mehdi Huseynzade, Samad bey Mehmandarov, Hasan bey Zardabi and Hamid Arasli streets.
Once the process is completed, the areas where unsafe and unusable structures currently stand are planned to be renovated, while new buildings will be constructed in some sections.
