Almaty begins processing compensation for businesses after January unrest
Nearly 500 entrepreneurs affected by the January unrest will receive compensation in the coming days, as announced during a meeting of the regional commission assessing property damage with representatives of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The discussion also covered the mechanisms for disbursing payments, reports an Almaty.tv correspondent.
After the government amended the compensation procedure for entrepreneurs impacted by the January events, questions were inevitable. Today, city officials met with SMB representatives to hear their demands and proposals.
"I saw and heard during the presentation that many of the issues I had—like not submitting documents—have been resolved. It's simpler now, and I think I'll start filing my paperwork today," said entrepreneur Serik Kadyrov.
During the regional commission's session, 62 applications were submitted by affected SMBs, but only two provided a complete set of supporting documents. These two will receive their due compensation in the next few days.
"On Wednesday, we already allocated funds from the local budget reserve. Today, we are processing payments for the victims. They are receiving their money as we speak. The commission made these decisions in just two days. Only two out of 1,500 entrepreneurs have applied so far—that's very few. So let's encourage everyone to submit their applications on Info Kazakhstan," noted Deputy Mayor Maksat Kikimov.
To support small businesses, the regional commission turned to larger enterprises for assistance. They responded immediately, pledging around 600 million tenge. This will allow for swift, bureaucracy-free aid to roughly 500 entrepreneurs whose losses each amount to less than 3 million tenge.
It was also announced today that pawnshops and currency exchange offices will be eligible for compensation. The regional commission clarified that damages will only be reimbursed based on forensic assessments.
Preliminary estimates indicate that over 1,500 businesses in Almaty suffered losses due to the riots and looting, with total damages exceeding 45.6 billion tenge. The regional commission continues to gather data on affected sites, including on-site inspections.
