Ex-manager testifies in Astana facade collapse trial over paramedic death
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Former building manager Gulzhauhar Akhmetova testified on August 27, 2026, in the trial over the November 8, 2025, Astana facade collapse that killed paramedic Uldana Myrzuan. She said residents had complained about cracks and that the akimat suggested raising tariffs to fund repairs. Akhmetova also stated she handed all documentation to defendant Saule Zhubaniyazova when she took over management in 2025.
Key Facts
- The facade collapse on November 8, 2025, on Tauelsizdik Avenue in Astana injured five people and killed 23-year-old paramedic Uldana Myrzuan.
- Former building manager Gulzhauhar Akhmetova served as the condominium's trusted representative from March 23, 2019, to April 30, 2025.
- A 2017 technical inspection report described the building's condition as satisfactory but noted missing reinforcement mesh and recommended repairs to the roof above the elevator shaft.
- Defendant Saule Zhubaniyazova is charged under Article 254 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan (negligent attitude to duties) and has pleaded not guilty.
- The trial is presided over by Judge Meruert Abayeva in the Interdistrict Criminal Court of Astana.
Witness Testimony
Gulzhauhar Akhmetova testified that residents had filed complaints about cracks in the building's walls before she took over management. She stated that when she began managing the building, she repaired the roof and noticed cracks in the walls, then instructed industrial climbers to inspect the building's edge. Akhmetova said the roof between the two buildings, covered with profiled sheeting, was built around 2015, and the previous property owners' association began work in 2019. She testified that she went to the akimat several times about building repairs, but officials told residents to do the work themselves or raise service tariffs. Akhmetova said that when the wall was repaired in 2021, the remaining parts were additionally inspected and it was concluded there was no basis for bricks to fall.
Technical Inspection Findings
Akhmetova received a 2017 technical inspection report when she took office, which described the building's condition as satisfactory and stated that structural changes were not required. The report noted the absence of reinforcement mesh and recommended repairing the roof above the elevator shafts. Akhmetova said bricks had fallen from one wall and were lying on the roof, and bricks around ventilation pipes had also collapsed, requiring re-laying and covering with special material. The report also indicated the need to restore damaged sections of the external walls.
Defendant's Knowledge
Akhmetova testified that defendant Saule Zhubaniyazova was active in the building's chat and knew about the building's problems, though she did not participate in discussions. She said Zhubaniyazova was considered a suitable candidate because she had accounting experience and her sister had been chair of a property owners' association. Akhmetova stated that when she left her position, she handed all documentation to Zhubaniyazova, including owner information, technical passport, elevator documents, 27 CCTV camera materials, contracts, and the 2017 technical inspection report. She said the previous property owners' association did not officially inform the current organization about the wall cracks.
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Ex-manager testifies in Astana facade collapse trial over paramedic death
