The trial over the death of 23-year-old ambulance feldsher Uldana Myrzuan continues in Astana. Today, the defendant, OSI chair Saule Zhubaniyazova, is giving testimony. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
At the start of the interrogation, Zhubaniyazova described the condition of the building at the time the OSI was established. She claimed that when documents were handed over, she was told the building was in good condition and all necessary work had been completed.
"When I handed over the documents, I was told the building was in excellent condition, that everything was done. She (the former OSI chair) literally said: 'You will only be planting flowers,'" the defendant said.
According to Saule Zhubaniyazova, at that time the courtyard and heating unit had already been equipped, and meter readings were being transmitted. After the OSI was created, pressure testing of the building began.
However, as the OSI chair noted, at the time of the association's creation, its account had no money. Therefore, necessary work had to be carried out as funds came in.
"But due to the fact that when the OSI was created, we had 0 tenge in our account, within the limits of the funds that came in, we tried to somehow get out of this situation. Pressure testing also took time and required money, and at that time we had no money," she said.
The defendant also said that the OSI tried to conclude contracts with the ERC to speed up payments from residents. At the same time, the association had to pay salaries to a cleaner, a yard worker, and a plumber.
According to her, in the first months after the OSI was created, monthly receipts were less than 500 thousand tenge. Most of this money, as the defendant stated, went to salaries.
"When we just created the OSI and at the current moment, when the work was more or less organized - this was closer to the end of June - beginning of August - we received less than 500 thousand tenge. This money - the bulk of which went to salaries. Plus, due to the creation of the OSI, we had issues such as verification, started paying taxes, and other bank expenses appeared," she explained.
Separately, the court discussed the expert examination of the collapsed part of the facade. Zhubaniyazova stated that she had not seen the document on the basis of which she is now accused of being able to prevent the tragedy before the incident.
"Regarding the examination of the collapsed part of the facade. Now they tell me that I saw it and could have prevented something in this tragedy. But I did not receive this examination. I did not see it. I only became familiar with it two weeks ago at the housing department," the defendant stated.
According to her, after reviewing the document, she told the residents of the building about the results of the examination so that they would know its contents within the framework of the criminal case.
Saule Zhubaniyazova also claims that before the tragedy, residents did not complain to her about the condition of the facade.
"At the time I took over, residents did not complain about anything at all. No cracks, no collapses, nothing. That is, I could not even imagine that that part of the facade would pose any mortal danger," she said.
At the same time, the problem with the collapsed part of the facade, according to the OSI chair, has still not been resolved. She said that a year after the incident, the structure remains in the same condition. Currently, the OSI savings account holds about 3 million tenge. However, according to Zhubaniyazova, these funds are insufficient for the necessary work.
After numerous appeals to the akimat, the housing department, and the Ministry of Emergency Situations, as the defendant stated, the city authorities offered residents the "Orken kala" program. It provides for the modernization of the building and facade repair with installment payments over 13-15 years.
However, the OSI chair believes that residents may not cope with such a financial burden, since facade repair requires significant costs, including dismantling and complete reinforcement of the structure.
During the interrogation, the judge asked whether a specific cost for the facade repair had been mentioned.
Zhubaniyazova replied that during a personal meeting with the akimat, a technical supervision employee preliminarily stated an amount of about 600 million tenge.
"Approximately, technical supervision employees at a personal meeting with the akimat indicated an amount of about 600 million tenge. But he said approximately, that is, there is no documentary confirmation of this amount," she explained.
The tragedy occurred on November 8, 2025. A 23-year-old ambulance feldsher came to a call in Astana when the brick cladding of the building and the air conditioner mount collapsed on her.
Uldana sustained severe injuries and was hospitalized. Doctors fought for her life for ten days, but on November 18, the girl died.