In Uzbekistan, cases of unauthorized demolition of load-bearing walls and structures in apartment buildings have increased significantly. In 2025, over 2,400 such violations were identified. For comparison, three years ago, this figure was only 563.
These numbers are not just statistics. It is about the safety of families living in apartment buildings and the structural integrity of the entire building. Demolishing a load-bearing wall is not just a renovation or redesign; it is an extremely irresponsible act that threatens the entire building's structure.
Information presented to the President states that some citizens interfere with load-bearing parts to expand apartments, convert them into commercial spaces, or change internal layouts. However, doing so without expert assessment poses a serious threat to the building's earthquake resistance, stability, and overall safety.
Buildings older than 50 years are particularly at risk. According to data, there are 15,200 such apartment buildings in the country. In these buildings, any unauthorized reconstruction, wall demolition, or category change can cause even greater danger.
Another painful aspect of the problem is that control mechanisms are not effective enough. Current regulations are failing to fully stop violations that threaten building safety. People sometimes act with the misconception that "it's my house, I can do what I want." But in an apartment building, a mistake in one unit can become a danger for the entire entrance.
Therefore, a series of strict measures are being proposed in the residential sector. This includes considering restrictions on changing categories, carrying out reconstruction, and dangerous remodeling in buildings older than 50 years. This is primarily aimed at preventing potential man-made disasters.
Furthermore, it is proposed to grant the Construction Inspectorate the authority to impose on-the-spot fines on those who arbitrarily dismantle load-bearing structures. This would allow for immediate action against dangerous situations without lengthy bureaucracy.
The main goal of this reform is to ensure public safety, protect the lives of citizens living in apartment buildings, and stop unauthorized actions that compromise building stability.
In short, demolishing a wall is not a simple repair. Especially if it is a load-bearing structure, it is a matter that affects the fate of the entire building. Putting the whole building at risk to make one apartment "prettier" can cost dearly. It is better to extinguish the fire before the smoke appears.
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