"Turn Down the Volume." Gula Kozhokulova and Nurdin Oruntaev Disagree Over the Development of Central Bishkek » Gazeta.kg

At the meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh on February 5, a deputy reminded that the general plan will soon be presented to the government for approval. She noted that according to this plan, development in the central part of the city involves mid-rise buildings. However, as experts found out, mid-rise development refers to buildings up to nine stories high, as specified in modern construction norms. Gula Kozhokulova raised the question of whether this would mean the demolition of Stalin-era buildings in the city center in the future.

Minister of Construction, Architecture, and Housing and Communal Services Nurdin Oruntaev attempted to answer her questions, but his manner of communication caused dissatisfaction among the deputy. Oruntaev stated that he was being interrupted.

“Please speak more calmly and answer the questions,” Kozhokulova replied to him.

“I am answering, and you are interrupting me,” the minister countered.

“It seems you don’t quite understand who is interrupting whom,” the deputy added.

The minister continued: “Regarding your question about Stalin-era buildings and nine-story houses, Stalin-era buildings have already lost their functionality and are in an emergency state.”

To this, Kozhokulova expressed doubt: “Are you entitled to make such conclusions? You are not the chief architect, after all?”

“We assess them according to technical standards. These buildings have exhausted their operational lifespans. They were built for 50 years, but they have been standing for over 100 years,” Oruntaev replied.

The deputy noted that the minister was confusing Khrushchyovkas with Stalin-era buildings.

After this, Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar Amangeldiev took the floor. “We will definitely take into account the technical condition of these buildings. We also strive to preserve the historical appearance of the capital, and your remark is fair. We will still be guided by the technical condition of the buildings. Moreover, we have a renovation law, which is also part of the modernization of urban infrastructure. Certainly, your questions will be taken into account,” Amangeldiev assured.

Kozhokulova emphasized that these issues concern not only her but the entire public.

“We are talking about buildings with historical and architectural value. This is part of the capital's appearance. In every country, there is an old and a new part of the city. Why is this principle not being followed? Why is the opinion of specialists not taken into account?” the deputy exclaimed.

Amangeldiev confirmed that the opinions of experts would be considered, and the historical center would be preserved as stipulated in the general plan.