Jengish Toktorbaev, former mayor of Osh, responded to rumors in an interview with "Azattyk" that he allegedly left the city with a debt of 12 billion soms.
— Mr. Jengishbek, how did the authorities explain your dismissal?
— I was appointed mayor of the city of Osh by President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich and General Kamchybek Kydyrshaevich. I held this position for just over a year. During this period, we successfully completed all the tasks set before us. I submitted my resignation for personal reasons to pay attention to my health.
— Social media is discussing that the city allegedly has a debt of 12 billion soms. This has caused criticism. Were there attempts to divert funds with the support of Tashiev for a "demonstrative result"?
— This is absolute untruth. I have always told the public the truth. Kamchybek Kydyrshaevich is my friend, classmate, and fellow countryman, and I cannot speak poorly of him. I have a good relationship with President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich; we have known each other for a long time. During my tenure, we laid about 100 kilometers of asphalt, of which 70 kilometers were financed by the local budget. While social media claims that the city's debt is 12 billion soms, in reality, we owe contractors about 750 million soms for capital construction and about 1.5 billion soms for road management, which totals about 2.3 billion soms.
— During your mayoralty, entrepreneurs complained about violations of private property rights. Why did investments decrease?
— We cleared the banks of the canals and demolished illegal constructions. This was especially active on Alisher Navoi Street, where up to 90% of the buildings were illegal. However, we did not touch private property. Investments were not harmed.
— Were bilateral agreements concluded within the framework of your projects? For example, regarding the renovation of the medical center or the mayor's office building, it was said that there were no agreements. After your departure, the work was suspended. Why did this happen?
— Some journalists asked about the mayor's office building: "Is it necessary?" It is very old, built in 1973. The roof was leaking, and the pipes and heating systems were worn out. We made the decision for its complete renovation, which required about 600 million soms. I can provide documents.
As for the polyclinic, the allocated funds were insufficient, but the new mayor Janar Kubanychovich will complete the remaining work. I did not have time for this, so I left.
— There were also accusations that you used materials from factories in Jalal-Abad for personal gain.
— I do not own a brick or concrete plant. All materials were purchased from existing manufacturers.
— During your mayoralty, construction began in the Ene-Sai microdistrict. Did the transformation of the 17 hectares of water area take place?
— Construction began only after obtaining all the necessary permits from the government and the Ministry of Construction. We urgently needed to relocate families whose homes were demolished, so the work was carried out at an accelerated pace.
— Your hotels "Dastan" and "Dastan Grand" in Manas were mentioned. Are they closed?
— I am 58 years old, and I have never worked in government service before. Yes, I own these hotels, and they are operational. There were no obstacles from the state. The accusations of illegal construction are untrue.
— Your relative and friend Kamchybek Tashiev resigned. How do you assess the actions of the State Committee for National Security under his leadership?
— I am not aware of the events and do not want to interfere in politics. I am focused on my work. We are state personnel, not personal employees of Kamchybek Kydyrshaevich or Sadyr Nurgozhoev.
The recording of Jengish Toktorbaev, former mayor of Osh, commenting on the information about the city's debt of 12 billion soms was first published on the K-News website.
