New urban planning tensions have arisen in Bishkek. Azamat Bekenov, one of the parents of students at School No. 61 named after E. Yakir, has appealed to the mayor and construction authorities requesting to halt the construction of a multi-story building, which he believes threatens the safety of students as it will be located in close proximity to the educational institution.
He stated: "Construction near School No. 61 is a serious issue that requires attention. We, the parents, are alarmed by the start of construction work near the school's territory. We have submitted an official request to check the legality of the ongoing construction."
Recently, Bekenov received an official response from the city authorities. The documents indicate that the plot (cadastral No. 2018/140701) has been leased for a period of 5 years specifically for temporary use, not for capital construction. The use of this plot implies temporary works, without permission for the construction of any buildings.
However, work is underway at the site that indicates the beginning of multi-story construction — a foundation is being laid, concrete is being poured, and engineering networks are being installed. If this is confirmed, it could be said that the tenant is using temporary use as a way to circumvent the law. This creates both legal and physical threats to the students.
In this regard, Bekenov has appealed to the prosecutor's office to verify the legality of the land lease, the availability of permits for capital construction, and compliance with sanitary standards in the vicinity of the school.
Parents are not against the city's development but believe that the construction of multi-story buildings near educational institutions should be conducted with transparency and under public oversight.
Bekenov also called on everyone with experience, contacts of lawyers, media, or activists to support them in this matter. He emphasized that this concerns not just one school but overall shows how land around children's institutions is managed in Bishkek. "If parents do not start asking questions, such situations will continue to arise," he added.
Azamat Bekenov's post quickly sparked active discussion: many residents of the capital expressed support for the parents and noted that similar problems around schools and kindergartens in Bishkek are not new. People are demanding greater transparency from the authorities in urban planning decisions and are calling for a halt to construction until the prosecutor's investigation is completed.
