Residents' fears intensified after the statement made by the Akim of the Lenin District, Tariel Aitiev, who announced on November 12 during a live broadcast on the Akimat's page that buildings located along the road and extending beyond the red line could be demolished.
Demolition of 400 homes at risk?
According to local residents, they have become victims of the situation related to red lines and plans for road reconstruction in the southern part of the capital.“We have been seeking truth and justice for a year. In December 2024, a representative from 'Bishkekglavarkhitektura' announced intentions to expand Kozhobergenova Street within the new red line, which encroaches on our private property, effectively depriving us of housing. We were advised to wait for a demolition notice,” they shared.
“Our homes were built in the 1960s. We investigated the situation for two months and then approached the city council, where representatives from the Ministry of Construction and 'Bishkekglavarkhitektura' confirmed that the houses are subject to demolition for road expansion. This shocked us, and we held a meeting. Expanding the road by one lane would require the demolition of 40% of the houses. If it comes to two or three lanes, we will completely lose our homes on both sides.“The red line currently encroaches 35 meters into our territory. Some lose two-thirds of their house, others lose it entirely, leaving only a one-meter strip. Many of us inherited these homes from our grandparents, who received the land from the 'Kyrgyzstan' collective farm back in 1942. We have not left this land, and the red line used to run along the sidewalk. We were not given the opportunity to review the documents regarding when and by whom the red line was established,” the residents added.
Despite appeals to government authorities, they are being ignored.
“When we tried to enter the city hall, we were expelled by security with shouts of 'Don't let them in anymore!'. Such a disgraceful attitude! After that, we held a press conference, and within a day, the Ministry of Transport, the city hall, and 'Bishkekglavarkhitektura' denied the information about the road expansion. However, soon after, the Akim again announced plans to expand to four or six lanes,” they shared.
Local residents are calling for alternative routes to be considered, which they believe would be more economically viable and less painful for citizens. A new road could be faster and cheaper, as well as geographically more convenient for the city.
