As parents note, the current rule of turning off the lights at 6:00 PM creates significant difficulties for both athletes and their coaches.
Beremet Smankulova, one of the city residents, shared her opinion: “We understand the importance of energy conservation and appreciate the authorities' decisions. However, many children cannot attend classes or are forced to train in overcrowded halls. My daughter trains from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, as she studies in the second shift, but now it is becoming difficult for her to make it to training due to the electricity shutdown at 6:00 PM. Is there a possibility to resolve this issue?”
In the children and youth sports schools (DYuSSh), classes are held with a large number of groups simultaneously due to restrictions. Boxing coach Ruslan Baisariev noted: “Sometimes up to five coaches work in one hall, which creates inconveniences. Some athletes are preparing for competitions and require more time for training. We would like the working hours of the halls to be extended by at least two hours.”
The administrations of DYuSSh No. 1 and No. 2 explained that the electricity shutdown at 6:00 PM is carried out in accordance with the order of the Ministry of Energy. Evening hours are the time of highest attendance. A total of 413 children and teenagers train in the two sports schools. Until November 5, classes were held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, but the schedule has changed, and many groups have been merged. “It is not always possible to close the sports halls exactly at 6:00 PM, but any exceeding of time leads to warnings. The workload on coaches has significantly increased, as children of different ages and skill levels train simultaneously. We have notified the Chui region administration about the situation,” representatives of the DYuSSh reported.
The Manas sports complex also confirmed that all halls operate until 6:00 PM, except for the indoor swimming pool, which is open until 8:00 PM.
Director of the complex Bekzhan Kozhontayev added: “We have already contacted the RES and the municipal property management of the mayor's office with a request to extend the working hours of the halls to at least 9:00 PM, as not only children but also adults engage in sports. So far, we have not received a response.”
The RES explained that changes to the energy supply schedule fall under the jurisdiction of the Cabinet of Ministers and are resolved through local authorities.
