Residents of high-altitude villages go to the district center for groceries only once a year — how life is near the Kyrgyz-Chinese border

Арестова Татьяна Local news / Exclusive
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In the high mountain valley, in close proximity to the Kyrgyz-Chinese border, significant changes in infrastructure were implemented in 2025. The village elder of Ak-Shiyrak, Mars Berikbaev, shared with a Turmush correspondent information about the new living conditions for local residents.

According to him, the village of Ak-Shiyrak, which is part of the Orgochor rural district, is located 240 kilometers from the Jeti-Oguz district. The majority of the mountain population resides in the Uch-Koshkon area. In 2025, a clean drinking water supply system was introduced for 42 households in the village, which is now available in every home. The project was funded by the local budget, public organizations, and the presidential representative's office in the region. Currently, all residents have access to quality water.

Previously, one of the main problems was frequent power outages during strong winds. However, in 2025, a 38-kilometer power line was laid, completely eliminating this issue.

In the boarding school, where physical education classes were previously held outdoors, construction began this year on a sports complex costing 63 million soms. The completion of the work is expected in the fall of 2026.

In winter, the road leading out of the village is regularly cleared of snow by Road Enterprise No. 3. The main occupation of local residents remains livestock breeding, while some work at enterprises in China. The elder also reported that in 2026, work to improve the village's infrastructure is planned to continue.

The elder Turum Kököçö, who was born and has always lived in Ak-Shiyrak, reported that in the winter of 2025, internet access was established, allowing local residents to stay in touch with relatives even at great distances, including the USA.

According to him, living conditions in the mountains can now be compared to urban ones. Residents descend into the valley once a year to buy groceries, but at other times they prefer to stay in their native valley without the need to leave it.



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