The head of Bishkek, Aibek Junushaliev, commented on the process of dismantling metal structures located near the Central Universal Store.
He noted that the work was initially supposed to be carried out according to an approved project. However, the project management assured that all actions were taking place within the framework of the agreed documentation.
Nevertheless, in December 2025, the concept of the project was significantly changed, making its further implementation in its original form impossible. The request for changes was rejected, and a decision was made to dismantle the structures with subsequent restoration of the area to its original state.
“I want to emphasize that I am not making excuses. I am explaining the situation. There is a lot of criticism on social media regarding why this was not done earlier,” Junushaliev said.
He clarified that the city was initially presented with an outdated project, which was repeatedly revised, and then the main project was published, which was well received by the residents.
“Before the start of construction and installation work, how could we have assumed that everything would go wrong? Construction began, and, as is often the case, everything changed in the process,” the mayor noted.
Aibek Junushaliev
“The project management repeatedly reached out to the public. We followed the project that was officially provided and assured that at this stage everything looks different, but after completion, everything would be fine,” he added.
The mayor also reported that in December 2025, the architectural department received a directive to completely change the project.
Returning to the old version was no longer possible, so the city authorities refused to approve the changes and officially expressed their disagreement with the new concept.
“We consulted with architects and asked if it was possible to revert the project to the original version. They replied that this was impossible, as the current construction does not correspond to the stated project. Therefore, a decision was made to dismantle,” the mayor emphasized.
Aibek Junushaliev noted that all actions of the city services were in accordance with their powers and the requirements of citizens.
Let us remind you that today the dismantling of metal structures near the TSUM began, during which the mayor of Bishkek, Aibek Junushaliev, was present. This is the first stage of the elimination of structures that were erected without an approved project.
