"We are still getting out of this swamp. I hope that next year we will fully emerge," he noted.The president provided data on the debts of the Ministry of Energy: from 1990 to 2010, the debt amounted to 13.6 billion soms (about $243 million), while from 2010 to 2020 it increased to 123 billion soms ($1 billion 323 million), rising by 110 billion soms in just 10 years.
Japarov characterized the situation where an energy company takes loans at interest to pay salaries as mankurtyzation. He emphasized that such practices occurred during the period from 2010 to 2020, when "RSK Bank" issued a loan of 201 million soms. Since 2021, such loans have not been taken, and the total debt has been reduced by 112 billion soms; the remaining 25 billion is planned to be closed by 2026.
Corruption in Energy and Mining Farms
Japarov also noted that until 2020, there was corruption in the energy sector; however, now the schemes have been eliminated, and the industry is expected to become profitable by 2027. Two mining farms located in Kemin at "Kambar-Ata-2" are under his control.According to the president, the mining farm "Solarkoin," operating since 2023 with a capacity of 30 MW, fully utilizes electricity imported from Russia through the Kazakh company KEGOC. "Everything is transparent and open. You can request information from the ministry — there is nothing hidden. Electricity is not coal or metal; it cannot be smuggled. They do not take a single kilowatt from us and pay 38 tyiyns for each kilowatt of transit. From their operations, 172 million soms have entered the energy system," the president added.
As for the second farm, Japarov stated that he himself suggested to investors to build it inside the hydropower plant. Its capacity is also 30 MW. The mentioned hydropower plant was built in 2009 and commissioned at 120 MW; however, the old transformers and lines from the 1960s do not allow for full capacity utilization. In December 2023, a trilateral agreement was signed between "MBT-Stroy," OJSC NESK, and OJSC "Electric Stations," under which "MBT-Stroy" will invest 1.5 billion soms in the modernization of the "Kambar-Ata" transformers, the reconstruction of the Kurpsayskaya HPP, and the renewal of power lines (92 km).
"This mining brings unprecedented benefits to the country. In 4-5 years, both the mining and the new transformers with 92 km of new lines will become state property," Japarov explained, adding that both mining farms have temporarily suspended their operations, but will resume work after the cold season.
"Blatant Lies" and Acknowledgment of Achievements
The president also commented on Atambayev's words about the repair of the Toktogul HPP, the Bishkek CHPP, and the launch of the "Datka-Kemin" power line during his presidency."What he said about the Toktogul HPP is blatant lies. The discussion about the repair of four units began back during Akayev's time. I took this sector under control because all the HPPs were in catastrophic condition. If we hadn't started replacing generators, a disaster could have occurred. That's why ministers were quickly changed, and I immediately warned Ibraeva about the great responsibility. The outcome turned out to be good," Japarov stated.
The president also reported that in 2026-2027, it is planned to commission another 41 HPPs with a total capacity of 452 MW, and in 2028, when the second unit of "Kambar-Ata-2" is launched, the country will receive an additional 120 MW.
Regarding the repair of the Bishkek CHPP, he noted that the construction cost was excessive: "In court, it was proven that $111 million was stolen. That is why Sapar Isakov and Askarbek Shadiev are hiding," he added.
Japarov also reminded about the lawsuit for $37 million filed against Kyrgyzstan by the company "RusHydro," to which the country refused to respond. Since 2023, a bilateral commission has been working on this case, but so far without results.
In conclusion, the president noted that he will no longer comment on issues related to electricity, mining, external debt, or testimonies.
