Bishkek cemetery plot reservations could cost over 150,000 som

Residents of Bishkek may soon face a significant increase in the cost of securing a burial plot, with the city council currently reviewing a proposal to set the price at over 150,000 Kyrgyz som (approximately $1,700 USD).

The proposed fee structure includes a legally established base rate of 100,000 som, supplemented by an additional 50,647 som for "additional services." This combined cost aims to cover expenses associated with maintaining and beautifying municipal cemeteries. These services include sanitation, landscaping, water supply, transportation, and the dismantling and installation of fences.

City officials explained that the calculation for the additional fee considers the actual costs of preparing a burial site, which they estimate at over 46,000 som. A 10% profit margin has been factored in, leading to the proposed 50,647 som coefficient. The proposal also stipulates that this fee will be reviewed at least every three years to account for economic changes and rising maintenance costs.

The draft resolution is currently open for public discussion, allowing citizens to provide feedback before any final decision is made.