Bishkek Municipality Takes Over Controversial Parking Lot, Sparks Raider Allegations

A disputed parking lot on Yunusaliyev Street near Beta Stores-2 in Bishkek has been handed over to the municipality and converted into a paid parking zone, a decision that has ignited strong opposition from local entrepreneurs.

The head of the Oktyabrsky district, Zholdosh Chushtukov, explained that the decision followed requests from entrepreneurs to organize parking in the area. A plan was made to create a parking lot with separate entrances and exits to prevent vehicles from obstructing traffic flow. However, Chushtukov noted that some entrepreneurs began using spaces intended for customers' vehicles, forcing visitors to park on the main road.

According to Chushtukov, the Mayor of Bishkek, Aybek Dzhunushaliev, ordered the parking lot to be brought into order, including marking the spaces and installing surveillance cameras. "We have transferred this parking lot to the municipality today, installed QR codes, and from today this parking lot becomes a paid parking facility," Chushtukov announced.

Entrepreneurs who contributed to the parking lot's development disagree with the city's decision. They argue that the municipality has effectively seized a territory where private businesses invested their own funds for improvements, including asphalting, leveling the ground, and installing drainage covers, totaling over 2.5 million soms. They question the initial installation of curbs by the city if they were later dismantled, suggesting a potential misuse of budget funds. In response, the entrepreneurs have filed a complaint with the Secretariat of the Security Council, seeking an investigation into the matter. City officials maintain that customer parking spaces for the businesses will be preserved and used for their intended purpose.

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We have transferred this parking lot to the municipality today, installed QR codes, and from today this parking lot becomes a paid parking facility.