Bishkek pavilion owners sue city over demolition orders

Business owners in Bishkek's 12th microdistrict are challenging the city administration's order to demolish their pavilions. They have filed lawsuits in the district court and lodged complaints with the prosecutor's office, awaiting a court decision.

Entrepreneurs met with local and national deputies to discuss the situation. They assert that no budget funds were allocated this year for the improvement of the plot where their pavilions are located. Furthermore, they claim that no approved designs or projects for a future public square exist. Member of Parliament Dastan Bekeshev reportedly promised to investigate and help find a legal solution.

More than 600 residents have signed a petition supporting the pavilion owners, requesting a reconsideration of the demolition timeline. The business owners stated they are not opposed to urban improvement but asked for time to relocate their businesses without significant financial losses. They previously invested in repairs and preparations for the autumn-winter season after city officials assured them there were no plans for reconstruction.

Vice-Mayor Ramiz Aliyev acknowledged that demolition is unavoidable. However, he assured that the municipality would review each entrepreneur's case individually, offering alternative trading spots and municipal job vacancies with salaries up to 60,000 soms.