Bishkek Residents Protest High-Rise Construction Near Homes

Residents of buildings 36/1a and 36/1b in Bishkek's Tunguch microdistrict are raising alarms over a new nine-story building being constructed perilously close to their homes. The proximity, reportedly just 1.83 meters, has sparked fears among residents about the structural integrity and safety of their existing dwellings.

Excavation work has already begun, with excavators preparing the site. Residents expressed serious concerns that the extensive digging could compromise the soil and foundations of their buildings. They worry about potential ground subsidence, the appearance or worsening of cracks, and structural deformations as a direct consequence of the ongoing construction activities.

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Such proximity raises serious concerns for the load-bearing structures and safety of our homes. The excavation of a large volume of soil directly next to other buildings could affect the soil condition and foundations. We are concerned about possible subsidence, the appearance or increase of cracks, structural deformations, and other consequences of the construction work.

Beyond the immediate physical risks, residents are questioning the legality and validity of the construction permits. Official documents from the Department of State Expertise show a positive conclusion for the project dated June 27, 2018, with permits issued between 2016 and 2018. However, residents are demanding to know if these permits are still valid for construction commencing in 2026 and if they required renewal. They point to a discrepancy where official records indicate construction began in September 2022, while physical work like fencing only recently started, suggesting a three-year gap between official data and reality.

Further scrutiny has fallen on the construction passport displayed on the State Construction Committee's website. Residents claim that crucial information, including land ownership documents and the plot's cadastral number, remains incomplete. They are urging relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the permits, ensure the construction adheres to the approved project plans, and verify compliance with building, fire safety, and seismic regulations. An assessment of the potential impact of the excavation on neighboring structures is also requested.

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According to the documents, construction started on 09/06/2022. In reality, they only recently started putting up a fence. This is a three-year discrepancy between official data and reality. This is not a minor issue. It's another serious oddity.