Kiosks removed, but beautification forgotten: The story of Usenbaev Street in Bishkek

Authorities in Bishkek have cleared kiosks from a section of Usenbaev Street, but the promised urban improvement has not materialized, leaving the area more neglected than before. The move echoes a similar demolition of a wholesale newspaper market in the 12th microdistrict.

Residents recall the kiosks on Usenbaev Street, located near the former editorial office of the newspaper "Vecherniy Bishkek," as a convenient spot for purchasing fresh newspapers, magazines, and other printed materials. They reportedly did not cause any issues for nearby inhabitants. However, city officials deemed the kiosks unsightly and claimed their owners lacked proper permits, permits that the municipality itself had delayed issuing for years.

After the kiosks were dismantled, the expectation was that the area would be beautified with flowerbeds, lawns, benches, or perhaps even a fountain, creating a pleasant public space. Instead, over six months later, the site is strewn with broken concrete slabs, trash, and dry branches. The current state of the street segment is described as looking as if an "enemy tribe" had passed through, raising questions about the municipality's definition of urban improvement and the purpose behind removing the kiosks only to leave a derelict wasteland.