Kyrgyzstan upgrades 40 schools for seismic resistance

Kyrgyzstan is undertaking a significant initiative to bolster the seismic resilience of 40 school buildings across the country. This effort is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Emergency Situations in collaboration with the 'Increasing Resilience to Natural Disasters in Kyrgyzstan' (ERIK) project, which receives financial backing from the World Bank.

The project aims to ensure safer learning environments for students by strengthening existing structures and constructing new, modern facilities. A prime example of this work is the nearly completed new building for A. Sydykbekov School in Toktogul village, Ak-Suu district, Issyk-Kul region. This two-story facility spans 2,200 square meters and is designed to accommodate 225 students.

Inside, the school will feature 15 classrooms, sports and concert halls, a kitchen, a library, and specialized physics and chemistry labs. Special attention is being paid to creating a secure and comfortable atmosphere for students, with features such as an elevator, ramps, and recuperators in classrooms. Additionally, wastewater treatment facilities and video surveillance systems are being installed to enhance safety and functionality.

Across Kyrgyzstan, the ERIK project is renovating a total of 40 schools. Of these, eight school constructions are finished, 15 are currently underway, and 17 are undergoing reconstruction. In the Issyk-Kul region alone, five schools will be modernized under this project, highlighting a concentrated effort to improve educational infrastructure in disaster-prone areas.