Manas University Denies Illegal Dormitory Construction Claims

Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University has officially responded to media reports alleging illegal construction of a dormitory on its campus, a project reportedly suspended by the Ministry of Construction. The university's rectorate has presented a detailed account to counter these claims.

According to the university, all requisite permits for the construction of a 1,100-bed female dormitory were secured from authorized state bodies. These included approvals from "Bishkekglavarkhitektura," the Ministry of Construction, Architecture, and Housing and Communal Services, "Bishkekvodokanal," NESK, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Ministry of Emergency Situations, among others. Following the complete permit acquisition process, an open tender was conducted, resulting in a contract with the winning company on June 1, 2026. The contractor subsequently submitted the necessary documentation to the State Department of Architectural and Construction Control on June 4, signaling the start of construction work.

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After the process of obtaining permits was fully completed, an open tender was held, and based on its results, an agreement was signed with the winning company on June 1, 2026. On June 4, the contractor provided the State Department of Architectural and Construction Control with the relevant information on the start of construction work and submitted the necessary documents.

The university further provided documentation showing that the State Department of Architectural and Construction Control approved the urban planning conclusion on April 3, 2026. However, this approval was later rescinded on June 11, based on an order from the Ministry of Construction, Architecture, and Housing and Communal Services. Manas University emphasized that this administrative decision was made after construction had already commenced and construction had begun, rendering the accusations of building without permits inaccurate.

This clarification comes after the Ministry of Construction announced on June 11 that dormitory construction was halted due to a lack of necessary permits and failure to register the facility in the state construction registry. Concurrently, Bishkek city officials began dismantling gates and preparing the campus site for a new road intended to connect Chingiz Aitmatov Avenue with Tynaliev Street, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion. This road project has sparked public debate, with some students and activists opposing it due to concerns about increased campus traffic, reduced safety, and loss of green spaces, leading to an online petition signed by thousands.

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This administrative decision was made after the start of construction and approval, and the claims of 'erecting a building without permission' are not true.