Jamila Dzhamanbaeva, the ombudsman, held a series of meetings with local residents of the Issyk-Kul region, as reported by her office's press service.
During this trip, more than 15 written appeals were registered, and 27 oral consultations were conducted. All collected appeals will be taken into account, and recommendations will be provided to government agencies on certain issues.
The meetings took place in the village of Bosteri and the city of Balakchy, with over 200 people from various districts of the region in attendance. This year, the format of the events has changed: citizen receptions are now held not only in regional centers but also in remote settlements.
Dzhamanbaeva noted that her office staff will now receive citizens in Bosteri, whereas previously services were only available in Karakol. This will allow for quicker responses to appeals and improve interaction with residents.
The majority of the issues raised at the meetings concerned the socio-economic sphere. Young families sought assistance in obtaining land plots and housing through the State Mortgage Company. Residents also raised questions about increasing pensions and social benefits, as well as revising the rules for granting payments to families with children under three years old, which currently apply only in high-altitude and border areas.
Parents of children with disabilities reported a lack of rehabilitation centers in the region, as well as a shortage of speech therapists and defectologists needed for inclusive education. According to local authorities, there are about 3,890 such children living in the area. Local government officials suggested the possibility of sending children to the rehabilitation center "Kelechek" in Bishkek. The mayor of Balakchy promised to improve conditions at the existing center and renovate an additional building for specialists to work in.
Residents of the village of Baktyu-Dolonotu expressed concern about a landfill that poses health risks and requested assistance in protecting their right to a clean environmental setting. Difficulties with housing registration were also discussed: some families have lived in barracks for over 20 years and cannot legalize their homes, which creates problems with obtaining passports and accessing social services. Specialists explained how to obtain temporary registration at the municipality's address.
Additionally, issues related to the quality of vaccinations and the accountability of medical workers were discussed. The ombudsman recommended that local authorities enhance informational and explanatory work on the importance of vaccinations.
Teachers and doctors reported instances of pressure and the spread of false information online, which they believe negatively affects their professional reputation. Educators also raised questions about discipline in schools and the balance of rights and responsibilities of students.
Moreover, residents noted the high cost of housing rentals against the backdrop of low salary levels. An elderly resident of Balakchy sought assistance in resolving a dispute with a microcredit company, claiming that after fully repaying a loan, money continues to be deducted from his pension.
