However, the project attracted public attention due to the need for specialized engineering and construction solutions.
Parameters of the "Altai" Town
The new microdistrict is being built near the village of Prigorodnoye and will cover an area of 234 hectares. The project plans to construct 1,551 five-story buildings with 34,004 apartments of various layouts. Additionally, the construction of educational institutions, medical facilities, rehabilitation centers, as well as police and fire service stations is planned. The project also includes the creation of 50 hectares of green spaces and sports grounds.Conditions for Housing Purchase
Buyers were offered favorable conditions: they could choose an option with or without a down payment. The price per square meter is about 79,000 soms (approximately $900). The total payment amount depends on the apartment's area. It is expected that the houses will be completed within five to six years.The start of apartment sales from the zero cycle took place in November 2025, which generated high interest: in the first days of the sales offices' operation, 34,000 apartments were sold in just two days.
Representatives of the Ministry of Construction reported that the "Altai" project has been approved by the relevant structures, and separate approval from the Institute of Seismology is not required.
"Before the start of construction work, necessary engineering and geological surveys were conducted, which determined the groundwater level. The project documentation includes appropriate engineering solutions, including drainage systems and limiting the number of floors to five, taking into account the site's characteristics," the agency noted.
Furthermore, they reminded about the existing large facilities in the area, including projects on the territory of the Osh market and the new bus station, as well as old houses built during the Soviet era.
However, the president of the Academy of Sciences, Kanatbek Abdrakhmatov, expressed doubts about this. According to him, designing buildings in seismically hazardous areas requires mandatory micro-zoning to account for earthquake intensity and soil characteristics. The construction area of "Altai" is not included in the approved micro-zoning maps, therefore, it is necessary.
Construction is Possible, but Expensive
Architect Hansar Aitkulov emphasized that erecting multi-story buildings in this zone without thorough geological studies could be fraught with risks. He noted that the high groundwater level could lead to a temporary loss of soil strength, which is dangerous for buildings."For five-story houses, the risk is particularly high, as they create significant loads on foundations that may not reach dense soil layers. This can lead to lateral displacements, cracks in walls, and even damage to utilities," the expert added.
Specialists from design institutes are aware that the high groundwater level in this area leads to basement flooding and possible landslides.During earthquakes, these factors can be exacerbated, causing sand and water to be expelled to the surface and damaging building foundations," the specialist emphasized.
Architect Aigul Nasirdinova supports her colleague's viewpoint, adding that at the initial stage, it is worth allocating an experimental site to verify all calculations.
"These buildings must be resistant to various natural factors, which will require the use of high-quality construction materials. This will entail significant costs, as site preparation will require considerable funds. Ultimately, this may result in the houses being 'gold-plated,'" she believes.
Nevertheless, she is confident that the project will become a unique experience for the construction sector of Kyrgyzstan.
