The editorial team of Kaktus.media decided to investigate the current state of the works, what has been completed with budget funds, and what expenses have fallen on the shoulders of entrepreneurs.
At first glance, the absence of familiar trading points and kiosks is striking. As reported by the first deputy head of the Oktobrskiy district administration, Mayrambek Adylbekov, one of the first measures was the removal of about 40 illegal trading facilities.
“Despite the dissatisfaction of the traders, who complained about losing their jobs, their activities were illegal,” noted Adylbekov. He added that job vacancies are being posted at the market entrance from the side of "Oberon" so that those interested can familiarize themselves with them. “This list will be updated soon,” he added.
The market passages have also undergone significant changes: last year, about 2000 square meters were asphalted. In addition, the irrigation system, which was almost non-existent before, has been improved, which previously led to the formation of large puddles during rain.
All these works were funded by the city budget.
Unified Design Code
Updating the facades of trading pavilions has become a separate stage of the works carried out under the unified design code of the city. Each entrepreneur is required to apply to Bishkek City Architecture for an approved facade project.At the same time, the costs of updating the facades fall on the entrepreneurs. According to Adylbekov, about 30 businessmen have received notifications about the need to update their facades, and currently, about half of them have already completed this work.
“Entrepreneurs mostly understand the necessity of changes. Some have already completed the updates, while others are asking for a delay to improve their financial situation and finish the work in the spring,” he added.
The entrepreneurs themselves confirm that they are following the requirements, although this entails additional costs. According to them, they have no choice: if the market is being put in order, they have to adapt to the new conditions.
The Garbage Problem of 2 Million Soms
Garbage at the Orto-Sai market has long been a source of dissatisfaction among visitors. Bishkek residents often shared photos on social media and called on the authorities to address the sanitation issue.Currently, two waste sorting points have been built at the market, each costing about 1 million soms. Now waste is sorted: plastic, cardboard, and organic waste are separated. “Tazalyk” removes garbage according to a schedule, while companies handle the removal of plastic under separate contracts. The process has become more structured compared to previous times when garbage could be thrown away at any time and in any place.
Parking: Questions Remain
Nevertheless, the parking issue has not yet been resolved. Visitors arriving in their cars still have to search for a parking spot. However, the authorities promise to address this situation soon.The Oktobrskiy district administration assures that the construction of a multi-level parking lot for 250 cars will be completed by early spring.
It is still unclear how much it will cost to use the parking, as this will be determined by a private entrepreneur after the work is completed, since the project is being implemented in a public-private partnership format.
Customer Feedback
Opinions among customers vary widely. Here are a few of them:“Honestly, I don’t like the design of the signs - they are too red and illegible. There is no style at all.”
“There was nowhere to park before, and there still isn’t.”
“It seems to be a bit cleaner than before. There used to be a lot of garbage, and people would bring goods out onto the street. Now that’s not the case - the road has become wider and freer.”
How long has it been since you visited the Orto-Sai market?
