A $64.9 million project aimed at improving ecology and tourism in Cholpon-Ata, the villages of Bosteri, Kara-Oi, and Baktuu-Dolonotu in the Issyk-Kul region is now ready for implementation. The project includes funding of $56 million in the form of a grant and a loan from the Asian Development Bank ($31 million grant, $25 million loan), with an additional $8.9 million from the budget. This information was revealed during a meeting of the parliamentary committee on agrarian policy, water resources, ecology, and regional development.
The news delighted the deputies, who noted that a draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers approving the credit agreement for the project "Ecological Lake Management of Issyk-Kul for Sustainable Tourism Development" between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Asian Development Bank, as well as a grant agreement for the same project, had been submitted for the committee's consideration.
Finally, the long-awaited draft resolution from the cabinet is ready. The deputies had thoroughly studied the document and held six field meetings on the matter. President's instructions to asphalt the roads in Cholpon-Ata by July 1st were discussed, with concerns raised about the durability of the road surfaces.
Representatives from the State Architectural and Construction Inspectorate assured that they have a plan in place to lay pipes without damaging the road surface, with the project scheduled for completion by 2030.
Deputy Balbak Tulobaev mentioned that this grant is a way for the cabinet to repay a debt to the Issyk-Kul region. During the pandemic, funds allocated for ecological infrastructure were redirected to COVID-19 response efforts. This was deemed a violation by the Chamber of Accounts and the Prosecutor General's Office, leading to the commitment by the cabinet to return the funds. The grant can be seen as a step towards fulfilling that commitment.
His colleague Sultanbay Aizhigitov demanded a detailed implementation plan from the cabinet, criticizing the lack of clear direction despite securing grants and loans. This sentiment was echoed by other deputies, highlighting concerns about the lack of a concrete plan for the allocated funds.
After discussions, the deputies expressed their support for the project but requested a presentation with a detailed description of the implementation plan for the next meeting.
