Published
01/14/2026, 18:10The head of the information policy service of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic, Dayir Orunbekov, commented on social media on the criticism of MP Dastan Bekeshov regarding the construction of a mini-football field on the territory of the Botanical Garden in Bishkek.
Bekeshov had previously stated that a football pitch should not be located inside the Botanical Garden, as the area is intended for walking and recreation for city residents, and there are enough other places for sports in the city.
In response, Oruzbekov recalled that before the reconstruction began, the Botanical Garden was in a state of neglect: the trees were drying out, the irrigation system was not working, the area was unlit and unsafe, offences were being recorded, and wild animals were roaming the garden.
On the instructions of the President, a comprehensive reconstruction is currently underway. Sidewalks for walking and running, lighting, video surveillance systems have already been installed, an 8.5 km long bicycle path has been laid, three wells 270 metres deep have been drilled, and drip irrigation is being introduced. The 147-hectare Botanical Garden fence has been completely renovated.
Orunbekov separately emphasised that the mini-football field is being built on a rocky area where no trees previously grew. It is part of a health promotion zone created at the request of city residents.
The key point highlighted by the representative of the Presidential Administration is that the Botanical Garden will earn its own maintenance costs. The income from the sports ground is planned to be used for the maintenance of the territory, infrastructure and development of the garden, which will reduce the facility's dependence on budget funding.
According to him, the work is scheduled to be completed by the summer. After that, it will be possible to objectively compare the previous state of the Botanical Garden with the final result of the reconstruction.
