Bishkek City Hall is seeking a partner to launch a network of modern public toilets

The Bishkek City Hall has announced an open competition to find a private partner for the implementation of a public-private partnership project entitled “Development of public sanitary facilities in the city of Bishkek.” The project involves the creation of a new network of modern, safe, and convenient public toilets, which the city has long lacked.

The project aims to solve one of the chronic problems of urban infrastructure, namely the lack of quality sanitary facilities in places where people gather in large numbers — in parks, on central streets, near bus stops, markets, sports facilities, and tourist areas.

The implementation format is based on the Build-Operate-Transfer model, which involves a private partner designing, financing, building, and operating the facilities, after which they are transferred to the city.

Project objectives:

• improving the accessibility of sanitation and hygiene services for the population;
• modernising and expanding the city's sanitation infrastructure;
• creating a more comfortable and safer urban environment;
• ensuring accessibility for citizens with limited mobility.

According to the tender documentation, the private partner will have to build and equip sanitary facilities on the land plots provided. For this purpose, it must invest at least 880,000 KGS in each facility. It is also responsible for technical maintenance, sanitary maintenance, and security. The project has a 12-month implementation period.

Based on the terms of the project, the modern toilets will be paid. The city only asks that certain categories of citizens be given discounts. It is not known how much it will cost to use the facilities, but the partner will have 10 to 15 years to recoup their investment, after which all facilities must be transferred to the city.

For its part, the city administration will provide land for lease on preferential terms and assist in the approval of project and engineering documentation.

Individual entrepreneurs, legal entities—both Kyrgyz and foreign—as well as consortia that meet the qualification requirements are invited to participate. Participants must confirm that they have no debts, no restrictions on their activities, and practical experience in the construction or operation of similar facilities.

The selection process consists of two stages: qualification and competitive bidding.