Why did they have to cover the trees in tarmac? – Bishkek’s mayor criticises city services

During the ‘Open Office’ event, Mayor Aibek Junushaliyev stated that he himself was dissatisfied with the work of a number of municipal departments and contractors. The capital’s mayor’s main complaints concerned pothole repairs, urban improvements and the organisation of roadworks.

According to Dzhunushaliyev, municipal services often leave excavated sections of road untouched for several days, causing traffic jams and hazardous situations, whilst road repairs are frequently carried out without adhering to proper procedures. As an example, he cited the situation in Ataturk Park, where trees had been covered in asphalt.

“Why did a wave of public discontent have to arise for us to realise that you cannot simply cover trees in asphalt?” the mayor said.

He also acknowledged that some of the criticism directed at the city council is justified. According to Dzhunushaliyev, the increase in the volume of roadworks in Bishkek has led to a rise in the number of mistakes, but the authorities are “not ignoring” residents’ complaints and are working to address the shortcomings.