A new pedestrian bridge now links the Altyn Kazyk and Kalys Ordo residential neighborhoods in Bishkek, giving thousands of residents a safe and reliable crossing over the intake canal of the Nizhne-Ala-Archinsky Reservoir.
The bridge also creates a secure route for schoolchildren from Altyn Kazyk, who can now reach the neighboring settlement’s school without risk.
The bridge was officially inaugurated on June 3, 2026, during a community celebration attended by representatives of the Bishkek City Hall, the Pervomaisky District Administration, Municipal Territorial Administration No. 205, the Swiss Embassy, as well as local residents and community activists.
This new infrastructure marks a significant milestone in improving living conditions in Bishkek’s emerging residential areas. Built in full compliance with technical standards, the bridge enhances both safety and mobility, contributing to a better quality of life for families in the area.
The project’s total cost amounted to 6.9 million soms, with 2.8 million soms provided by Switzerland and 4.1 million soms by the Bishkek City Hall. Residents of the new settlements played an essential role by initiating the project and actively participating throughout its implementation.
For more than three decades, internal migrants have increasingly settled on the outskirts of Bishkek and Osh, often facing limited access to public services due to the absence of legal residency status and a lack of reliable information. In response to these challenges, Switzerland launched the Araket project in 2022.
Today, Araket supports 11 growing settlements – 7 in Bishkek and 4 in Osh - reaching over 120,000 people. The initiative strengthens communities by raising awareness of residents’ rights and responsibilities, improving access to essential public services, and working with local authorities to enhance infrastructure and living conditions. With a strong focus on women and children, the project helps expand access to education, social opportunities, and economic stability.
Funded by the Swiss Government, Araket is implemented in Kyrgyzstan by GFA Consulting Group in partnership with the Public Association “Resource Center for the Elderly.”
For more information, please contact Yulia Salomatina, Communications Specialist at the Public Association "Resource Center for the Elderly" via email at pr.rce.kg@gmail.com or by phone at 0555 132937.
Social media of the project:
📌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Araket.Project/
📌 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/araket_project/