Canals and rivers often become real business cards of large cities, playing an important role in their development and infrastructure. Waterways beautify cities, create cosy areas for recreation, bring economic benefits, and attract tourists. Examples of this are the famous canals of Amsterdam or the impressive waterfronts of Beijing, which are becoming an integral part of urban life. Such spaces promote tourism and business, improve the quality of life and stimulate economic growth. Unfortunately, despite the Big Chui Canal (BCC) in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan cannot yet boast of similarly landscaped and popular embankments.

Abandoned areas are currently located along the BCC. There are hardly any areas for recreation, walking and active pastimes in these places. Nevertheless, the situation may change thanks to a plan to renovate embankments, aiming to turn them into modern public spaces. The Emgek party, which won the majority of seats in the Bishkek City Kenesh elections in 2021, has come up with such an ambitious proposal. The idea to modernise the BCC was put forward by the party back then, and some progress has been made since then.

Within the framework of the ‘Initiative City 2.0’ election programme, with which the party is running in the current elections, the BCC embankment restoration remains a priority. The basic concept is to transform these areas into a multi-functional recreational area, including sports and cultural facilities, cycling and jogging paths. This approach can not only improve the city's infrastructure but contribute to the development of the northern districts of Bishkek as well.

"We are committed to ensuring that BCC embankments cease to be forgotten and unused. We propose to turn them into crucial elements of the city life that can become centres for recreation, tourism and business development. Such initiatives not only improve the city image but also have a positive impact on the economy,’ Ruslan Sharshenbai uulu, candidate of the Emgek party says.

Indeed, the modern embankments along the BCС will open up new opportunities for business and leisure. Cafes, shopping areas, sports complexes and cultural centres could be built here. Thus, the capital's northern districts will become more attractive for investment and business, and the embankments will turn into lively and dynamic public areas.

"Renovation of areas like BCC is not just about improving the city's external appearance. It is a contribution to the capital's future. These changes can give a new impetus to economic development, create conditions for the emergence of new jobs and offer citizens modern areas for recreation and work,' Toktosun Sultanov, Chairman of the Emgek Party, adds.

Among other things, the capital's embankment modernisation involves improving the environmental situation. Greening the areas along the BCС will help reduce pollution and improve the quality of the air in Bishkek. This will be an important step in solving the city's environmental problems.

Of course, large-scale improvement plans are always linked to the availability of resources - both financial and administrative. The successful fulfilment of the task will require close cooperation between municipal authorities and businesses. However, the Emgek party is convinced that all difficulties are surmountable and complete embankment renovation is only a matter of time.

At the same time, it is clear that the creation of modern space along the canal will bring Bishkek closer to world standards in urban development and make it more comfortable for residents and attractive for visitors. This step promises to transform the BCС embankments from a neglected area into a place that will serve the entire city's benefit.

Recall, the elections to the Bishkek City Kenesh will be held on 17 November. The party ‘Emgek’ is under No.4 on the ballot paper.

Paid from the funds of the electoral fund of the political party "Emgek" by the authorized representative on financial issues Zhokoeva Zh.Zh.