Ramiz Aliev, the Deputy Mayor of Bishkek for Housing and Communal Services, reported on the constant commission of the City Council on Housing and Communal Services, Energy, Resources, Transport, Communications, and Ecology that the subscriber base of the municipal enterprise 'Tazalyk' has doubled over the past four years. This growth, coupled with rising costs, has prompted the mayor's office to request subsidies to compensate for the enterprise's diminished income.
Growth in Service Scope and Operational Costs
According to Aliev, the scale of 'Tazalyk's' operations has expanded considerably. In 2022, the subscriber base stood at 540 thousand, which has now reached 1.8 million. Furthermore, the number of commercial entities served has increased from 6 thousand in 2022 to over 20 thousand.
Tariff Changes and Fuel Price Increases
Aliev also pointed out the increase in operational expenses, noting that the price for diesel fuel (GSM) has risen from about 60 soms in 2022 to 87 soms currently. He added that while the enterprise has paid off debts to the Social Fund and the Tax Service over the last two years, the overall costs have increased due to the city's expansion, which has grown threefold due to annexed territories.
During the discussion, a question was raised regarding the tariff hike. A deputy questioned whether the planned increase in the waste reception fee from 440 soms to 17 dollars, effective January 1st—a threefold increase—would affect 'Tazalyk's' budget. Aliev clarified that the discussion was focused on raising the tariff and finding other sources for 'Tazalyk's' subsidies, stating that a private company has no bearing on this matter.
Context
The waste incineration plant in Bishkek is required to supply 1 thousand tons of waste per day, or 365 thousand tons annually, as per an agreement. The Deputy Mayor, Ramiz Aliev, is responsible for housing and communal services in Bishkek. The deputy, Kazybek Ergeshov, is a deputy of the City Council.
- The subscriber base of 'Tazalyk' has doubled over four years
- The number of commercial entities served increased from 6 thousand to over 20 thousand
- The cost of diesel fuel increased from about 60 soms to 87 soms
- The city administration is requesting subsidies to cover revenue gaps
The current waste reception fee is 440 soms, but the tariff is scheduled to rise to 17 dollars starting January 1st, representing a threefold increase.
