Construction - The Times Of Central Asia

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Kazakhstan-UK Cooperation

Construction Begins on New British School Campus in Astana

A capsule-laying ceremony on June 7 marked the official start of construction on the new Ardingly College campus in Astana, a major milestone in Kazakhstan-UK educational cooperation. Ardingly Astana is a branch of Ardingly College, a prestigious British coeducational day and boarding school founded in 1858 in West Sussex, England. The Astana branch will follow the Cambridge curriculum, offering instruction in English and preparing students for A-Level examinations. The school’s faculty will include educators with international and UK-based teaching experience. The first phase of the new campus is expected to open in 2026, with the capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 students. The campus will include state-of-the-art facilities such as a swimming pool, sports complexes, music and art studios, and science laboratories. Designed as an educational hub for students from Kazakhstan and across Central Asia, Ardingly Astana aims to merge the British academic model with innovative teaching methods, equipping students for admission to leading universities worldwide. The project also seeks to attract international educators and promote cross-border knowledge exchange and educational integration. The development is supported by Kazakh Invest, Kazakhstan’s national investment promotion agency. The capsule-laying ceremony was attended by representatives of the British Embassy in Kazakhstan, Ardingly College, Ardingly Astana, and Kazakh Invest. Azamat Kozhanov, Deputy Chairman of Kazakh Invest, underscored the project’s significance: “The opening of a campus of one of the UK’s top educational institutions in the heart of Eurasia symbolizes trust, partnership, and a strategic vision for the future. It will be more than just a school, it will be an ecosystem for nurturing ideas and developing future leaders. Education remains a priority for investment, and we are ready to provide full support for such projects. We are confident that Ardingly Astana will attract talented students and educators from around the world.” The project marks a significant step in advancing both educational and investment ties between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom.

Sewage System

Cholpon-Ata Launches First-Ever Centralized Sewage System Project

In a significant move toward sustainable tourism and environmental protection, Kyrgyz Minister of Construction Nurdan Oruntaev signed an agreement with firms from China, Turkey, and Uzbekistan to build treatment facilities, pump stations, and sewer collectors in Cholpon-Ata, a city on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The project is being financed by the Asian Development Bank as part of the national “Environmental Management of Issyk-Kul” program. It aims to improve ecological conditions and support sustainable tourism development by establishing a unified sewage system for Cholpon-Ata and nearby settlements, including Bosteri, Kara-Oi, and Baktuu-Dolonotu. “The project aims to ensure balanced economic development with a focus on innovation and environmentally friendly technologies. Its key objective is to preserve the unique ecosystem of the lake,” the Ministry of Construction stated. Environmental Measures Ahead of Tourist Season Ahead of the 2025 tourist season, the Environmental and Technical Supervision Service has announced that resorts without sewage treatment facilities will be barred from operating during the summer months. “With the start of the season, the load on the lake's ecosystem increases dramatically, all sanatoriums and holiday homes begin operating, and the number of tourists surges. Issyk-Kul is a closed ecosystem and designated biosphere reserve that requires special protection. According to a presidential decree, facilities in the recreational zone without treatment infrastructure are prohibited from operating,” explained Kych Tentimishov, head of the regional department for environmental and technical supervision at the Ministry of Natural Resources. Current Sanitation Status According to ministry data, there are currently 1,127 accommodation facilities operating around Lake Issyk-Kul, including resorts, sanatoriums, and holiday homes. Of these, only 185 have their own sewage treatment systems, and another 208 are connected to a centralized system. The remaining facilities rely on septic tanks. Authorities are currently conducting inspections to ensure all facilities meet environmental standards, as part of a broader initiative to safeguard one of Kyrgyzstan’s most treasured natural landmarks.

Construction

Afghanistan Delivers White Marble to Uzbekistan for Imam Bukhari Complex

Afghanistan has delivered 16 truckloads of white marble from Herat to Uzbekistan for use in the construction of the Imam Bukhari complex in Samarkand, according to the Surkhandarya regional administration. The marble will contribute to the ongoing development of the religious and cultural site dedicated to the revered Islamic scholar. The marble was officially transferred at the Termez International Trade Center during a meeting between Uzbek and Afghan officials. According to Uzbekistan’s state news agency UzA, the first shipment comprises 324 boxes of rare white marble, with each slab measuring 3.5 to 4 centimeters thick. Expanding Bilateral Relations Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have been expanding bilateral relations in recent years. In March, Uzbekistan sent nearly 200 tons of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, including flour, pasta, oil, sugar, and other essential supplies. Looking ahead, the two nations aim to boost annual trade to $3 billion. In 2023, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan totaled $866 million.

Airports

Kyrgyzstan Begins Construction of New Jalal-Abad International Airport

On May 13, President Sadyr Japarov laid the foundation stone for a new international airport in Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan’s third-largest city. The new airport will span over 380 hectares and include a two-story passenger terminal covering 10,000 square meters, with the capacity to handle 350 passengers per hour. Its airfield infrastructure will meet international standards, featuring a 3,800-meter runway and six aircraft parking bays. The facility will accommodate both passenger and cargo aircraft, including Boeing 737, Airbus A320, and A321 models. Unlike a renovation of the existing facility, the project entails entirely new construction. The current Jalal-Abad airport dates back to 1938, originally serving as an airfield, with a terminal building and asphalt runway added in 1972. Boosting Air Infrastructure At the groundbreaking ceremony, Japarov emphasized the rising demand for both domestic and international flights, underscoring the need to expand the country's airport infrastructure. “Since 2021, Kyrgyzstan has increased passenger traffic by 46% and the number of flights by 31%. New aircraft have been acquired, and previously idle regional airports have resumed operations,” he said. He also noted that the newly established Asman Airlines has restored all domestic routes, linking the capital, Bishkek, with Talas, Karakol, and Kerben. In 2024, the airline added two Canadian-made Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 short-haul aircraft to its fleet for domestic service. Regional Impact Japarov stated that the new Jalal-Abad International Airport would enhance logistics, trade, tourism, and investment across the Fergana Valley, a region shared by Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. This project is part of Kyrgyzstan’s broader strategy to modernize its aviation infrastructure. In February 2025, construction began on a new airport complex at Osh International Airport, located in the country’s second-largest city. Kyrgyzstan has also recently inaugurated Karakol International Airport and Talas Airport. Reconstruction efforts are currently underway at Issyk-Kul International Airport and Naryn Airport.

Construction

Rising Cement Prices in Kyrgyzstan Slow Economic Growth

In a bid to stabilize the construction market, the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has lifted a temporary ban on cement imports. The decision is aimed at addressing soaring prices and growing demand for construction materials amid an ongoing nationwide building boom. According to government officials, the move is intended to support market competition, prevent material shortages, and reduce pressure on prices. “The lifting of the temporary ban on cement imports will support healthy competition in the market, prevent shortages, and stabilize prices for construction materials,” the cabinet stated. The ban had been introduced approximately one month earlier, following a surge in cement imports from neighboring countries. Officials argued that this influx had created unfair competitive conditions for domestic producers. Construction Boom Meets Market Tensions Kyrgyzstan’s construction sector has emerged as a key engine of economic growth in recent years. The government has made the development of this sector a priority, citing its importance for job creation, infrastructure expansion, and broader economic momentum. The country is currently in the midst of a construction boom, with large-scale projects such as stadiums, airports, and affordable housing developments underway. These initiatives are being supported by new mortgage lending programs and infrastructure investments. However, rapid growth has strained the supply of building materials, especially cement. Local media report that the construction of a new stadium in Bishkek, touted as the future largest in Central Asia, alone requires 135,000 cubic meters of cement. Concerns have also been raised over alleged artificial price hikes. While officials deny any supply issues, reports suggest that some market players may be inflating prices to maximize profit amid the surge in demand. Balancing Growth and Stability The lifting of the import ban signals a shift in government policy toward greater market flexibility in the face of inflationary pressures. It reflects broader challenges facing Kyrgyzstan’s economy as it seeks to balance robust growth in the construction sector with price stability and fair market practices. As the country continues its infrastructure push, the success of such measures will be critical not only to the construction industry but also to the broader trajectory of economic development in 2025.

Infrastructure

ADB Finances 90% of Road Projects in Tajikistan’s Regions

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has financed the construction and reconstruction of 90% of all roads in Tajikistan outside the capital, Dushanbe. This was announced by Evgeny Zhukov, ADB Director General for Central and West Asia, during the 58th Annual Meeting of the Bank’s Board of Governors in Milan. Tajikistan’s Largest Transport Infrastructure Investor According to Zhukov, Tajikistan has long been a key partner for the ADB. Since the start of cooperation, the bank has invested approximately $2.7 billion in the country, with the majority of funds directed toward public sector development. “If you travel outside Dushanbe, there is a 90% chance the roads you are on were built or modernized with ADB support. This confirms the effectiveness of our investments,” Zhukov stated. Laziza Sabirova, Head of Regional Cooperation and Integration at the ADB’s Central and West Asia Department, emphasized the bank’s commitment to quality control. An independent unit evaluates whether project outcomes align with initial objectives and ensures efficient use of funds. “These specialists assess each project’s relevance and effectiveness, checking if goals were achieved, whether there was overspending, and evaluating construction quality. Post-completion, they also analyze facility use, maintenance, and any further funding needs,” Sabirova explained. Zhukov also highlighted the ADB’s intent to strengthen cooperation with other international financial institutions, including the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. One of the largest upcoming joint initiatives will involve funding the Rogun hydroelectric power plant. The ADB plans to allocate up to $500 million for this project in the coming years. Future Development Plans Earlier announcements indicated that the ADB is planning around 20 major projects in Tajikistan between 2025 and 2029. These initiatives span agriculture, social services, urban development, and energy. Particular emphasis will continue to be placed on improving transport infrastructure to enhance domestic logistics and boost economic ties with neighboring countries. Currently, the ADB’s portfolio in Tajikistan includes 19 ongoing public investment projects valued at about $1 billion. These cover key sectors such as energy, healthcare, water supply, irrigation, environmental protection, and tourism. In support of these efforts, the ADB has also provided 12 technical assistance grants totaling $11.2 million. Supporting Economic Stability Ko Sakamoto, the ADB’s permanent representative in Tajikistan, affirmed the bank’s ongoing partnership with the government to reinforce economic stability and improve living standards. “Our collaboration with local partners is already producing tangible results, and we are confident that upcoming projects will contribute to sustainable development,” Sakamoto said. Tajikistan remains one of the largest recipients of ADB grants in Central Asia. Since the beginning of their partnership in 1998, the ADB has delivered significant financial support for vital infrastructure projects, helping lay the groundwork for long-term economic progress.