At the end of January 2025, the Development Policy Institute announced the results of the “Local Initiative” competition, launched in November 2024 among municipalities in At-Bashy District of Naryn Region and Nookat District of Osh Region. The competition was organised under the Effective Governance for Economic Development (EGED) Programme, funded by the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
The main objective of the competition was to encourage active participation of local communities in improving living conditions, engage citizens in decision-making processes, and create conditions for sustainable local economic development. The applications showcased successful initiatives aimed at improving local infrastructure, supporting vulnerable groups and small businesses through joint efforts by local authorities, entrepreneurs and civil society.
“A total of 14 applications were received from the two regions – seven from Nookat District and seven from At-Bashy District. Following the announcement of the selection committee’s decision, the local self-government bodies were invited to submit requests for technical support equivalent to the value of the prizes. This support will enable them to continue their initiatives, improve the practices described in their applications, or implement new initiatives in partnership with local self-government,” said Altynai Buzurmankulova, Project Manager.
The selection committee, comprising representatives of the Project, the local state administrations of the pilot districts and the Development Policy Institute, evaluated the applications and selected the winners. Based on requests submitted by the winning municipalities, the prizes will be provided in the form of goods and equipment as follows:
- 1st place – Ak-Muz Aiyl Aimak, At-Bashy District: “Cleanliness Starts with You.”
The local self-government plans to use the prize of KGS 70,000 to purchase LED lamps for street lighting. - 2nd place – Kara-Tash Aiyl Aimak, Nookat District: “Sewing Workshop – Opportunities for Women in the Village.”
The local self-government plans to use the KGS 50,000 prize to purchase an electric generator, heaters and fabric-cutting scissors for the workshop. - 2nd place – At-Bashy Aiyl Aimak, At-Bashy District: “Uluu Muun Social Space – Caring for the Older Generation.”
The local self-government plans to use the KGS 50,000 prize to purchase sound equipment, including speakers, a microphone and amplifiers, for cultural and community events at the centre. - 3rd place – At-Bashy Aiyl Aimak, At-Bashy District: “Implementation of the Socio-Economic Development Programme as a Tool for Municipal Development.”
The local self-government plans to use the KGS 30,000 prize to purchase sound equipment for public meetings and community gatherings. - 3rd place – Mirmakhmudov Aiyl Aimak, Nookat District: “Vocational Courses – Opportunities for Young People and Vulnerable Families.”
The local self-government plans to use the KGS 30,000 prize to purchase tools required for practical training during the courses.
