First Kyrgyz energy efficient housing with municipality support

The Kyrgyz town of Tokmok is located in the north of the country at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains. With maximum temperatures of +37⁰ C and minimum temperatures of -28⁰C, the 55,000 inhabitants are truly challenged to enjoy comfortable living conditions. The challenge, however, enabled several stakeholders to enter into a beneficial partnership through the KyrSEFF credit line facility.

KyrSEFF, its participating bank Bai-Tushum and the Tokmok city administration agreed on the construction of 14 residential houses to provide affordable and energy efficient houses for public sector employees.

This was possible because KyrSEFF allows loan financing to construction companies that use energy efficient technologies in new buildings, improving the energy performance of houses as compared to the initial construction design. Loans cover energy efficient windows, improved insulation, thermal pumps, solar water heaters, high-efficiency boilers, heating and air-conditioning systems.

The city provided land for construction, making it affordable for low-income families. The KyrSEFF experts advised on adjustments to make the new houses energy efficient. The bank provided $800,000 financing to the construction company, while grants from the donors made the housing yet more affordable for public servants.

Experts say that the Tokmok project is the first successful step towards a new type of multilateral cooperation between donors, municipalities and the financial sector. Fifty six families already enjoy the new, warm and comfortable flats with lower utility costs.