Ger area residents request permission to do business

The Ger District Movement lodged a peaceful demonstration at Sukhbaatar Square on March 2, demanding the government to allow them to do business on their land

General organizer of the movement Ya.Munguntsetseg stated, “Over 90 percent of the Mongolian population live in ger areas. If we want to develop the nation, we must start with ger areas. Developing these areas is the fastest and most accurate method to getting rid of the long-standing air pollution problem, which has now become a business for highranking officials. Please let ger area residents engage in businesses on their land.”

She added that if central heating and water networks are connected to ger areas, people who live in the community can work together and build a townhouse and sell the remaining land to people of middle-class who can’t afford to buy an apartment. Taking small steps toward development will resolve many challenges, such as poverty and unemployment, Ya.Munguntsetseg emphasized.

“When we have this kind of escape route, (officials) are saying that they will spend 10 trillion MNT to reduce smog. Spend that money on the development of ger areas and to creating a good legal environment,” she said.

Ch.Enkhtsetseg, a resident of the 17th khoroo in Chingeltei District, stated that around 240 people living in her khoroo wish to be included in the ger area redevelopment project in hopes of getting a better living condition.

“During the previous government, 96 families had been included in the ger area redevelopment project but once the government changed, this issue was forgotten,” she says. “We are despised for being the main source of the city’s air and soil pollution. Who wouldn’t want to live in a warm and comfortable building with running hot and cold water? Please give us, who don’t have large amounts of cash, at least the chance to buy electric heaters on credit. We don’t know who to approach to be able to live comfortably.”

The Ger District Movement announced that it will organize the third National Ger Area Conference on March 9 at the Central Cultural Palace. It will allow participants to draft requests and demands to the state and city administration. After the conference, another peaceful demonstration will be held, according to Ya.Munguntsetseg.