Implementation of the “Taza Kazakhstan” Programme: Results of the Work Carried Out

A meeting chaired by Kostanay Region Governor Kumar Aksakalov was held to discuss the implementation of the nationwide environmental programme “Taza Kazakhstan”.
The meeting featured reports by the akims of Fedorovsky, Uzunkol, Sarykol and Beimbet Mailin districts, the mayor of Lisakovsk, as well as the Head of the Regional Department of Education.
“Throughout the year, we have kept the situation under constant review. To this end, an additional monitoring practice was introduced, and a photo album containing approximately 15,000 identified issues was compiled. We monitor the progress made in addressing each issue and verify the results reported by the regions through follow-up photographs. According to the regions’ reports, 78% of the identified issues have been addressed. However, our follow-up inspections confirmed that only 63% had actually been resolved. During my working visits to the regions, I personally compare the information in the photo album with the actual situation on the ground,” noted the Head of the Region.
Particular attention was also paid to the involvement of the business community. To date, entrepreneurs have contributed more than KZT 2.7 billion towards the improvement and development of public spaces.
Several tangible examples of completed projects were highlighted:
•    Improvement of Zhenis Sayabagy Park in Zhitikara District;
•    Development of the BALALAND park area in Rudny;
•    Improvement of the central park in Lisakovsk;
•    Construction of a recreational park in the village of Mirolyubovka, Uzunkol District.
In Karabalyk District, with the support of agricultural producers, more than 36,000 tonnes of waste were removed and 52 dilapidated houses were demolished. A sports ground was also installed in the village of Furmanovo, within the city of Arkalyk.
“This practice must be continued and expanded. In addition, work is underway to make use of the mechanisms provided for by law in the field of urban improvement. Since March this year, local executive bodies have been empowered to independently take measures under Article 505 of the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Administrative Offences. These powers now enable us to respond promptly to violations of public improvement regulations.
This work is being actively carried out in Kostanay District (1,174 cases), Zhitikara District (517), Kamysty District (454) and Uzunkol District (395), as well as in Denisov, Mendykarin and Auliekol districts.
It is important that administrative measures are not taken merely to increase the number of reports, but deliver tangible results – eliminating violations and maintaining order across our communities,” the regional governor emphasised.
The Head of the Region instructed the akims of cities and districts to take the following measures:
- Ensure that photographs and materials documenting the identified issues are shared in existing WhatsApp groups of residents in the respective localities. Residents are best placed to understand the situation in their communities and can promptly confirm whether an issue has actually been resolved or remains outstanding. Staff of the Regional Akimat have been instructed to continuously monitor residents’ feedback. In other words, performance will be assessed not only on the basis of submitted reports but also on the actual feedback received from the public.
- Step up efforts to address dilapidated, abandoned and ownerless properties. Certain legal procedures understandably require time. For example, the law provides for a one-year period following the registration of ownerless property. However, this period must not be used as an excuse for inaction. Ownerless properties must be registered in a timely manner, and once the statutory period expires, the relevant documents must be submitted to court. Where a property has an owner, direct engagement with the owner is required and, where there are legal grounds, procedures must be initiated to declare the property unsafe and subject to demolition. A specific action plan and deadline must be established for each property. Personal accountability must be assigned for failure to take the legally required measures in a timely manner.
- Address all outstanding issues related to waste, weeds and ongoing improvement works as soon as possible. Only a few warm days remain before winter. Therefore, all remaining work must be completed now to prevent uncollected waste from being covered by snow and left until spring.
- Conduct repeat address-by-address inspections of private residential properties. Where violations of public improvement regulations are identified, the measures prescribed by law must be taken.
- Provide targeted assistance to socially vulnerable residents who are objectively unable to address the identified issues on their own. Opportunities to provide support with the involvement of businesses and volunteers must be explored.
“Another important priority is engaging children and young people in environmental activities. Under the ‘My Yard – My Garden’ project, the first 100 fruit orchards are planned to be established this year on the grounds of schools, colleges and higher education institutions across the region,” said Kumar Aksakalov.