On August 2, 2025, another city-wide clean-up was held in the Abay district of Shymkent as part of the republican environmental campaign "Clean Kazakhstan". The event was organized in the Igilik residential area, and extensive work was carried out to clean the banks of the Badam River from household waste and garbage. This campaign is in the public eye as one of the important initiatives aimed at improving the environmental situation in the city.

The Abai district akimat, district municipal institutions, city administrations, volunteer groups and local residents actively participated in the clean-up. A total of more than 300 people were mobilized, and more than 30 special equipment was used - dump trucks, loaders, water sprinklers, trucks, etc. At the initiative of the Abai district akim, this clean-up is not only aimed at cleaning, but also at raising the environmental awareness of residents.

The main goal of the Saturday held on this day was to form an ecological culture among the city's residents, to encourage them to be careful about cleanliness, and to convey the importance of showing compassion for the environment. The Badam River is an important natural object where residents of the district walk daily, where children play, and where they have become a place of rest. Therefore, the sanitary condition of its banks directly affects the appearance of the city and the quality of life of residents.

During the weekend, overgrown reeds on the riverbank were cut and cleared, trees and bushes along the banks were trimmed, and garbage was transported using special equipment. In addition, fences were installed in some dangerous areas and pedestrian lanes were cleared. This measure also helped to increase the safety of residents.

This event was not limited to the Igilik residential area, but continued in other microdistricts and residential areas of the Abay district, and large-scale ecological cleaning work was carried out. Thus, work was carried out throughout the district to maintain natural areas, put parks and public places in order. In particular, the activity and solidarity of residents served as the basis for the high level of the Sabbath.

Past experience is the basis for new results

Such clean-ups have been organized before. For example, in the summer of last year, in July 2024, several clean-ups were held in the Abay district. But then the scale was quite small: only a small amount of equipment and about 100-150 people were involved in the work. The peculiarity of this year's campaign is the increase in the number of participants, increased technical content, and a clear priority given to cleaning the riverbank. In addition, elements of environmental education were also included - during the clean-up, small eco-lessons for children were held, and information brochures on household waste sorting were distributed.

Another difference is that this year's cleaning efforts were not limited to just collecting garbage, but special attention was paid to sanitary and hygienic safety. Dangerous areas near the water on the banks of the Badam River were inspected in conjunction with the city's emergency services, and additional protective equipment was installed where necessary. This is a concrete measure taken for the safety of city residents.

Residents are speaking out

Residents of the district welcomed the Saturday and asked for such initiatives to be organized more often. Many residents noted that they came voluntarily, and that contributing to the cleanliness of the city and nature is the duty of every citizen. Families with children, youth organizations, and members of the veterans' council worked together. It is especially noticeable that the culture of environmental responsibility and respect for nature is growing among young people.

In addition to residents, local entrepreneurs also participated in the Sabbath. They contributed with equipment, gloves, and tools. Thus, government agencies and the private sector, community activists, and ordinary residents together did a good deed for the city.

Future plans

According to the Abai district akimat, such ecological Saturdays will be held regularly every month until the end of the year. In addition, similar events are planned to be held in other districts of the city. The main thing is to establish environmental order in the city, educate residents to treat nature responsibly, and carry out specific work to preserve the city's ecosystem.

These initiatives are also in line with national programs such as "Green Kazakhstan" and "Clean Kazakhstan" undertaken in Kazakhstan. This is because environmental security is one of the issues that should be considered on an equal footing with national security. Such activities carried out at the local level are the first steps towards achieving this goal.

Conclusion

The city-wide Sabbath in Abay district is a true example of the intersection of ecology and public culture. It is important to understand through such events that protecting nature is the duty of every citizen, not just government agencies. Cleanliness is a mirror of the country. And preserving it is a common duty for all of us.