Sanitation work in the Al-Farabi district: from seasonal campaigns to systemic cleanliness
19.08.2025 09:49:39 198.png)
On August 19, 2025, large-scale sanitation efforts were once again carried out in the Al-Farabi district of Shymkent. However, this time, they were not part of a one-time campaign, but a long-term program aimed at maintaining cleanliness and order on a daily basis. This approach significantly distinguishes the current work from previous years, when cleaning was sporadic and more seasonal.
On this day, district utility services cleared streets, sidewalks, courtyards, and public spaces of household waste, cleaned out ditches, and hauled tens of tons of waste to specialized landfills. Dozens of pieces of equipment and several hundred workers were involved in the activities. Such a large-scale effort was made possible by systematic organization and precise planning.
Comparing the current situation with previous years, the difference becomes clear. Just a few years ago, sanitation campaigns were held primarily in the spring and fall. So-called "subbotniks" helped temporarily clear streets and parks, but after a short time, trash would accumulate again. The lack of daily monitoring and inadequate equipment made it impossible to maintain consistent cleanliness. Manhole covers remained clogged, irrigation ditches clogged, and some courtyards went months without being cleaned.
Today, everything has changed. Since 2025, sanitation activities in the Al-Farabi district have been made regular. This means cleaning and disinfection have become part of a permanent schedule. Utilities perform a certain amount of work each day, without waiting for the next major campaign. This strategy has a long-term effect: streets remain clean, the risk of unsanitary conditions is reduced, and the city looks well-maintained.
Another important feature of the current events is the active participation of residents. While residents previously viewed cleanup as a task for utility workers, more and more people are now beginning to recognize their personal responsibility for cleanliness. Residents participate in community cleanup days, clean up areas around their homes, and take initiative in landscaping. This involvement fosters an environmental culture, which is perhaps the most significant achievement of recent years.
Equipment also plays a significant role. In previous years, much work was done manually, which significantly reduced its effectiveness. In 2025, the situation changed: the district received modern garbage removal equipment, specialized street washing and leaf-cleaning machines, and irrigation ditch cleaning equipment. This made the process faster, more efficient, and safer for workers.
Furthermore, at the current stage, considerable attention is being paid to information and education efforts. Authorities and specialists are holding meetings with the public, explaining the importance of observing sanitary standards, how to properly dispose of household waste, and why it's unacceptable to throw waste into ditches or on the side of the road. These measures are gradually changing people's attitudes toward cleanliness: instead of complaining about dirt, citizens are becoming more willing to participate in solving the problem.
Compared to previous years, several key differences in current sanitary measures can be identified:
Systematic approach – instead of one-time cleanup days, a permanent cleaning schedule has been introduced.
Scale – more people and equipment are involved daily, rather than on a case-by-case basis.
Information support – the population is actively involved through explanatory work.
Participation of residents – a habit of shared responsibility for order is formed.
An integrated approach covers not only streets and courtyards, but also ditches, parks, and public spaces.
This sanitation model directly impacts quality of life. Clean streets and courtyards reduce the risk of infection, improve the city's appearance, and make it more comfortable to live in. Residents note that in recent months, unpleasant odors have decreased, bus stops and sidewalks are cleaner, and they can spend time in parks and squares without feeling neglected.
In the long term, regular sanitation measures will reduce the burden on public utilities. When cleaning is done daily, the amount of accumulated waste decreases, meaning fewer resources are required for its disposal. This not only increases efficiency but also saves budget funds.
Thus, the sanitation efforts in Shymkent's Al-Farabi district in 2025 marked a new stage in the organization of urban life. From sporadic and temporary initiatives, they have evolved into a sustainable system based on the responsibility of both the authorities and the city's residents. This experience can serve as a model for other districts and cities across the country where cleanliness remains a pressing issue.
The main result is that cleanliness is no longer a temporary result of a single initiative. It's becoming a norm of life, maintained every day. And this is already a significant step toward shaping the new image of a modern, safe, and comfortable Shymkent.