On August 16, another cleanup day, organized by the Turan municipal state institution, took place in Shymkent. The traditional event took place at several locations across the city. This time, the list included the Aktash microdistrict, residential buildings in the 3rd microdistrict (numbers 3, 4a, 4b, 5, and 6), apartment buildings on Mangeldin Street in the 8th microdistrict (numbers 32, 34, 36, 36a, 40, and 42), as well as areas along Temirlanovskoye Highway (number 30) and Poshanova Street (numbers 28, 30, and 32). Utility workers, residents of nearby buildings, and volunteers participated in the work.

During the cleanup, household waste was collected at these addresses, branches and dry grass were cleared, and playgrounds and courtyards were tidied up. Particular attention was paid to the accumulated trash along the roads, which not only spoiled the appearance but also posed a real environmental hazard.

The organizers emphasize that the goal of such events is not simply to clean specific areas, but to foster a general culture of caring for the city. After all, cleanliness is not a one-time action, but a part of everyday life.

This year's highlight is that cleanups have become regular. While previously city cleanups were mostly seasonal or one-time events—in the spring and fall—they are now held on a regular basis, covering new areas almost every week. This helps prevent the accumulation of trash and maintain long-term cleanliness.

Compared to previous years, it's worth noting that cleanup days in 2020–2022 were more often initiated by utility services and limited to specific neighborhoods. Often, only employees of the relevant organizations participated, while residents remained observers. The situation has changed significantly: neighborhood residents are actively volunteering, and young people and volunteer groups are increasingly becoming part of these events.

A key distinction of the current events is their scale. For example, in just one day—August 16—we were able to cover seven different locations across the city. This reach was made possible by systematic organization and a well-thought-out action plan. Participants were assigned to specific locations, provided with the necessary equipment, and coordinated efforts to ensure each area was cleaned up.

The involvement of young people is also noteworthy. Today, high school students, university students, and volunteers are actively participating in the events. For them, cleanup days are not only a useful practice but also a school of environmental responsibility. The younger generation is learning by example: caring for cleanliness is not a matter of being ordered to do, but rather a personal need to live in a well-maintained and beautiful environment.

Moreover, the very philosophy of such events is changing. While they were previously perceived as a "day off" for public utilities, they are now a true symbol of community unity among city residents. When neighbors come together to clean their yards or streets, a sense of community and mutual support is fostered. This not only helps keep the city clean but also strengthens social ties.

For Shymkent, where intensive construction and population growth inevitably put additional strain on the city's infrastructure, such measures are especially relevant. The more the city develops, the more problems arise with garbage, landscaping, and landscaping. Regular cleanup days help address these issues gradually, without waiting for them to reach a critical level.

From a practical standpoint, a clean city is a guarantee of safety and health. Litter on the streets and in courtyards can become a breeding ground for rodents, create unpleasant odors, and, on hot days, even a source of infection. Therefore, systematic cleaning not only improves appearance but also prevents potential hazards.

At the same time, the organizers emphasize that cleaning alone won't solve the situation. It's important for residents themselves to stop throwing trash in inappropriate places and learn to treat public spaces with care. After all, cleanliness isn't just the responsibility of utility workers, but also a manifestation of civic culture for everyone.

The August 16th cleanup proved once again that when people unite around a common goal, the results are tangible. Yards become cleaner, streets brighter, and the city atmosphere more welcoming. In the future, such events could develop into a full-fledged environmental movement, where caring for nature and cleanliness becomes a norm of everyday life.

Thus, the difference between today's cleanup days and the past lies not only in their scale but also in their philosophy. While previously a temporary event, it has now become a permanent practice, shaping residents' perceptions of their own space. Regular cleanups become a habit, and a habit gradually evolves into a lifestyle.

That's why the slogan "Clean Shymkent – Our Common Future" is especially relevant today. Only through joint efforts can we transform this metropolis into a pleasant place to live, work, and raise children.