On August 16, Shymkent once again held a citywide cleanup day, with active participation from employees of the Land Relations Department. As every week, they took to the streets and courtyards to contribute to the cleanliness and beautification of the city. Such initiatives have long ceased to be a one-time event; today, they are part of a systematic effort that fosters environmental awareness and strengthens a sense of responsibility among residents.

The current cleanup day covered various areas of the city, where trash was removed, and areas around buildings and public spaces were cleaned. Department employees, joining forces, set an example of caring for the environment. The organizers emphasize that cleanliness is not a one-time event, but a daily habit that every resident should follow.

Comparing current practices with those of the past decade, the difference is noticeable. Previously, cleanup days were held only a few times a year—in the spring or fall, most often as part of the national "Taza Kazakstan" campaign. On these days, residents would come out en masse to clean up, but within a short time, the cleanliness would give way to the familiar sight of litter on the side of the road, unkempt yards, and unauthorized dumps. Today, however, the approach has changed. City authorities have made cleanup days regular, and now residents can join in every Saturday. This has had a noticeable effect: order has become more noticeable, and the habit of throwing trash in the trash cans is gradually becoming more ingrained.

What's unique about these cleanup days is that they're not just attended by utility companies or individual activists. Government employees, business representatives, students, schoolchildren, and simply concerned residents are also participating. This unification of diverse social groups demonstrates that caring for cleanliness has become a shared responsibility. A similar scale hasn't been achieved in previous years.

On August 16, organizers focused not only on cleanup but also on educational outreach. Residents were reminded of the need to preserve green spaces, properly sort waste, and not dispose of trash in inappropriate places. Such outreach was rarely provided before, and so the impact of the cleanup days was short-lived. Now the situation is changing: people are beginning to understand that the cleanliness of the city directly depends on their everyday behavior.

It's important to note that Shymkent's appearance has truly transformed in recent years. Where previously there were unauthorized dumps, there are now container sites. The number of illegal trash dumpers is declining. This is largely due to regular cleanup days, which remind residents of the importance of order and discipline.

Comparing today's events with those of the past, another difference emerges: previously, cleanup days were perceived more as an obligation or a formality. People came out because "that's how it was supposed to be," but their attitude toward labor was superficial. Today, participation has become more conscious. Many city residents come with their families, bringing their children, to instill in them a respect for work and nature. This approach produces a completely different result—a long-term effect, not a temporary one.

On August 16, employees of the Land Relations Department demonstrated by their example that every person can influence the city's condition. Such actions foster a positive image of government agencies that not only perform administrative functions but also engage in community service. This is another important step toward ensuring that the word "cleanliness" is no longer associated solely with the responsibilities of utility workers.

City officials note that the practice of cleanup days will be continued and expanded. Plans include not only garbage collection but also landscaping, tree planting, and the improvement of playgrounds and sports fields. While previously limited to a few hours of cleanup, cleanup days are now evolving into a comprehensive program to improve the urban environment.

Shymkent residents are increasingly participating in these events. They say they feel the tangible benefits of their efforts—clean streets, well-maintained courtyards, and a sense of community with neighbors and colleagues. Many admit that participating in cleanup days has changed their attitude toward everyday habits: they've become more mindful of waste sorting, no longer pass by discarded trash, and have come to value public space more.

Thus, the August 16th cleanup day was further confirmation that the tradition of regular cleanups in Shymkent has taken root and is producing results. Unlike previous years, when such events were one-off, they have now become part of a sustainable urban culture. Cleanliness and order in the city are no longer perceived as the responsibility of individual agencies, but as a shared responsibility of society as a whole.

Shymkent is gradually becoming a city where cleanliness is becoming the norm. This is largely thanks to those who take to the streets every Saturday – be they officials, entrepreneurs, students, or ordinary citizens. Their joint efforts are shaping the city's new face and demonstrating that only together can we achieve real change.