On August 18, 2025, Shymkent hosted another citywide cleanup event as part of the national "Clean Kazakhstan" program. This large-scale environmental campaign brought together approximately 700 participants and over 20 units of specialized equipment. The organizers emphasize that the goal of the event was not only to clean the area but also to foster environmental awareness among the population.

Early in the morning, at 9:00 AM, the cleanup began in the Kursay microdistrict of the Turkestan district. This is where a small market and burial sites are located, where a significant amount of trash traditionally accumulates. About 200 people were the first to start the cleanup: utility workers, akimat employees, representatives of social institutions, and local residents.

Participants collected dozens of bags of household waste, cleared roadside areas, and removed the waste using specialized equipment. According to Dauren Sydykula, Head of the Public Quality Development Department, such events are an important step toward creating a modern and clean city:
"Today's event isn't just a cleanup, but a symbol of unity between residents and the government for the common good. We strive to make Shymkent not only a beautiful city but also an environmentally safe one ," he noted.

The cleanup day wasn't limited to the Kursaysky District. Employees from various city departments joined in: healthcare, physical education and sports, digitalization, public procurement and mobilization training, and territorial and civil defense. They worked alongside residents to clean courtyards, streets, and pedestrian areas.

Special attention was paid to green spaces: trees were whitewashed, sanitized, and watered. This not only creates an aesthetically pleasing appearance but also improves the ecological environment in a large city.

The organizers emphasize that the "Clean Kazakhstan" program is systemic. Its main goal is to instill in people a caring attitude toward nature and urban space. After all, a city's cleanliness depends not only on public utilities but also on every resident.

Local residents who actively participated in the cleanup day noted that such events help strengthen a sense of community. Aigul Kuanyshkyzy, a resident of the Kursai microdistrict, shared:
"We're cleaning up not just for the sake of cleanliness today. It's setting an example for our children, instilling a respect for nature. When you participate in such an activity yourself, you start to think differently about litter on the streets."

Similar cleanups are held regularly in Shymkent. Last spring, the event attracted around 500 people, and over 15 tons of trash were removed. This time, the number of participants grew to 700, and the cleanup area expanded significantly: while previously the focus was primarily on central parks and streets, work now extended to the outskirts, including markets and cemeteries.

This demonstrates that the environmental movement in Shymkent is gradually reaching out to more residents and organizations. The involvement of new districts and the diversity of participants indicate that the environmental initiative is becoming part of the city's culture.

More than 20 pieces of specialized equipment were used for the cleanup. Dump trucks, tractors, and trucks helped remove bulky debris. In some areas, street cleaners were used to wash roads and sidewalks.

Thanks to this, dozens of streets, courtyards, and roadside areas were cleared within a few hours. Overall, the campaign covered all districts of the city, making it one of the largest in recent years.

According to the organizers, such events will be held regularly. The "Clean Kazakhstan" program is not intended to be a one-time cleanup, but rather a systemic approach to improving the urban environment. Plans call for expanding the number of participants to include schoolchildren, students, and entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, future plans include implementing separate waste collection projects, installing additional containers, and developing a waste recycling system. All of this should help reduce environmental impacts and improve residents' quality of life.

The August 18 cleanup day was a shining example of how joint efforts can make the city cleaner and more comfortable. Not only government officials and utility service providers participated, but also ordinary residents, which is especially important for fostering social responsibility.

Compared to previous campaigns, positive trends can be noted: more participants, more equipment, and a wider coverage area. This indicates that environmental awareness in Shymkent is gradually reaching a new level.

While a single cleanup day isn't enough to fundamentally address environmental issues, the regularity of such events creates a solid foundation for fostering a responsible attitude toward nature in every resident.