On August 23, Shymkent hosted another citywide cleanup event, attracting thousands of participants and becoming a significant event in the life of the metropolis. The environmental campaign, organized as part of the "Taza Kazakhstan" initiative, once again demonstrated that a clean and improved city is only possible with the combined efforts of the city's authorities and residents.

According to official figures, 3,755 people participated in the cleanup. 136 pieces of specialized equipment were deployed to support the large-scale work. The results were impressive: 172 tons of household and construction waste were collected and removed in one day.

Each city district contributed. In the Abay district, 445 employees and 16 pieces of equipment collected 28 tons of waste. In the city center, the Al-Farabi district, 499 participants, supported by 30 vehicles, removed 41.7 tons of waste. The largest number of workers—1,532 people and 33 pieces of equipment—were deployed in the Yenbekshinsky district. In the Karatau district, 704 people and 25 pieces of equipment were involved, resulting in 42.1 tons of waste removed. The newly formed Turan district demonstrated the highest waste volume—44.5 tons—with 575 people and 32 pieces of equipment.

It's important to note that the cleanup wasn't just about garbage removal. Participants also carried out comprehensive landscaping work: removing dead branches and weeds, tidying up courtyards and public spaces, whitewashing trees, and maintaining green spaces. Thus, the event was not only a sanitary measure but also an important step in improving the city's environmental image.

The organizers emphasize that the main goal of such events is not a one-time cleanup, but rather to instill in residents a strong habit of caring for cleanliness and order. The city administration intends to continue systematically working in this direction, as only through joint efforts can a favorable urban environment be created.

Compared to previous years, positive trends are evident. In 2022, a similar cleanup event collected approximately 150 tons of waste, in 2023, 165 tons, and this year, the figure reached a record 172 tons. This indicates that the campaign's reach is expanding, and citizen engagement is growing.

Another difference between this cleanup and previous ones is the broader range of work performed. Previously, the primary focus was on cleanup, but now attention is also being paid to landscaping, including planting trees, trimming trees, and tidying up lawns and public gardens. This comprehensive approach improves the quality of the urban environment and makes participation more meaningful for every resident.

The contribution of the Turansky District, which collected the largest amount of trash, deserves special attention. As a relatively new district, it experiences active construction, necessitating regular cleanups. Cleanup days help maintain a balance between infrastructure development and maintaining cleanliness.

The social component of the event is also worth noting. Such events foster a sense of community involvement among residents, uniting different generations and groups. Parents bring their children to the cleanup days, thereby setting a personal example of the importance of protecting the environment.

For a metropolis like Shymkent, environmental issues are particularly pressing. Population growth, industrial development, and transport infrastructure are placing increased strain on the urban environment. Therefore, regular cleanup days, greening campaigns, and environmental awareness programs should not be one-off events, but rather part of a systematic effort.

August 23 demonstrated that city residents are ready to actively participate in such events. It's important that this spirit continues. After all, a clean city starts with everyone—with the desire to not litter, keep their yards tidy, and participate in cleanup days with their neighbors.

Experience from previous years confirms that such campaigns have a long-term impact. After mass cleanups, the sanitary condition of streets improves, the number of illegal dumps decreases, and residents become more mindful of their surroundings. In the long term, this lays the foundation for the development of an environmentally sustainable metropolis.

Thus, the recent cleanup was more than just a cleanup; it was an important step in fostering environmental awareness and improving quality of life in Shymkent. The record amount of waste collected, the active participation of residents, and the comprehensive nature of the work demonstrate that the city is moving in the right direction.