Large-scale improvements to the Koshkar-Ata River embankment began in Shymkent on September 2. The project, implemented by the city's Department for the Development of a Comfortable Urban Environment, encompasses not only infrastructure but also cultural and environmental aspects. The main goal is to transform the area along the river into a modern recreational area where residents and visitors can stroll in a clean, safe, and comfortable environment.

The Koshkar-Ata River occupies a special place in the history of Shymkent. It stretches for approximately eight kilometers. The river's source is at a sacred site—the Koshkar-Ata Mausoleum—and then flows through the city's central districts: Al-Farabi, Yenbekshinsky, and Abay, before emptying into the Karasu River. For centuries, residents used the river as a source of water and a place of spiritual significance. However, in recent decades, its banks have gradually deteriorated: garbage heaps, makeshift structures, and a lack of lighting and paths have made it uninviting for strolls.

The current project aims to change this situation. The work includes constructing pedestrian paths, installing modern lighting, creating recreation areas, and planting greenery. However, the top priority is sanitary cleanliness. Unauthorized dumps along the shore are being eliminated, and the area is being completely cleared of trash and overgrowth. To maintain order for years to come, new trash cans and containers are being installed, and regular waste collection is being organized. The contractors have been tasked with maintaining cleanliness not only in visible areas but also in hard-to-reach corners.

In addition to cleaning, landscaping is being carried out: trees and shrubs are being planted, flower beds are being created, and lawns are being renovated. These measures not only give the embankment an aesthetically pleasing appearance but also contribute to environmental improvements. Convenient pedestrian paths are being installed along the river, avoiding the chaotic footpaths that damage the greenery. The installation of streetlights will make the embankment safer and more attractive in the evening and will also reduce the risk of pollution, as well-lit areas are less likely to become targets for unauthorized activity.

Looking back at previous years, important differences emerge. In September 2024, Shymkent hosted mass environmental campaigns as part of the national "Taza Kazakstan" program. Hundreds of residents, students, and volunteers participated in cleanups along the Koshkar-Ata River: waste was removed, dead branches were cleared, and paths were washed. These initiatives generated a positive response and demonstrated public engagement, but their impact was short-lived. After a while, the situation returned to its previous state: trash accumulated, the banks became overgrown, and regular maintenance was lacking.

Today's work is distinguished by its systematic and long-term approach. Improvements go beyond a one-time cleanup and create a comprehensive maintenance system. Each area is assigned responsible services, monitoring is conducted, and a sanitary maintenance schedule is implemented. Thus, cleanliness no longer depends on one-time events but becomes part of the city's everyday life.

City residents are already noticing positive changes. Many say that for the first time in many years, the river and its banks are looking well-maintained. New benches and trash bins have been installed, piles of trash have disappeared, and it's now possible to stroll peacefully with children. The area has become a comfortable place for senior citizens to relax, and young people see the embankment as a modern attraction.

Sanitation plays a key role here. Even the most beautiful infrastructure will be of no use if the surrounding area is dirty. Cleanliness, on the other hand, builds trust, encourages citizens to take good care of public spaces, and raises the overall cultural level of the city.

The river's tourism potential is also noteworthy. Koshkar-Ata is more than just a river; it's part of Shymkent's cultural heritage. Its combination of history, nature, and well-maintained infrastructure could transform it into a new landmark for the city. In the future, it could host cultural events and city festivals, attracting not only local residents but also tourists.

Thus, the improvement of Koshkar-Ata is more than just an engineering project. It is a step toward shaping a new image of Shymkent, where the historical and the modern are harmoniously combined. A comparison with last year's initiatives shows that the city is moving from temporary measures to strategic solutions. In the coming years, Koshkar-Ata may become an example of how attention to sanitation and the environment can change not only the appearance but also the perception of the city by its residents.