DOSTUK, Jalal-Abad oblast - 31. May 2023

Dostuk and Burgondu Ayil Aimags Join Hands for Clean Territory and Healthy Living

To address the long-standing issue of sanitation and environmental conditions, Dostuk and Burgondu ayil aimags have inaugurated an intermunicipal service for the cleanliness of their territories

DOSTUK, Jalal-Abad oblast - To address the long-standing issue of sanitation and environmental conditions, Dostuk and Burgondu ayil aimags have inaugurated an intermunicipal service for the cleanliness of their territories. The inaugural ceremony took place on May 31, 2023, in Dostuk ayil aimag as part of the Public Service Improvement project, funded by the Swiss government and implemented collaboratively by Helvetas and the Development Policy Institute.

Dostuk Ayil aimag is home to 10,700 residents, with Burgondu ayil aimag hosting 17,500 residents. Despite the services provided by municipal institutions, private stores, and other businesses, the absence of waste management services had been a critical issue. These conditions had sparked concerns about the potential surge in infectious diseases among residents.

The Public Service Improvement project will address these challenges also reflected in the local governments' socio-economic development program. By enhancing services for the collection, removal, and disposal of solid waste, the project aims to bring about a marked improvement in the local environment, backed by a budget of 7,345,000 soms.

In 2021, significant strides were made towards this goal. The establishment of the "Dostuk-Tazalyk" municipal enterprise and the procurement of specialized waste management vehicles marked the first steps. Investment in infrastructure saw the purchase of iron containers for waste disposal, the fencing of a 4.6-hectare landfill, and the installation of a guardhouse, solar-powered lighting, and a surveillance system.

Further, capacity building for local specialists, deputies, and service providers was facilitated through a grant that enabled seminars, trainings, and information campaigns. Regulations for garbage collection tariffs were approved, and contracts were set up between the municipal enterprise and service recipients to ensure a smooth transition to this new service.

The project saw the full legitimization of the 4.6-hectare Dostuk-Tazalyk landfill, and the aiyl okmotu provided essential resources for efficient functioning. A joint monitoring and evaluation team has been established to oversee the waste management system's performance.

Through these efforts, the ayil aimags of Dostuk and Burgondu anticipate a significant transformation in their sanitation and environmental conditions, offering their residents a cleaner, healthier living environment.