Exchange Visit Showcased Nooken District’s Experience in Improving Solid Waste Management Services
On October 12-13, 2026, representatives of five target districts participating in the Local Service Improvement Project took part in a study visit to Nooken District to learn about successful practices in solid municipal waste management. The event brought together 72 representatives of district administrations, local self-government bodies, municipal enterprises, and small towns of Kyrgyzstan, who explored the results of the district Service Improvement Action Plan and discussed opportunities to replicate effective solutions in their own municipalities
On October 12-13, 2026, an exchange visit was organized within the framework of the Local Service Improvement Project to study and promote successful experience in implementing the District Service Improvement Action Plan (SIAP) for the collection, transportation, and disposal of solid municipal waste. The event brought together 72 representatives of district state administrations, local self-government bodies, municipal enterprises, as well as representatives of eight small towns of Kyrgyzstan participating in the Partnership for the Development of Local Self-Government.
During the visit, participants explored modern approaches to waste management through a visit to the waste-to-energy plant in Bishkek, where they received practical information on waste treatment and disposal technologies.
The main part of the program took place in Nooken District. Project Manager Asel Mambetova welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of inter-municipal exchange and learning for improving the quality of public services. During his presentation, Taalaibek Ishenbekov, Head of the Nooken District State Administration, presented the District Action Plan for improving solid waste collection, transportation, and disposal services, as well as the results achieved through its implementation across the district.
Participants learned about the implementation of the Service Improvement Action Plan in the town of Kochkor-Ata and the work of the municipal enterprise Taza Shaar, while also exploring the experience of inter-municipal cooperation in Burgondu-Dostuk Aiyl Aimak. Special attention was given to the organization of waste collection systems, management of municipal infrastructure, and cooperation among local self-government bodies in addressing common environmental challenges.
The practical part of the visit included visits to the Children’s Rehabilitation Center, the municipal enterprise, and underground waste container sites in Kochkor-Ata. Participants also learned about the Zhashyl Muras initiative aimed at the rehabilitation and greening of former dump sites, as well as the operation of the local landfill. This provided an opportunity to observe the results of implemented measures and discuss prospects for further development of the waste management system.
The final stage of the program was a visit to the solid municipal waste landfill located in Alma village of Burgondu-Dostuk Aiyl Aimak. Participants were introduced to the landfill’s operational arrangements, measures taken to improve sanitary conditions, and approaches to sustainable waste management. Discussions focused on actions already undertaken, future plans, and opportunities for adapting Nooken District’s successful practices in other municipalities.
The exchange visit confirmed the importance of inter-municipal cooperation and practical knowledge-sharing for improving solid waste management services, strengthening the capacities of local self-government bodies and municipal enterprises, and promoting effective waste management solutions.
The Public Service Improvement Project is funded by the Government of Switzerland and implemented by Helvetas and the Development Policy Institute.
