Deputy Erkayim Seitkazieva emphasized the need for clear regulations regarding the placement of landfills and the accounting of illegal dumps. She noted that local authorities require practical and methodological support for the effective organization of waste landfills.
Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision Meder Mashiev stressed that waste management remains one of the most serious problems in the country. As part of the administrative-territorial reform, an inventory of illegal dumps was conducted, resulting in a reduction from 411 to 290. "Although we have achieved certain results, this is not enough, and we will continue to strengthen our efforts in this area," the minister added.
He also clarified that many of these landfills did not have official status as they were created illegally. In comparison, Uzbekistan, with a population of about 40 million people, has approximately 120 official landfills.
The situation with the landfill in the village of Gagarin in the Issyk-Ata district, used by the city of Kant, was also discussed. The deputy noted that during the summer period, the landfill often catches fire, posing a threat to the health of local residents.
Meder Mashiev reported that the ministry, together with international partners, is working on projects for sorting and recycling waste. A waste processing plant is already operating in Bishkek, and there are plans to increase its capacity. The possibility of transporting waste from neighboring districts of the Chui region, including the Kemin and Issyk-Ata districts, is also being considered.
The deputy called on the ministry to expedite the implementation of these projects, emphasizing that residents of the region regularly raise this issue, especially in the summer when smoke from the burning landfill worsens the ecological situation and the quality of life for the population.
