The municipal enterprise 'Tazalyk' is actively engaged not only in garbage collection in Bishkek but also in sanitation, maintenance of drainage systems, and regulation of wild animal populations.
In an interview with 24.kg, the director of 'Tazalyk', Zholdosh Chushtukov, spoke about the current tasks and directions of the enterprise's activities.
— What kind of machinery is currently in use?
— At present, our vehicles are adapted for the winter period. These are combined machines that clean the roads and spread salt in winter. The summer equipment includes tanks for watering and washing the roads.
Over the past two years, we have significantly updated our fleet, adding 188 new units of equipment.
Zholdosh Chushtukov
Our fleet includes more than 300 vehicles, but after the administrative-territorial reform, this is not enough. We cover 90% of the city, and we already have over 1 million subscribers. At the same time, the number of employees and the area of service are also increasing.
— Does 'Tazalyk' use the services of private companies for waste collection?
— We independently service about 80-90% of the city, while some residential areas have been outsourced to private companies through tenders. Without this, it is difficult for us to cope.
Previously, we had five private companies, but problems with their equipment have led to only one contract remaining now. We announced a new competition, but there were no participants. We will try again.
Zholdosh Chushtukov
— What is the status of the legal disputes with OsOO 'Komtaranskoe'?
— They are still ongoing, although the issue is resolvable. The court will sort out this situation.
Not all private companies have problems. There are some we have been working with for over three years, and everything goes smoothly.
— What innovations are being introduced to improve the irrigation system? Have the functions of the mirabs been transferred to other services?
— The mayor's office has developed an electronic map of the city's drainage systems, showing the condition of the ditches and necessary repairs.
There are two types of ditches: irrigation and drainage. 'Tazalyk' regularly cleans them, and the function of water distribution is now performed by MP 'Bishkekzelenstroy'.
— What is the current salary of janitors? Is there a staff shortage?
— The average salary is 30-40 thousand soms, and we plan to increase it by 50%. Last year we couldn't do it, but we managed to pay bonuses four times a year.
We have a constant turnover of staff. The situation is more stable in winter, but with the arrival of spring, many workers go back to their villages or seek work abroad.
We take these factors into account and attract foreign workers. As part of a pilot project, we already have about 10 migrants from Pakistan working with us, and if the experience is successful, we plan to increase their number. They are engaged in the collection of solid household waste.
Our citizens are reluctant to work as janitors. This is a good sign — it means the standard of living is rising.
Zholdosh Chushtukov
— What has been done to improve the safety of janitors while working?
— In 2025, we improved their work clothing by adding powerful reflectors for better visibility at night.
We also provided them with headlamps and special markers. Sometimes janitors work in the dark to save electricity.
Zholdosh Chushtukov
As part of digitalization, in 2025, a special program was implemented for employees. It allows them to record the start of work and notify when cleaning is completed. If the red light is on the line, it means the janitor did not show up for work, and we check the reasons.
— Why are garbage containers being removed in some areas of the city?
— We are implementing a strategy for removing garbage containers in the private sector to switch to door-to-door waste collection. Our employees come once a week to avoid garbage accumulation in private yards.
— How is the issue of walking pets in the city being addressed?
— In 2025, we discussed the rules for keeping pets and are working with the mayor's office to create dog walking areas in the capital.
— Will the areas be located close to homes or in remote areas?
— We have different opinions among residents: some love animals, while others are afraid of them. We are working on this issue and hope to find suitable places for the areas.
I have a dog, and I face the problem of where to walk her besides the yard.
— How do you assess the cultural level of Bishkek residents?
— We analyze the situation at mass events, such as concerts on Independence Day. Each year, the amount of garbage left after events decreases. People have become more responsible regarding cleanliness.
We constantly appeal: "Help us! Don't litter, and everything will be fine!"
