She clarified whether the landfill meets modern environmental standards and inquired if there are plans to build a waste processing plant in the region.
Minister of Natural Resources Meder Mashiev reported that the government is already taking steps to address this issue. In particular, a project is being implemented in collaboration with a Japanese institute aimed at bringing several landfills in the Chui region into compliance with environmental norms. Kyrgyz specialists have already visited Japan to study successful practices.
According to the minister, the project will include two to three landfills in the Chui region. If the project implementation begins this year, the landfill in Kara-Balta could be officially legalized and brought into compliance with regulations by next year.
Additionally, First Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar Amangeldiev reported that projects aimed at incinerating waste for electricity generation are also being implemented in the country. Such initiatives are being considered in cities like Osh and Karakol.
He explained that within the framework of these projects, the state will act as an off-taker — electricity will be purchased at an elevated tariff according to agreements with the Ministry of Energy. Furthermore, tax incentives for investors are planned.
Amangeldiev noted that in the future, projects could be expanded to include Kara-Balta, Tokmok, and Jalal-Abad. Currently, negotiations are underway with potential investors, and project documentation is being prepared. According to preliminary estimates, the solution could be implemented within one to two years.
Before regional projects are launched, it is planned to utilize the capacity of the waste processing plant in Bishkek, which can process about 1,200 tons of waste per day. The government is also considering the possibility of transporting waste from nearby cities to this facility.
The Cabinet emphasized that additional mechanisms for monitoring and distributing waste flows between regions and the capital's plant will be developed within the year.
