The municipal enterprise 'Tazalyk' not only handles waste disposal in Bishkek but also is responsible for the sanitary cleaning of the city, including the cleaning of ditches and the capture of animals upon request.
In an exclusive interview for 24.kg, the director of the enterprise Zholdosh Chushtukov shared information about the current tasks and areas of work for 'Tazalyk'.
— What equipment does the enterprise currently have at its disposal?
— Currently, the equipment is adapted to winter conditions. We have combined machines that clean the roads in winter and spread salt on them. In summer, we use tanks for watering and washing the roads.
Over the past two years, we have significantly updated our fleet, acquiring 188 new vehicles.
Zholdosh Chushtukov
Currently, we have more than 300 vehicles operating, but even this number is not always sufficient after the administrative reform. Nevertheless, we have managed to cover 90% of the city's territory. We now have over 1 million subscribers, and the number of serviced areas and enterprises continues to grow.
— Does 'Tazalyk' seek assistance from private companies for household waste collection?
— We cover about 80-90 percent of the city independently, while some residential areas have been outsourced to private companies through tenders. These market relations are necessary for successful operations.
Previously, there were five private companies, but they also face problems with equipment. As a result, we currently have only one contract. We recently announced a competition, but there were no participants. We will try again.
Zholdosh Chushtukov
— What is the status of the legal disputes with the private company 'Komtaransk'?
— These cases are still ongoing. There have been some difficulties, but we hope for their resolution. The court will set everything straight.
We do not have such problems with other private companies. One of them has been working with us for over three years; we pay on time, and they perform the cleaning efficiently.
— What innovations are being implemented to improve the irrigation system? Have the functions of mirabs been transferred to other services?
— The mayor's office has developed an electronic map of all the ditch systems in the city, showing the sizes of the ditches and their condition. We have irrigation and drainage ditches along the roads, and 'Tazalyk' regularly cleans them.
The functions of water distributors, or mirabs, have been transferred to MP 'Bishkekzelenstroy'.
— What are the current salaries for street cleaners? Is there a shortage of staff?
— The average salary is 30-40 thousand soms. We are considering the possibility of increasing it by 50%. Last year, there was no increase, but there were bonuses — a total of four for the year, that is, once a quarter.
We are experiencing high staff turnover. In winter, the situation is more stable, vacancies are filled, but with the arrival of spring, there is an outflow — many leave for their villages or go abroad for work.
We take this factor into account and attract foreign workers. As part of a pilot project, we currently have about 10 migrants from Pakistan working, and if everything goes well, we plan to invite more. They are engaged in the collection of solid household waste.
Our citizens are reluctant to work as street cleaners, which indicates an increase in welfare and economic growth.
Zholdosh Chushtukov
— What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of street cleaners during their work?
— In 2025, we improved their equipment and uniforms, adding powerful reflectors so they can be seen at night.
Additionally, we provided them with headlamps and special beacons. Sometimes street cleaners work in complete darkness early in the morning due to light-saving measures.
Zholdosh Chushtukov
Regarding digitalization, in 2025 we implemented an application that is installed on the employees' phones. When a street cleaner starts their shift, they fill out a technical card and then notify when the work is completed. The supervisor checks the completion of the task. If a red light comes on in the line, it indicates that the street cleaner did not show up for work, and we investigate the reason.
— Why are garbage bins being removed in some areas of the city?
— We decided to remove garbage bins and container sites in the private sector, where door-to-door waste collection will be organized. Our employees will come once a week. Otherwise, a lot of waste accumulates in the private sector, leading to the formation of dumps near the containers. This does not affect multi-story areas.
— What can you say about pets? The situation with walking them in the city leaves much to be desired...
— In 2025, we discussed the rules for keeping pets and raised this issue. In collaboration with the mayor's office, we are working on creating specialized dog walking areas in the capital.
— Will the areas be located near the homes of pet owners or in remote areas?
— You see, we have residents who love animals and those who are afraid of them. I can't say for sure whether these will be parks, squares, or just walking areas, but we will definitely work on this issue soon.
I have a dog, and besides the yard, there is nowhere else to walk her. There are no conditions for that.
— Do you think the residents of Bishkek have become more cultured?
— We conduct analysis on mass events. For example, at concerts in honor of Independence Day in Ala-Too Square, the amount of litter thrown away decreases each year. People have become more responsible regarding cleanliness in the city and try not to leave trash everywhere.
We always call out: “Help us! Don’t litter, and that’s it!”
