She clarified how well the landfill meets environmental standards and inquired about the prospects for creating a waste recycling plant in the area.
Minister of Natural Resources Meder Mashiev responded that the government is actively working on solving this problem. 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 plans to include two to three landfills in the Chui region. If everything goes according to plan, the landfill in Kara-Balta may be legalized and brought into compliance with the necessary standards next year.
First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Daniyar Amangeldiev added that the country is also implementing projects for waste incineration aimed at generating electricity. Such initiatives are being considered for the cities of Osh and Karakol.
He noted that within the framework of these projects, the government will act as an off-taker, purchasing electricity at an increased tariff according to agreements with the Ministry of Energy. Tax incentives are also provided for interested investors.
Amangeldiev also indicated that in the future, similar projects could cover Kara-Balta, Tokmok, and Jalal-Abad. Currently, negotiations are underway with potential investors, and project documentation is being developed. It is expected that implementation may begin within one to two years.
Before the launch of regional initiatives, it is planned to utilize the capabilities of the waste recycling plant built in Bishkek, which can process about 1,200 tons of waste per day. The government is considering the possibility of transporting waste from nearby cities to this plant.
The Cabinet emphasized that additional mechanisms for monitoring and distributing waste flows between various regions and the capital's plant will be developed within a year.
