The municipal enterprise 'Tazalyk' not only handles garbage collection in Bishkek but also engages in sanitary cleaning of the city, maintenance of drainage ditches, as well as capturing and culling animals upon residents' requests.
In an exclusive interview with 24.kg, the director of the enterprise, Joldosh Chushtukov, spoke about the current tasks and directions of the organization's work.
— What is your current fleet of vehicles like?
— Currently, we have adapted our vehicles for winter conditions. These are combined units that clean the roads and spread salt in winter, and in summer we replace the sand spreaders with tanks for washing roads and watering green areas.
Over the past two years, we have significantly updated our fleet, acquiring 188 new units of equipment.
Joldosh Chushtukov
We have more than 300 vehicles at our disposal, but even this number is insufficient after the administrative-territorial reform. Nevertheless, we cover 90% of the city and serve over 1 million subscribers. The area, the number of economic entities, and the workforce are all increasing.
— Do you use the services of private companies for garbage collection?
— We have managed to cover 80-90% of the capital independently, and some residential areas have been outsourced to private companies through tenders, as it is difficult to manage without them.
Currently, we have only one private company left, as all the others faced technical issues. We recently announced a competition again, but there were no participants, so we will try again.
Joldosh Chushtukov
— Have the legal disputes with OsOO 'Komtaran' been resolved?
— No, the process is still ongoing. Although there were nuances, the issue is generally resolvable, and the court will set everything right.
However, such problems do not arise with all private companies. We have been working with one of them for over three years, and we have no complaints: we pay on time, and they clean.
— What changes do you plan to improve the irrigation system? Have you transferred this function to other services?
— The mayor's office has developed an electronic scheme of the city's drainage systems, where the sizes and conditions of the ditches can be seen. 'Tazalyk' is responsible for cleaning all ditches, while the functions of water distributors have been transferred to the municipal enterprise 'Bishkekzelenstroy'.
— What is the current salary of janitors? Is there a shortage of staff?
— On average, the salary is 30-40 thousand soms, and we are considering the possibility of a 50% increase. Last year we couldn't do it, but we paid bonuses four times a year.
The staffing situation is unstable: vacancies are filled in winter, but in spring there is an outflow of workers, as many go back to their villages or seek work abroad.
We have taken this into account and started attracting foreign migrants. As part of a pilot project, we have about 10 workers from Pakistan, and if everything goes well, we plan to increase their number. They are engaged in the collection of solid household waste.
Our compatriots are no longer as eager to work as janitors. This is a good sign — it means the standard of living is rising.
Joldosh Chushtukov
— What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of janitors while they work?
— In 2025, we improved their special clothing and gear, adding brighter reflectors for better visibility at night.
We also provided them with headlamps and special markers. Sometimes janitors have to work in the dark due to energy-saving measures.
Joldosh Chushtukov
Regarding digitalization, in 2025 a program was implemented that is installed on employees' phones. When starting their shift, the janitor activates a technical card, and we can track their work. After completing the cleaning, they notify through the app, after which the supervisor checks the task completion.
— Why are garbage containers being removed in some parts of the city?
— We are implementing a policy of removing garbage bins in the private sector. There, door-to-door garbage collection will be organized with visits once a week. This is done to prevent the accumulation of waste, such as grass and branches, which are often thrown around the containers, leading to blockages. This measure does not affect multi-story areas.
— What can you say about pets and the conditions for walking them?
— In 2025, we discussed the rules for keeping pets and raised the issue of creating special areas for dog walking together with the mayor's office.
— Where will these areas be located, near the owners' homes or in remote areas?
— We have different opinions among residents: some love animals, while others are afraid of them. We have not yet decided where exactly these areas will be — in parks, squares, or specially designated places, but this issue will be worked on soon.
I also have a dog, and besides the yard, I have nowhere else to walk her.
— How do you assess the cultural level of Bishkek residents?
— We analyze the situation regarding mass events. For example, at concerts on Independence Day in Ala-Too Square, it is observed that the amount of garbage left by spectators decreases each year. People have become more responsible regarding cleanliness in the city and are less likely to litter on the streets.
We always call out: “Help us! Don’t litter, and that’s it!”
