The Akim of the East Kazakhstan region Nurymbet Saktaganov stated that he intends to solve the main ecological problems of Ust-Kamenogorsk within five years, where a high level of air pollution is recorded annually. He reported that an action plan worth 10.5 billion tenge has been approved for the next three years.
According to Vlast.kz, Saktaganov noted that last year 3.9 billion tenge was allocated to environmental projects, and this year — 5.3 billion tenge. Currently, the city is modernising boiler houses, building and upgrading treatment facilities, reclaiming landfills, and working on landscaping.
According to him, the authorities intend to more strictly demand that industrial enterprises regularly update their cleaning systems and install new filters. In addition, it is planned to connect the private sector to the central heating supply, which should significantly reduce emissions.
The Akim reported that 25 stationary posts are being installed in Ust-Kamenogorsk, which will allow for more accurate identification of emission sources. Memorandums have also been signed with industrial enterprises, granting environmental services the right to carry out measurements on their premises at any time.
"If necessary, these industrial enterprises reduce their production. Recently, Kazzinc reduced its metallurgical production by 20%, and its zinc industry by 50%," he said.
At the same time, Saktaganov could not specify how many enterprises have already installed emission control sensors. He added that cooperation continues with enterprises such as Kazzinc, Ust-Kamenogorsk Thermal Power Plant, and Sogrinskaya Thermal Power Plant, which are replacing filters with more modern ones.
For context, in October, residents of Ust-Kamenogorsk complained about the heavy air. At that time, the city was covered in a thick 'fog' which, it turned out, was not related to the weather. According to Kazhydromet, nearly a threefold excess of sulphur dioxide was recorded in the atmosphere.