Videos showing illegal dumping of concrete mix are becoming increasingly common online, both on the outskirts of the city and in its centre. The latest example is a video by journalist Mikhail Kozachkov, which shows concrete mixers dumping leftover concrete directly onto the ground on a vacant lot in the capital.
A similar incident was recorded earlier: the FBRC editorial team also received a video of concrete being dumped on a boulevard under construction on Anet Baba Street. The culprit was identified as a certain LLP "Ns Tekhgroup":
"We inform you that an administrative protocol has been drawn up against the contractor LLP 'Ns Tekhgroup' under Article 505 of the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Administrative Offences, and a preventive discussion has been held to prevent further violations," states the response from the police department of the "Nura" district of the Astana City Police Department.
Amidst intensive construction in cities, it is increasingly common to see leftover concrete mix being poured directly onto the ground — in courtyards, on vacant lots, and along roads. This is done without regard for regulations, consequences or common sense. Yet this practice is not only barbaric but also dangerous.
A BLOW TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Concrete is by no means a harmless substance. It contains alkalis, chemical additives and plasticisers with aggressive properties. When it enters the soil, the mixture destroys its structure, kills microorganisms and ruins the fertile topsoil.
Once hardened, concrete becomes an impermeable barrier: water cannot be absorbed, leading to puddles and waterlogging. Neither trees nor grass will grow on such a site.
CONSEQUENCES FOR THE CITY
Seeing videos of concrete dumping, city residents are becoming increasingly disillusioned with current legislation and the work of city authorities — the akimat, municipal services, the ecology department and the ministry of ecology. It is unclear who will rectify the damage: the offender at their own expense or city services using the budget.
Meanwhile, funds for cleaning up illegal dumps are taken from the local budget, which would be better spent on schools, hospitals and infrastructure development rather than rectifying the negligence of others.
A LAW THAT DOES NOT WORK
The problem is compounded not only by the indifference of contractors but also by loopholes in the law. Currently, dumping concrete in an unauthorised place most often results in just a warning or a minimal fine of 20 MCI (78,640 tenge). Consequently, it is more cost-effective for a contractor to dump the leftovers "anywhere" than to transport the hardened concrete to a landfill like "Severnaya Gryada".
While the formally necessary regulations exist, in practice compliance is often difficult, whereas violation is simpler and carries no serious consequences.
Legislative gaps allow real responsibility for environmental harm to be avoided. In some cases, measures are limited to verbal warnings from local authorities.
RESPONSIBILITY
It would be beneficial if contractors bore not only administrative but also financial responsibility. No warnings — only real fines and the obligation to restore the damaged area.
TIME FOR A RULE CHANGE
Such cases clearly demonstrate: the existing regulations need review and updating. The dumping of construction waste, including concrete residues, must be treated as an environmental violation that should incur more effective enforcement measures. These include:
- eliminating warnings as a primary penalty;
- increasing fines for environmental damage;
- mandatory remediation of consequences at the offender's expense;
- introducing a transparent monitoring system for construction waste disposal.
We have sent an official request to the ecology department, the ministry of ecology and the capital's akimat, asking them to clarify the consequences of dumping concrete mix in unauthorised locations, how this could affect the condition of soil, water and green spaces, and what costs the city incurs as a result of such violations.