Astana's unsung heroes keep the city's streets spotless every day

Astana’s streets stay clean thanks to dedicated workers like Orakai Orazabekov and Kanat Abilmazhinov. Both drivers have spent years maintaining the city’s roads, using specialised vehicles to clear snow and debris. Their daily efforts support a larger team of 600 workers and 250 machines keeping Astana tidy. Orakai Orazabekov, 61, has worked for the municipal utility since 2005. He operates a KamAZ flushing truck that washes roads and removes snow. His route covers Republic Avenue, Zhenis Avenue, Abai Avenue, and other key streets, which he cleans several times a day. With a year and a half until retirement, he still takes pride in his work and enjoys mentoring younger colleagues.

Kanat Abilmazhinov, 53, has been with Astana Tazalyk since 2001. He began his career driving a ZIL-131 snowplow before switching to an Erdemli vacuum road sweeper. His daily route includes Republic Avenue, a landfill on the Astrakhan Highway, Kenesary Street, and Bogenbai Batyr Avenue. During a blizzard on the northern bypass, he once helped a woman whose car had skidded into a ditch.

Before each shift, both drivers undergo mandatory medical checks to ensure they are fit for duty. The city relies on experienced workers like Orazabekov and Abilmazhinov to maintain its streets. Their vehicles and routes form part of a larger system that deploys hundreds of workers and machines every day. This effort keeps Astana’s roads safe and clean for residents and visitors.