Factory next to residential area in Kyzylorda emits harmful cement dust, prompting locals to advocate for its relocation beyond the city limits.
The Kyzylorda cement plant, located in the Shieli district, has been a source of contention for local residents due to concerns over noise pollution, potential health risks, and the plant's proximity to residential areas. In a previous instance, the Supreme Court ruled that the sanitary protection zone of the cement plant did not meet legal requirements, potentially leading to the closure of the facility and unemployment for 600 people.
Residents of Kyzylorda have voiced their discontent about the noise from the cement plant's equipment, with some expressing concerns about the chemical nature of cement and its potential harm. Disputes between industrial enterprises and residents in the Kyzylorda region are not uncommon.
In the absence of direct information about the current status of the cement plant's relocation, expert recommendations for addressing residents’ concerns during and after the relocation of a large industrial facility like a cement plant have been outlined.
These recommendations include comprehensive community engagement, environmental and health impact assessments, fair compensation and support for affected residents, long-term monitoring and accountability, economic diversification and regional development, and transparency and regular communication.
The director of LLP "Zhanaisha" Zhanybek Zhanaibek has asserted that the cement plant operates only within specified hours and does not work past 22:00. However, concerns about dust emissions and the plant's proximity to residential areas remain unaddressed.
Epidemiologists have confirmed that the location of the cement plant does not meet the requirements, and specialists from the sanitary and epidemiological service state that production facilities should be at least 300 meters away from populated areas. The cement plant's director claims they were given permission to operate in this territory by responsible officials.
The city administration is reportedly working on moving the production facility to a remote area, with negotiations with the entrepreneur for the relocation of the plant ongoing. If specific local information becomes available, these principles should guide the process to ensure transparency, resident engagement, and a focus on minimizing disruption and prioritizing community interests.
- Considering the environmental concerns and potential health risks associated with the cement plant, it's essential for the industry to adhere to the principles of operational transparency, regular communication, and community engagement, as outlined by environmental science experts.
- To mitigate the impact of a potential industrial relocation on residents and the environment, it's crucial for financial strategies to be developed that ensure fair compensation, support for affected residents, and economic diversification, particularly in the regional development of Kyzylorda.
