“It’s simply disgraceful”: Tokayev sharply criticizes situation in Borovoe

Tengrinews.kz – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed the government to create eco-parks near Astana.
The President made the remarks at a meeting on the development of Astana, where he spoke harshly about pollution at the Borovoe resort.

“Many residents of the capital usually travel to Borovoe on weekends and holidays. It is quite far away and puts pressure on the ecosystem of the natural park. That is why there is a pressing need to create eco-parks near Astana (…) But once again, I want to stress that there must be cleanliness there. Look at what is happening in Borovoe. It’s simply disgraceful. These are not aliens littering the area — it is our own people,” Tokayev said.

He instructed the government, together with regional akims, to take measures to establish eco-parks in suburban areas of major megacities and regional centers.

“The government, jointly with regional akims, must take steps to create eco-parks in the suburban zones of large megacities and regional centers. This must be done. It is a task of strategic importance,” the President said.

The Presidential Administration will monitor the implementation of this task. Tokayev also emphasized the need to make decisions quickly and effectively, without turning every issue into prolonged discussions.
Earlier, reports highlighted public outrage over high prices at popular resorts. One tourist noted that a pedal boat ride in Borovoe costs nearly as much as a similar experience in Italy’s Lake Como. According to him, a 30-minute ride in Kazakhstan cost 6,000 tenge, while in Italy he paid 20 euros (around 10,000 tenge) for a two-hour trip on a passenger vessel.