OSCE Centre in Bishkek helps develop municipal services in Naryn and Talas

BISHKEK, 26 December 2008 - In order to help improve municipal waste management systems, the OSCE Centre in Bishkek handed over two garbage trucks to the towns of Naryn and Talas today. 

The donation was part of a project which will also help raise the awareness of citizens and provide technical assistance to the municipal communal sector.

"The unique feature of this project is the model of efficient co-operation between municipal bodies and civil society. This model seeks to ensure a sustainable system of waste management, including modern billing procedures," said Lilian Darii, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre.

Erlan Ashyraliev, the Chief specialist of the Talas administration, added: "We have had significant difficulties dealing with waste management after the collapse of the Soviet Union, mainly because of a shortage of waste removal equipment, and also due to a  confusion in the billing system. This OSCE-supported project helped resolve many issues related to waste management in our town."