The head of state spoke at a ceremony marking the awarding of citizens of the country who actively participated in flood control measures.

At the beginning of his speech, the President noted that this year’s natural disaster was one of the most destructive in the history of our country. A state of emergency was introduced in 10 regions of Kazakhstan. More than 19 thousand residential buildings were damaged throughout the country.

“At a critical moment, our people showed true solidarity. Through joint efforts we were able to withstand the natural elements and once again demonstrated our unity. Rescuers, military personnel, employees of internal affairs bodies and akimats fought day and night against the elements. Staying true to their oath, they flawlessly fulfilled their duty to the Motherland,” he said.
More than 63 thousand law enforcement officers took part in the fight against floods. During the rescue operations, more than 120 thousand people were evacuated, including 40 thousand children.

“This was the result of a lot of work by our rescuers and pilots. Abish Kekilbayev said: “For a person who loves his country, the greatest grief is to be cut off from the fate of his people.” From the first days of the natural disaster, the National Volunteer Network showed particular activity. More than 50 thousand volunteers organized caravans of mercy. Volunteers helped deliver food and other essentials to flooded regions. The action of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan “Zhurekten Zhurekke” became a significant contribution to the common cause,” said the President.

The head of state expressed gratitude to the parents of a schoolgirl from the city of Kentau, Gauhar Shaimerden, who sent all her savings to the residents of Kulsary. He also noted the contribution of 90-year-old Orynsha Toktybakkyzy and Aliya Dosmukhanova, residents of the Atyrau region. Further, the President of Kazakhstan thanked the fraternal states, international companies and organizations for the assistance provided.

– It’s not for nothing that they say that true friendship is learned during disasters. Some foreign citizens came to our country specifically to personally help the affected people. “I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to our foreign partners and friends for their support,” he noted.

As the Head of State said, during the floods the unity and solidarity of our people were revealed.

“When the big water came, our compatriots, following the call of their hearts, came to the aid of rescuers fighting the elements. They showed exceptional dedication and true courage while helping responsible services in flooded areas. Many transported people and animals in their own vehicles. Thousands of concerned citizens participated in the construction of protective embankments. Thanks to our joint efforts, we managed to avoid worst-case scenarios,” the President said.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highly appreciated the efforts of the volunteers and called them heroes of our time, the embodiment of true patriotism and responsible citizenship.

– I pay great attention to the development of the volunteer movement. As you remember, I declared 2020 the Year of the Volunteer. Over the past time, volunteer activities in our country have reached a qualitatively new level. Important initiatives and projects have been implemented by volunteers. But the most important thing is that we have awakened in people an active desire to participate in the life of the state and society, to follow creative values ​​and guidelines. It is people who are the main driving force behind comprehensive transformations in our country. I am convinced that for the successful implementation of the large-scale reforms we have begun, it is necessary to consolidate the efforts of all citizens,” he said.

The President recalled that people left without housing were allocated funds for the construction of houses at the expense of the Kazakhstan Khalkyna Fund. In total, more than 2,200 residential buildings will be built and about 10 thousand will be renovated.

– Significant funds were allocated by domestic entrepreneurs to eliminate the consequences of floods. Thus, they actually showed genuine concern for their native country. This is the responsibility of business and its concern for the interests of the people. At the same time, it should be noted that not all large entrepreneurs responded to the call to help the affected citizens. There are entrepreneurs here who, on the contrary, responded and contributed a lot to help save our citizens from unprecedented floods.As for the names of the businessmen who remained on the sidelines, we know them, although we did not force anyone, this is a voluntary matter,” said the Head of State.

The President in his speech commented on the attack on a Kazakh journalist in Kyiv.

– Kazakhstan has taken a course towards strengthening the rule of law. You know my principled position: Law and Order must reign in the country, in other words, legal order. All conflicts and disagreements in our society should be resolved exclusively within the legal framework, on the basis of current legislation, in accordance with basic international standards. It is from this point of view that it is necessary to consider the crime that occurred yesterday in Kyiv against Kazakh citizen Aidos Sadykov. I have instructed the diplomatic department and law enforcement agencies to send official inquiries to the Ukrainian side regarding this serious incident.  If necessary, Kazakh official bodies are ready to join the investigation to assist in identifying the truth,” he emphasized.

In conclusion, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed sincere gratitude to all citizens who participated in eliminating the consequences of the natural disaster.

– As you know, the environmental campaign “Taza Kazakhstan” was launched in the country.  This is a very important social and even political project, designed to unite efforts in the name of a common cause, improve our cities and villages, and develop environmental consciousness in society. Its initiators were, first of all, responsible citizens like you. The labor feat performed in the name of the country will never be forgotten.Therefore, today’s awards are a manifestation of the boundless gratitude of the people,” the President concluded.
Also speaking at the award ceremony were the clerk of the public association of disabled people “Zagiptar Armany” Aliya Dosmukhanova, the excavator operator of Osnovaniye LLP Vladimir Tsarik and the water regulator of the Aktobe branch of the RSE “Kazvodkhoz” Shyngystau Abdiev.

Then the Head of State awarded rescuers, volunteers, workers, public figures, military personnel, doctors and entrepreneurs, as well as leaders of large businesses who took an active part in flood control measures.

 

akorda.kz

translated by Qazalem