“There Is No Shame in Being a Simple Worker”: Maral Kulpeisova Has Been Keeping Astana Clean for 14 Years
For most residents of the capital, the morning begins with a commute to work, school, or other daily activities. For sanitation workers, however, the working day starts much earlier. While the city is still waking up, they are already out on the streets, working to maintain cleanliness and order. Among them is Maral Kulpeisova, a road maintenance worker at Astana Tazalyk LLP, who has been working at the sanitation and cleaning unit in the Sarayshyk district for 14 years.
Maral Kulpeisova joined Astana Tazalyk in 2012. Before that, she worked for Astana Zelenstroy. Her new workplace marked the beginning of a long professional journey that continues to this day.
Her working day begins at around six in the morning. Maral apai walks to work, with the journey taking approximately 45–50 minutes. Upon arriving at the site, she completes the required registration, checks in through the electronic system, and receives her assignment from the senior supervisor.
Each road worker is responsible for a designated area. Maral Kulpeisova’s duties include collecting litter and keeping her assigned area clean.
“First of all, you need patience and strong willpower. In any situation, it is important to remain calm and never lose your humanity,” she says.
Working outdoors requires physical endurance. In summer, employees work in the heat; in winter, they face severe cold; and even during rainy weather, they continue to carry out their duties.
“Of course, it can be difficult. Especially during severe winter frosts, hot summer days, or rainy weather. But when you have a job, you have to do it. The streets need to be clean,” Maral Kulpeisova says.
According to her, words of appreciation from residents provide special motivation. When passers-by notice the workers’ efforts and express their gratitude, it becomes an additional source of encouragement.
“When people appreciate our work, it makes us very happy. Their gratitude gives us strength,” she says.
“Every Kind of Work Has Its Place”
Over 14 years of work, Maral Kulpeisova has developed resilience and a strong sense of responsibility. She believes that young people should not underestimate manual and blue-collar professions.
In her view, every honest job matters, especially when it contributes to the comfort and order of a city.
“There is no need to be ashamed or think that being a simple worker is something to be embarrassed about. We also make a significant contribution to the development and cleanliness of our city. Every kind of work has its place. The most important thing is not to give up in the face of difficulties,” Maral apai says.
Behind these simple words is the personal story of a woman who has spent many years greeting the dawn on the streets of the capital and doing work that is essential to the city.
Family and Life
Maral Kulpeisova is a mother and grandmother of eight grandchildren. Her two older children live far away and have families of their own. She currently lives in Astana with her youngest son, renting a room in a dormitory.
In 2012, Maral apai lost her husband. Despite the challenges she faced in life, she continued working and supporting her family on her own.
Today, her life is still built around work: waking up early, walking to work, taking care of her assigned area, and carrying out her daily responsibilities. After 14 years, this routine has become a familiar part of her life.
The story of Maral Kulpeisova is an example of how the clean streets of the capital are made possible by the daily efforts of real people. Their work may not always be noticed, but it is precisely these everyday efforts that create a comfortable urban environment.
As Labour Day approaches, it is especially important to highlight the people whose work makes the city cleaner and more comfortable for everyone.
“There is no need to be ashamed of being a worker. Every kind of work has its place,” says Maral Kulpeisova.
