This year marks the 34th anniversary of the Decree on the closure of the Semey Test Site. On this occasion, a dialogue platform entitled “Closure of the Semey Nuclear Test Site: A Historic Decision, a Vision for the Future” was held at the House of Friendship in the capital. The event gathered around 40 participants, including active retirees of the city, veteran teachers, journalists, and public figures. Former deputy Zauresh Battalova, prominent scientists and ecologists, as well as representatives of state institutions took part in the dialogue, emphasizing the relevance of this issue.
The discussion focused primarily on providing social assistance to regions affected by the test site. One of the first to speak was Gauri Zhomartova, chair of the Astana branch of the Republican Public Association “Erekshe tayekeldi soldattar”, historian, and civic activist studying the problems of the Semey Test Site and the Aral tragedy. She highlighted the important work carried out by the “Polygon-21” Committee in Semey and elaborated on the ongoing consequences of the test site. Marzhan Bektursynkyzy, a linguist from the Center for Active Longevity, also addressed the dialogue, outlining the benefits provided to residents of the affected regions. Participants of the meeting put forward a number of proposals, stressing the need for specific amendments to existing legislation.
Among the key issues discussed were assessing the level of land contamination in the test site territory, reducing the retirement age for local residents, providing compensation, improving medical support, and other pressing matters. At the end of the event, participants agreed to continue cooperation with the “Semey Nuclear Test Site Public Foundation” in working toward solutions to these problems. The Semey Test Site remains a tragic chapter deeply preserved in the memory of our people. It reminds us of the immense value of peace, human life, and the safety of the natural environment.
