President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed condolences to the families of the perished forestry workers
June 11, 2023
Borodulikha village, Abay region
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed condolences to the families and friends of forestry workers who died as a result of a large-scale fire in the Semey Ormany nature reserve.
“I came here specifically to express my condolences to you. This is a great tragedy for all our people. Be strong in this difficult moment. I share your grief at the loss. I instructed the Government to provide you with all possible support, be it financial or any other assistance. If there are appeals to the Government and to me personally, speak up, express your requests, appeals. All of them, of course, we will satisfy. Of course, unfortunately, the dead cannot be returned, but life goes on. But one thing I want to say for sure, those who are to blame for this tragedy will be held accountable in accordance with the law. I declare this Monday a National Day of Mourning. We will mourn with you, remember the names of the dead. I ask you to be strong and remain calm. Appropriate measures will be taken in all areas, be it law enforcement agencies or ministries. Now I will hold a meeting, and we will certainly learn from this experience,” the Head of State said.
During the conversation with the President, the relatives of the victims shared their current plight and asked for assistance in solving social problems. They also talked about problems in forestry. In particular, about the outdated material and technical base of the reserve, the low wages of forestry workers and their poor social protection.
The head of state said that the Prosecutor General’s Office would conduct an investigation into this tragedy, and those responsible would be held accountable. He instructed the Government to provide assistance to the families of the victims as soon as possible.