Astana's Excavator Operator Reflects on 44 Years in the Public Utilities Sector

Astana's public utilities services work tirelessly to provide daily comfort to the city's residents, often going unnoticed. On the eve of Labor Day, Kanat Temirbekov, an excavator operator from the chief mechanic department at "Astana Su Arnasy," shared insights into his work on city networks and the nuances of his profession, according to the official city akimat website.

Kanat Amanzholovich has devoted 44 years to his career, with 26 of those years in the capital city's water supply and sewage management sector. He recalls that his interest in machinery began in childhood and choosing a working profession was a conscious decision.

"When you see a powerful machine under your control performing complex tasks that would take weeks manually, you gain true respect for mechanics and labor. I wanted to work with sophisticated equipment and make a real, tangible difference in my hometown. I joined the water utility in the 1990s and have never regretted my choice since," he shared.

Every shift for the excavator operator begins with a technical check of the machinery. Throughout the day, he is involved in laying and replacing water and sewage pipes, excavating soil, preparing pits for emergency repair crews, and cleaning up the site post-work.

Working in densely built urban areas, where various underground utilities converge, demands precision.

"A mistake of a few centimeters could leave an entire neighborhood without electricity or communication. Therefore, an excavator operator must work like a surgeon, maneuvering a bucket that weighs hundreds of kilograms with surgical precision. A good specialist needs to have an excellent eye, a sense of space, quick reflexes, and patience," Kanat Temirbekov noted.

Over his career, he has frequently been involved in night-time emergency repairs and working in severe cold. He describes winter bursts on major water mains as especially challenging, where frozen ground must be excavated without damaging nearby utilities.

"At such times, you forget about fatigue and cold. Knowing that your work impacts the comfort of thousands of people gives you strength to keep going," he said.

Today, he is eager to pass on his experience to younger employees at the company.

"I always tell young people: don't shy away from tough, hands-on professions. A person who is skilled at manual labor and operating complex equipment will always have a livelihood and respect. The key is to approach your work with passion, discipline, and love," concluded Kanat Temirbekov.

Photo: gov.kz