Across Uzbekistan, a comprehensive effort is underway to bolster the drinking water supply system, spanning both urban and rural regions, with a focus on enhancing public health and elevating the overall quality of life. Over the past six years, a staggering 14.5 trillion soums have been allocated from the state budget to the drinking water supply sector, marking a remarkable six-fold increase compared to previous investments. This substantial commitment has resulted in the laying of 31,000 kilometers of drinking water supply and sewerage networks, as well as the construction and refurbishment of 1,200 water supply structures. Consequently, clean drinking water has reached the households of 6.5 million people residing in a thousand mahallas.
However, there remains a pressing need to revamp the drinking water supply in 30 districts and 1.4 thousand mahallas, necessitating the discovery of new clean water sources. Additionally, concerns persist regarding the inefficient and unmonitored use of water, prompting a call for the upgrading of certain pumps and specialized equipment within the sector.
These issues were at the forefront of discussions during a recent meeting held with a sense of urgency, where essential measures were outlined. Uzsuvtaminot JSC has been entrusted with the task of constructing and refurbishing 12,000 kilometers of networks and 1,300 water supply facilities by year-end. This ambitious endeavor will provide centralized access to drinking water for 1.1 million residents in 145 mahallas who have not previously enjoyed this privilege, while simultaneously enhancing water supply in 2,000 other mahallas.
In a bid to sustain progress, regional governors, in collaboration with elected people’s deputies, have been directed to develop and present a water supply program for the upcoming year. Particular emphasis has been placed on addressing the inadequate water supply in 30 districts.
Several pivotal projects have been evaluated, including initiatives such as the enhancement of drinking water supply in the Kushrabat district and the overhaul of water drainage systems in the cities of Bukhara and Jizzakh, as well as sewerage systems in the cities of Gulistan, Yangiyer and Shirin.
Exemplary efforts in cost optimization were noted in Bukhara. During the implementation of a $281 million project for the reconstruction of water treatment and sewerage systems in the city, an impressive $75 million was saved. These funds will be reinvested to construct an additional 1,150 kilometers of water supply and 117 kilometers of sewer networks.
The significance of cost optimization in other projects and the judicious allocation of saved funds to enhance water supply and sewerage systems in project areas were underscored.
Responsible officials in the sphere, alongside regional governors, have received directives concerning the technical-economic aspects of 24 promising projects. Moreover, steps have been identified to replace existing pumps with energy-efficient counterparts and to bolster the financial stability of enterprises operating within the sector.