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715 thousand people will be connected to drinking water supply in Uzbekistan for the first time
This year, in Uzbekistan, it is planned to lay 1,619 km of water supply networks, 521 km of sewerage networks, and also to build and reconstruct 162 infrastructure facilities.
As a result, 715 thousand people will have access to clean drinking water for the first time, 135 thousand households will be connected to the sewerage system, and 157 thousand consumers will receive modern meters. This was discussed at a meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Monday.
“The presence of a sewerage system is an important factor for the development of construction, industry and services. Every year, trillions of soums are allocated from the budget for the expansion of these systems. But at the same time, it is necessary to actively involve the private sector in this area,” the presidential press service reported.
The head of state noted the importance of expanding private partnerships and increasing opportunities for local companies to participate in international tenders. Examples were given: a local entrepreneur, with the support of the Asian Development Bank, is building treatment facilities in Almalyk, Bekabad, Angren and Chirchik, while another entrepreneur proposed taking water supply and sewerage services into private management in two districts of the Andijan region.
A decision was approved to simplify the process of implementing projects with international financial institutions. It was instructed to speed up tender procedures and complete work worth $850 million by the end of the year.
Over the next five years, 19 trillion soums will be allocated for the restoration and modernization of heat supply systems, it was noted at the meeting. As a result, the level of coverage by centralized heat supply will increase from 37% to 58%.
The Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services was instructed to develop a program to improve the energy efficiency of apartment buildings and social institutions. It was noted that 9,000 residential buildings and social facilities will be transferred to a closed heating system. This will reduce heat losses by half and reduce gas consumption by 20%.
Another task is the digitalization of the industry. In this regard, it is planned to attract $125 million from the ADB. Over the course of five years, it is planned to install 4,800 smart meters and 2,800 telemetry systems at large hydraulic structures and main pipelines.
The President also gave instructions to gradually transfer meter maintenance to the private sector.
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