ADB supports Uzbekistan’s push for smarter water management

On May 27, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed progress on efforts to expand access to drinking water and sanitation services across the country, according to the presidential press service.

Currently, 81% of settlements in Uzbekistan are provided with centrally supplied drinking water, while wastewater systems serve only about 20% of the population. In 2025, the plan is to lay 1,619 kilometers of water pipelines and 521 kilometers of sewer networks, in addition to reconstructing 162 facilities.

As a result, 715,000 people will gain access to drinking water, and another 675,000 citizens will benefit from improved sanitation services. The total estimated cost of these efforts is $800 million.

In particular, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has allocated $125 million to support the digitalization of the country’s water supply system. By 2030, Uzbekistan plans to install 4,800 smart meters and 3,000 telemetry systems at major water facilities and along main pipelines.

The government, in collaboration with ADB and the German Development Bank, has developed a mechanism for pre-project financing. Pre-selecting contractors and designers is expected to accelerate project implementation.

President Mirziyoyev emphasized the need to train specialists in line with the new demands arising from expanding international cooperation and public-private partnerships.

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