Earlier Daryo mentioned that the cost of drinking water in three regions of Uzbekistan is being doubled simultaneously. For instance, in Kashkadarya, the price of 1 cubic metre of drinking water for residents will increase from the current $0.085 to $0.17. Similarly, in Surkhandarya, the price will rise from $0.098 to $0.18, and in the Tashkent region, it will increase from $0.081 to $0.14.
Based on the current tariffs, it is evident that Tashkent city offers the cheapest drinking water at $0.034 per 1 cubic metre, while the most expensive water is in the Navoi region at $0.25 per 1 cubic metre. At present, the water tariffs in other regions remain unchanged. Starting from January 1, 2024, in Tashkent, residents will not only pay for drinking water but also for running water.
These measures are implemented in response to the projected fivefold increase in water scarcity in Uzbekistan by 2050. Over the past 15 years, the annual volume of water available per person has decreased significantly from 3.48 cubic metres to 1.589 cubic metres.
To address the water scarcity issue, experts have suggested adopting a multi-tiered payment system, commonly used for pricing water and energy resources. Under this system, consumers using a certain amount of water per month would pay a lower rate, while those exceeding that threshold would pay a higher rate, encouraging water conservation.
A reporter from Daryo asked Akmal Murodov, the head of the information service of "Uzsuvta'minot" society, about the possibility of implementing a classified payment system for determining drinking water prices. Akmal Murodov responded that, as of now, there are no such measures planned.
The situation in the country
Similar to many countries worldwide, Uzbekistan is facing a pressing issue of drinking water scarcity. Approximately 70% of the population has access to drinking water. However, the situation is more critical in certain regions. For instance, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, and Jizzakh regions have a drinking water supply of less than 60%, and in areas like Guzor, Dehkanabad, Koson, Sherabad, Angor, Gallaorol, and Khatirchi districts, this figure falls below 30%. The lowest drinking water supply indicator is recorded in the Kashkadarya region, standing at 43%.
Projections from the World Bank indicate that the current water shortage in Uzbekistan will amplify fivefold by 2050. Over the past 15 years, the annual volume of water available per person has decreased significantly from 3,048 m3 to 1,589 m3.
Furthermore, the World Bank forecasts a decline of up to 5% in water resources in the Syrdarya basin and up to 15% in the Amudarya basin by 2050. This, in turn, is estimated to result in an 11% decrease in GDP due to freshwater shortages in Central Asia.
Globally, the scarcity of potable water is a growing concern, with predictions indicating a potential 40% increase in water scarcity over the next 7 years, by 2030.
Water prices around the world
Kazakhstan stands out as the Central Asian country with the highest prices for drinking water. Depending on the region, residents pay between $0.16 and $0.67 per cubic metre of water.
In Tajikistan, the cost of 1 cubic metre of water consumption ranges from $0.090 to $0.16. In the capital, Dushanbe, prices are differentiated based on the presence of water metres. Those with metres pay $0.16, while those without metres living on floors 1-12 pay $0.56, and residents above the 12th floor pay $0.75.
Kyrgyzstan's residents pay $0.078 per cubic metre of water, while in Turkmenistan, exceeding the specified limit of water consumption costs $0.15 per cubic metre.
Comparatively, residents in European countries pay the highest prices globally for drinking water. Norway tops the list, with citizens paying €5.51 for 1000 litres (1 cubic metre) of drinking water. Germany (€4.67), Denmark (€4.37), and the Netherlands (€3.99) follow closely behind in terms of water prices.
Among European cities, Naples, Italy, offers the cheapest drinking water at a price of €1.42 per cubic metre. In contrast, the price of water in America is three times cheaper than in Europe.
Why is the price of water increasing?
The increase in the price of water can be attributed to various factors. "Ozsuvta'minot" JSC has planned to enhance the centralised drinking water supply to the population in different regions. To achieve this goal, investments are required for constructing drinking water and sewage networks, as well as water and sewage facilities. Moreover, expenses related to wages, electricity, tax payments, foreign loans, ongoing repairs, capital improvements, and system modernization contribute to the need for new tariffs for drinking water supply and wastewater services.
Another recent concern is the rise in cases of water wastage in Uzbekistan due to its relatively low price. In contrast, European countries, especially Denmark, exhibit a high level of water conservation and efficient use owing to the higher cost of water. The increase in prices may be aimed at reducing water consumption and promoting more efficient and responsible use of water resources by introducing market-driven prices.
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