At the video selector meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, it was noted that the water problem is becoming more urgent every day. In recent years, substantial subsidies have been allocated to water management and the adoption of water-saving technologies. Nevertheless, a stark reality has emerged – 36% of the 39 bn cubic meters of water consumed in the previous year was lost in earthen canals and ditches.
Another concerning statistic is the wastage of 5-6 bn cubic meters of water, funneling into collectors, due to the continued use of outdated irrigation methods on 70% of the country's arable land.
Uzbekistan currently operates over 5,000 pumps to irrigate 2.5 mn hectares of land, consuming a substantial 7 bn kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. A significant issue lies in the fact that approximately 80% of these pumps have surpassed their intended lifespan, with some in operation for 35-40 years.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed his deep concern about this water crisis and took a strong stance against the officials responsible for the sector. The meeting resulted in vital directives to rectify the situation, including the concrete lining of canals to minimize water seepage, the replacement of outdated pumps with energy-efficient models, and the installation of automated water meters for enhanced monitoring and conservation.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)