Uzbekistan, along with neighboring Central Asian countries, faces a pressing issue of excessive water consumption driven by remarkably low prices. In 2020, Uzbekistan's per capita water intake was 1.76 thousand cubic meters, reflecting a trend that demands sustainable solutions, Aquastat reported.
The issue is not unique to Uzbekistan, as neighboring countries such as Turkmenistan (4.35 thousand cubic meters per person), Kazakhstan (1.31 thousand), Kyrgyzstan (1.17 thousand), and Tajikistan (1.04 thousand) also exhibit high levels of water consumption. The primary driver behind this overuse is the low cost of water, a factor that prompts careless consumption patterns.
Uzbekistan's affordability in water supply is underscored by its ranking among the world's "cheapest" countries for water services, as reported by The International Benchmarking Network for Water and Sanitation Utilities in 2021. The cost of a cubic meter of tap water in Uzbekistan was a mere $0.15, with similarly low prices in Tajikistan ($0.1) and Kazakhstan ($0.14). This stark contrast becomes evident when compared to countries like Denmark and Sweden, where water costs are 25 and 22 times higher, respectively. Projections indicate that by 2030, the world could face a water shortage of up to 40%.
Earlier Daryo reported that during a video selector meeting led by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the escalating water issue was highlighted. Despite significant subsidies and the promotion of water-saving technologies, a concerning reality emerged: 36% of the 39 billion cubic meters of water consumed in the previous year was lost in earthen canals and ditches.
The AQUASTAT methodology emphasizes the crucial role of collaborating with national experts in water and agriculture. Effective partnerships with individuals possessing strong networking skills and a sense of responsibility are essential for obtaining reliable data and information. The importance of national capacities, particularly in the context of the SDG process, is underscored by the experiences and lessons learned in global water information management.
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