The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $125mn loan to assist Uzbekistan in modernizing its water management system, improving water security, and ensuring reliable access to safe water across the country.
The Climate-Smart Water Management Improvement Project aims to enhance asset management and sustainability in water service delivery, while also boosting the institutional capacity of the nation’s national water utility. The initiative will support data-driven decision-making and improve both water management and energy-use efficiency, contributing to the country’s climate change mitigation goals.
“Uzbekistan’s water resources are under acute threat from climate change and inefficient usage,” said Kanokpan Lao-Araya, ADB Country Director for Uzbekistan. “ADB’s project introduces smart water management systems to optimize water usage, reduce energy consumption, and improve operational efficiency, thus lowering Uzbekistan’s carbon footprint.”
The project will focus on supporting Joint Stock Company Uzsuvtaminot, the national water utility, along with its regional branches. A key component of the initiative involves completing the installation of a nationwide bulk flow metering and telemetry system at major water resource locations. Additionally, the project will carry out an inventory of assets and develop geographic mapping for all water supply and wastewater infrastructure, including around 4 million customer connections.
An integrated package of climate-smart, IT-based utility management systems will be rolled out, accompanied by training for the national water utility staff. The initiative will also enhance customer service centers by introducing new financial management software to ensure transparent financial reporting in line with international standards.
By leveraging transformative digital solutions, the project aims to reduce operational costs, boost workforce efficiency, and improve customer engagement, ensuring greater satisfaction for water service users.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the partnership between ADB and Uzbekistan. Since the country’s membership in ADB in 1995, the bank has committed over $14.3bn in public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance.
As an international financial institution, ADB remains dedicated to fostering a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia-Pacific region, with a continued focus on eradicating extreme poverty.
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