Uzbekistan plans to lay 1,619 kilometers of drinking water pipelines and 521 kilometers of sewage networks, as well as construct and reconstruct 162 structures within the system in 2025, according to the presidential press service.
On March 17, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a videoconference meeting focused on improving drinking water and heat supply, neighborhood infrastructure, and agriculture. The government has outlined several large-scale projects to enhance public services and boost efficiency in these critical sectors.
These efforts aim to improve essential services, benefiting 715,000 residents with access to clean drinking water for the first time and connecting 135,000 households to the sewage system. Additionally, 157,000 consumers will receive modern water meters.
During a recent visit to France, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev secured €340mn in agreements for water infrastructure projects in Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya regions. The French company Suez will manage drinking water supply in Denov, Shu’rchi, Sariosiyo, and Kumkurgan, increasing centralized water coverage in the region to 90%.
To enhance sewage infrastructure, the government is encouraging private sector participation. Entrepreneurs, with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), are building wastewater treatment plants in Almalyk, Bekabad, Angren, and Chirchik. Another private investor is working to privatize water and wastewater services in two districts of Andijan.
A directive has been issued to accelerate international financial institution-funded projects, aiming to complete $850mn in works by the end of the year. Meanwhile, $125mn from the ADB will be used to install 4,800 smart meters and 2,800 telemetry systems at key water facilities and pipelines.
The heating sector, one of the largest consumers of natural gas, is undergoing significant reform. A March 11 presidential decree established the "Issiqlik Ta’minoti” company, which now oversees 23 regional enterprises. Over the next five years, UZS 19 trillion ($1.5bn) will be invested in restoring heating systems, expanding centralized heat supply from 37% to 58%.
The Ministry of Construction and Housing has been tasked with improving energy efficiency in apartment buildings and social institutions. A closed heating system will be implemented in 9,000 buildings, reducing heat loss by 50%and gas consumption by 20%.
Spring planting initiatives and land reforms were also discussed. To simplify land allocation, the government eliminated installment payments for auctioned farmland. Land prices will now decrease by 10% per day in repeated auctions, and a single participant will be declared the winner if no competitors bid. Additionally, 10-20% of farmland will be reserved for growing livestock feed.
A new entrepreneurial rating system is evaluating 93,000 farmers based on productivity, employment, and output. High-rated farmers will be exempt from loan insurance requirements, while land tax will be reduced threefold, and contributions to farmers' councils will be cut in half. Those achieving above-average cotton and grain yields will be permitted to rotate up to 25% of their land for fodder, vegetables, legumes, and other crops.
As part of a national greening initiative, 125mn seedlings will be planted this spring, with efforts to improve irrigation, including the construction of geomembrane-lined ponds in water-scarce areas.
To expand public services, the government is increasing the "neighborhood service" model, which was piloted in 208 districts. 1,000 new service companies will be established, providing at least 30 types of services and creating 15,000 jobs. Inspired by China’s model, 5,000 individuals will receive training in neighborhood service provision.
Additionally, UZS 700bn ($54mn) have been allocated for road repairs and energy infrastructure improvements. Local authorities will oversee internal road maintenance and ensure better living conditions for residents.
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