The Asian Development Bank has approved a loan of $105.3m to support rehabilitation and expansion of regional water supply in the Yangiyul and Chinaz districts of Tashkent Province in Uzbekistan.

ADB

Image: ADB to support water rehabilitation in Uzbekistan. Photo: Courtesy of Rudy and Peter Skitterians/Pixabay.

ADB said that the loan will help in delivering safe potable water to more than 220,000 people living the Tashkent Province. Tashkent is the largest and economically advanced region in Uzbekistan, where nearly 25% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is generated.

The total cost of the project is $124.7m and the Government of Uzbekistan is contributing $19.4m. The project is expected to be completed by August 2025.

However, the region suffers from pervasive urban service limitations, particularly in water supply and sanitation (WSS). Most of its Soviet-era WSS infrastructure is deteriorated and outdated. An estimated 80% of residents in the two project districts are unable to receive municipal water supplies and forced to purchase or obtain unsafe water from other sources.

The loan is being provided under the Second Tashkent Province Water Supply Development Project  and it will help in rehabilitating and improving the VU-1 regional water supply system in Tashkent Province.

This includes constructing 65km of transmission mains, 27km of distribution mains, 540km of distribution network, 37 water reservoirs, 22 water distribution centers, 5 pressure towers, 2 administration buildings, 2 water quality laboratories, 37,500 metered water supply connections and 4,000 individual wastewater disposal systems, a first in the country.

ADB Central and West Asia Senior Urban Development Specialist Jung Ho Kim said: “Reliable and safe water supply and sanitation service is crucial for a growing area like Tashkent Province, particularly in its importance in the overall economy and development of Uzbekistan.

“ADB’s loan to expand and rehabilitate WSS services in the two districts will not only provide safe drinking water but also improve the quality of life of residents in Tashkent Province.”

ADB’s support will also include initiation of smart technology including supervisory control and data acquisition, geographic information system and meters for improved billing and increased revenue.

The project is also expected to include the participation of private contractors to carry out operation and maintenance of water supply facilities in some settlements.