The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $125 million loan to help Uzbekistan modernize its water management system, enhance water security, and ensure reliable access to safe water nationwide.
Addressing Water Challenges
Uzbekistan’s water resources face increasing threats from climate change and inefficient usage. The Climate-Smart Water Management Improvement Project aims to strengthen asset management, improve water service sustainability, and enhance the institutional capacity of the national water utility, Uzsuvtaminot. The project will support data-driven decision-making, optimize water usage, and improve energy efficiency, aligning with Uzbekistan’s climate 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.”
Key Project Components
- Smart Infrastructure Development: The project will complete the nationwide installation of bulk flow metering and telemetry systems at major water resource sites.
- Enhanced Asset Management: It will conduct a full inventory and geographic mapping of water supply and wastewater infrastructure, covering approximately 4 million customer connections.
- Digital Transformation: An integrated, climate-smart IT management system will be implemented, alongside workforce training for Uzsuvtaminot and its regional branches.
- Improved Financial Transparency: New financial management software will be introduced to enhance customer service centers and ensure transparent financial reporting in line with international standards.
By leveraging advanced digital solutions, the project aims to reduce operational costs, boost workforce efficiency, and improve customer engagement, leading to higher satisfaction among water service users.
ADB’s Commitment to Uzbekistan
This year marks the 30th anniversary of ADB’s partnership with Uzbekistan. Since joining ADB in 1995, the country has received over $14.3 billion in public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance.
ADB remains committed to fostering a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia-Pacific region, with a continued focus on eradicating extreme poverty.