Tashkent – Akmal Murodov
Head of Press Service of JSC
The city of Tashkent has become the heart of regional dialogue on water sustainability, hosting the Central Asia Regional Water and Sewerage Utilities Conference—a landmark event uniting governments, international organizations, and experts to discuss the future of water security and sustainable resource management in the region.
Under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the nation has been implementing far-reaching reforms to ensure the sustainable development of its water sector and expand access to quality drinking water and wastewater services. Over the past eight years, a total of 27.5 trillion soums has been invested in the sector—16 trillion soums (58.4%) of which were allocated in just the past three years. Of this, 60 percent came from the national budget, and 40 percent from international financial institutions.
These funds have enabled the construction and modernization of 3,627 facilities and the laying of more than 40,600 kilometers of new networks. As a result, 82.1 percent of Uzbekistan’s population now has access to clean drinking water, while 20.5 percent benefit from wastewater services.
In 2025, international cooperation continues to deepen through 21 joint projects totaling $2.18 billion, implemented with the support of:
- Asian Development Bank (ADB) – 4 projects
- European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) – 7 projects
- World Bank – 3 projects
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) – 2 projects
- Saudi Fund for Development and OPEC Fund – 2 projects
- French Development Agency (AFD) – 2 projects
- SUEZ Company – 1 project
Within these projects, the following are planned:
- 9,484 km of drinking water supply networks
- 3,269 km of wastewater networks
- 18 water intake facilities
- 32 wastewater treatment plants
- Installation of 483,000 modern water meters
Through these efforts, 4.1 million people will gain improved access to safe drinking water, while 2.1 million will benefit from enhanced wastewater services.
Looking ahead, Uzbekistan plans to attract at least 40 trillion soums in investment by 2030, aiming to raise national coverage of drinking water services to 90 percent and wastewater access to 32.6 percent.
Set against these remarkable achievements, the Central Asia Regional Water and Sewerage Utilities Conference convened in Tashkent from October 6 to 8, 2025, organized by Uzsuvta’minot JSC in partnership with the World Bank, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO), and the Korean Green Growth Trust Fund (KGGTF).
Over three days, participants explored key topics including:
- Enhancing efficiency in water supply and sanitation services
- Asset management and institutional transformation
- Implementing digital and data-driven solutions
- Strengthening workforce capacity
- Expanding private sector participation and innovative financing mechanisms
Delegates also visited the Kodiriya Water Treatment Plant in Tashkent Region, the Chirchik Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the Mesal Water Technologies Joint Venture in Yangiyul to observe modern technologies and ongoing infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, the Aquatherm-Tashkent 2025 International Exhibition showcased cutting-edge developments and innovations in the water sector.
The conference stands as a symbol of regional unity, providing a vital platform for Central Asian nations to cooperate on the rational use of water resources, adopt modern management practices, and advance shared sustainable development goals—ensuring that the rivers of Central Asia continue to sustain life, peace, and progress for generations to come.
