Uzbekistan to become among red areas for water shortages by 2050

On May 31, the AIMC held a press conference on the content of the presidential resolution “On additional measures to improve the provision of the population with drinking water and sewage services”.

Deputy Chairman of Uzsuvtaminot JSC Khurshid Rakhmatullayev provided information on the status of water and networks:

“Unfortunately, 60% of our water supply networks are obsolete.  We have pipes that have been in use for 40-50 years and cannot be touched, they break down. But the water is flowing. No matter how clean and quality water we supply them, the pipe will have a negative impact. We have an annual program of renewal of networks with investment programs, state support and our own funds.

We also have problems in controlling water consumption and reducing waste. Because Uzbekistan is one of the countries with water shortages. According to the WB, Uzbekistan is now in the yellow zone. But if we fall into the red zone in the coming years, the water shortage could exceed 2 billion cubic meters. Calculations show that this will happen by 2050. We should not wait for this, we should start saving from now. The role of the media in this issue is great, because it is necessary to educate the population on the prevention of waste,” he said.

Kun.uz correspondent told: “Many problems are related to tariff policy. Water is being wasted because it’s so cheap, isn't it? Also, we still utilize clean water for flushing the toilets?  Isn't it possible to demand technical water supply for new houses?” Then officials answered the above-mentioned questions:

“Today, a liter of piped water in Tashkent costs 40 pennies. We are planning to change the tariff policy. We have also recruited foreign consultants. We are studying the social issue, water resources. The easiest way is to raise the price immediately, but this does not give the intended result. For this reason, we plan to develop a differentiated tariff, universal tariffs, not 14 different tariffs in 14 regions. The most effective way to deal with waste is to use meters correctly.  Unfortunately, up to 40% of consumers have not yet installed meters. More than 11% of consumers in Andijan, 30% of them in Surkhandarya have installed meters. These are very low figures. More than 1 million meters have expired.

Technical water supply is still being studied. It has been established in foreign countries, and we will reach it gradually. But this is a systemic problem, and we have to change the norms of urban planning in general”.

It was also reported at the event that water supply in 1345 mahallas is in poor condition. To improve the situation, the budget has allocated 2 trillion soums this year and work is underway in 741 mahallas. The heaviest region in the country is Kashkadarya - it has been supplied with water by 43%, followed by Surkhandarya and Jizzakh regions, where water supply accounts for about 60%.