Uzbekistan weighs tighter oversight in construction sector

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was presented with a package of measures aimed at cutting bureaucracy and strengthening oversight in Uzbekistan’s construction and housing sector, including proposals on industrial safety, digital monitoring and illegal construction.

Photo: Presidential press service

The measures would expand oversight of industrial, radiation and nuclear safety, increase digital monitoring of construction sites and strengthen liability for violations in the sector.

Authorities also discussed installing surveillance cameras at major construction projects, including social facilities, apartment buildings, large commercial and industrial sites, and hotel and tourism complexes worth more than UZS 3 billion.

Officials said the cameras would help detect unauthorized changes to approved project designs, improve oversight of construction workers, and strengthen workplace safety.

Illegal construction was another focus of the discussions. As of April 1, authorities had identified 3,791 unauthorized construction sites across the country, including 1,933 in industrial zones. Some projects were found to lack land rights, construction permits, or mandatory expert reviews.

The proposals also call for tighter supervision of apartment buildings, particularly older residential blocks, and would allow inspectors to impose direct fines for the demolition of load-bearing structures.

Separately, the Ministry of Justice said on May 6 that individuals who report violations of industrial, radiation, and nuclear safety rules will be eligible for financial rewards under a government resolution adopted on May 4.

Starting from August 1, individuals will be able to submit photo or video evidence of violations involving hazardous industrial facilities and technical equipment to the Committee for Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety.

Under the resolution, submitted materials must clearly show the nature of the violation, as well as the location, date, and time. Regional officials will review the materials on site within 3 working days and initiate administrative proceedings if violations are confirmed.

Individuals whose evidence leads to a confirmed violation and fine will receive a cash reward equal to 20% of the portion of the fine transferred to the committee.