President Mirziyoyev Holds Videoconference to Address Water Supply, Heat Supply, and Agricultural Development
Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a videoconference meeting to discuss critical issues related to drinking water and heat supply, neighborhood development, and agriculture. Highlighting the significance of these essential services, the President outlined a comprehensive plan for their expansion and modernization.
This year, it is planned to lay 1,619 kilometers of drinking water and 521 kilometers of sewage networks, alongside the construction and reconstruction of 162 related structures. As a result, 715,000 residents will receive clean drinking water for the first time, and 135,000 households will be connected to the sewage network. Furthermore, 157,000 consumers will have modern meters installed.
President Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in these initiatives. For instance, during his recent visit to France, three projects worth 340 million euros were finalized to improve water supply in Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya regions. The French company Suez will take charge of drinking water supply management in Denov, Shorchi, Sariosiya, and Kumkurgan, boosting centralized coverage to 90 percent.
The President also highlighted the need for increased private partnerships in the wastewater sector. An example includes a local entrepreneur collaborating with the Asian Development Bank to establish wastewater treatment plants in several cities. The decision to simplify international project implementation was also discussed, aiming to complete work worth $850 million by year-end.
Addressing heat supply challenges, the President noted that the newly formed Heat Supply Company will oversee radical reforms to increase energy efficiency. Over the next five years, 19 trillion soums will be invested to restore heating systems, increasing centralized heat coverage from 37% to 58%.
The meeting also addressed agricultural reforms, including simplifying land allocation processes and reducing land tax for high-performing farmers. It was announced that 125 million seedlings will be planted this spring, with emphasis on suitable planting locations and efficient irrigation systems.
Lastly, the President stressed the need to improve neighborhood services and infrastructure. An ongoing one-month campaign has already seen the establishment of 208 improvement departments, which will expand to enhance public services and infrastructure maintenance.
Reports from deputy prime ministers, ministers, and governors were presented during the meeting, reflecting a coordinated approach to addressing national development priorities.
