Uzbekistan Focuses on Overhauling Key Sectors for Enhanced Development

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev Directs Comprehensive Reforms in Housing, Construction, Transportation, and Ecology

Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: On January 29, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev led a meeting to address pivotal issues in housing and communal services, construction, transportation, and ecology. While acknowledging the substantial progress made in infrastructure and construction sectors, the President emphasized the need for a radical overhaul to meet modern standards and ensure high-quality development.

Key highlights from the meeting include:

1. Performance Indicators for Officials: The introduction of performance indicators (KPIs) for ministers and deputy mayors responsible for construction, housing, communal services, transport, and ecology to ensure accountability and efficiency.
2. Reforming Construction Processes: Transition from the resource method to the volumetric method for design estimates, construction, and acceptance, starting January 1, 2025. Digitization of contract agreements, invoices, and acceptance processes to enhance transparency and curb corruption.
3. Project Office Creation: Establishing a project office under the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Communal Services to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and energy efficiency of projects worth more than 10 billion UZS.
4. Legislative Strengthening: Strengthening legislation to regulate unauthorized and illegal constructions, implementing a control system, and developing master plans for 170 cities and towns in 2024.
5. Mortgage Support Fund: Proposing the creation of a Mortgage Support Fund to address the high cost of new housing and increase the number of “New Uzbekistan” communities.
6. Energy-Saving Programs: Implementation of energy-saving programs in homes, including a differentiated approach to heat supply systems for apartment buildings.
7. Transport Sector Reforms: Increasing public transport coverage, purchasing new buses, and transitioning passenger transportation in cities to a gross contract system. Attention to the weak activity of the Transport Inspectorate and alignment with international standards in road construction.
8. Environmental Initiatives: Introducing a regional rating of air, water, and environmental pollution, installing automatic air monitoring stations, and creating “green belts” around industrial enterprises. Encouraging the population to switch to electric vehicles for a cleaner environment.

President Mirziyoyev stressed the importance of efficient use of budget funds, quality construction, and fostering innovation in these sectors. The comprehensive reforms aim to modernize and propel Uzbekistan’s development, aligning with global standards and ensuring sustainability.