Experts Discuss Solutions to Water Supply Challenges in Central Asia and Ways to Expand Investment

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — This week, Tashkent hosted the Central Asian Conference on “Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Services,” organized by the Government of Uzbekistan, JSC Uzsuvta’minot, and the World Bank, with financial support from Switzerland and the Republic of Korea.

The three-day event brought together several hundred international, regional, and national experts who discussed solutions to pressing water sector challenges and shared experiences in modernizing utility systems.

According to participants, over two billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, while around 3.5 billion are without sanitation services. Achieving global goals in this area requires approximately US$140 billion in annual investments, nearly double the current level of public funding.

In Central Asia, urban water supply coverage exceeds 90%; however, less than 25% of wastewater is treated, and more than 10 million people, mainly in rural areas, still lack access to safe water.

Local utility companies face challenges including aging infrastructure, frequent service disruptions, high losses (30–40%), and financial instability. Climate change further exacerbates the situation, increasing water demand and reducing resource availability.

To modernize water supply and sanitation systems and improve utility performance, the region will need at least US$12 billion in investments, including the adoption of digital and energy-efficient solutions.

During the conference, representatives from utilities and relevant authorities in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan discussed effective approaches to sector challenges and opportunities for expanding cooperation to ensure universal access to water and sanitation services.

The event included strategic and technical sessions focused on investment planning, mobilization of international and private capital, improving operational and financial sustainability of utilities, and integrating digital technologies and energy-efficient solutions.

Participants reviewed practical experiences from water supply and sanitation companies across Central Asia, Europe, and Asia, including Austria, Albania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Turkey, and Malawi. An exhibition of equipment and technology for the water sector, produced by local and international companies, was also held.

Special attention was given to training and retaining qualified personnel. A dedicated session brought together both novice and experienced utility professionals to discuss workforce development and training. Participants also visited modern water supply and wastewater treatment facilities in Tashkent Region, as well as enterprises producing specialized equipment and measurement instruments.

The World Bank, together with international partners—including the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the Korean Green Growth Trust Fund (KGGTF), and the Global Water Security Partnership (GWSP)—continues to support Central Asian countries in achieving universal access to water and sanitation services.

Currently, projects totaling US$1.1 billion are being implemented in the region, with more than half of the funds directed toward the development of water supply and sanitation, including infrastructure modernization and improved service quality for the population.