Mirziyoyev Directs Samarkand Region to Become Country Leader

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Samarkand Region allocated 6.9 trillion soums toward infrastructure development in 2026, with nearly 1,500 projects constructed, renovated, and commissioned across the territory, Samarkand Region Governor (Khokim) Adiz Boboev announced during an inauguration ceremony attended by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 25 August 2026.

Boboev reported that active work is ongoing across 917 additional sites, with 515 already operational and the remaining 405 scheduled for completion within three months.

Educational infrastructure formed a significant portion of regional works. In 2026, Samarkand Region recorded approximately 50,000 11th-grade graduates against an enrollment of 92,500 first-grade students. Due to growing student numbers, 83 schools previously operated at a capacity ratio exceeding two. To relieve overcrowding, 139 schools were constructed, reconstructed, or renovated, reducing the occupancy ratio in those institutions down to one. Concurrently, 66 kindergartens are being brought online, raising regional preschool coverage from 63 percent to 75 percent.

Centralized drinking water supply systems were established across 57 mahallas, granting 82,000 residents first-time access to running water. Additionally, regional projects include the reconstruction of 23 unsafe bridges and the construction of 13 new bridges, three of which were officially opened by Boboev.

The governor detailed revitalization efforts in Samarkand city's Sattepo neighborhood, which had previously suffered from non-functional elevators, leaking roofs, unstable hot water supply, flooded basements, and uncollected waste. Urban renewal projects included draining building basements, establishing a dedicated elevator repair entity, restoring lift operations, and building 12 waste collection stations. A former waste site was replaced by a sports complex and a local market. Furthermore, a tram line was extended into the neighborhood alongside a new terminal station, while a five-story eco-market featuring commercial service outlets and children's playgrounds was constructed on the old market grounds, creating over 500 jobs.

During the 25 August 2026 ceremony, officials presented 72 major industrial and service initiatives alongside 91 social infrastructure projects launched across Uzbekistan ahead of the 35th anniversary of independence. Commenting on regional transformations, President Mirziyoyev stated that a "new Samarkand" is taking shape and instructed regional leadership to position Samarkand Region as a leading area across all sectors.