Uzbekistan Senate Backs Tighter Construction Sector Controls

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Senate of the Oliy Majlis approved a law during its plenary session introducing amendments and additions to several legislative acts aimed at further improving the system of state control and management in the construction sector.

During the discussion, it was noted that the document was developed to address the need to increase the effectiveness of state oversight over construction activities, strengthen the seismic safety of buildings, and improve the urban planning documentation system.

The law provides for amendments to the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Liability, increasing liability for constructing apartment buildings without obtaining a permit from the inspections for control in the field of construction and housing and communal services. In connection with this, the relevant provisions of the Criminal Procedural Code have been aligned with the updated legislation.

Amendments were also made to the Law on Licensing, Permitting, and Notification Procedures. According to the new rules, starting construction and installation works will require obtaining a permit from the territorial inspections for control in the field of construction and housing and communal services. Previously, submitting a notification was sufficient for this purpose.

Furthermore, the changes affect the Urban Planning Code and the Law on Ensuring the Seismic Safety of the Population and Territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The document clarifies the powers of the Inspection for Control in the Field of Construction and Housing and Communal Services under the Cabinet of Ministers regarding seismic safety, and incorporates a master plan into the list of urban planning documentation.

According to the senators, the adoption of this law will contribute to strengthening legality in the construction industry, increasing the effectiveness of state control, creating a safe environment for the life and health of the population, and developing urban planning activities in accordance with modern requirements.