Uzbekistan Strengthens Measures to Ensure Payment Discipline and Prevent Illegal Water Connections

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan continues implementing comprehensive measures to develop its water supply and sewage systems.

Experts at a press conference emphasized that the success of reforms in the sector depends not only on modernizing infrastructure but also on consumers fulfilling their legal obligations — timely payment for services and adherence to water-use standards.

According to the joint report by the public utility company and regulatory authorities, 3,899 cases of illegal connections to centralized water supply and sewage networks were identified since the beginning of the year. The highest number of violations was recorded in Sirdaryo region (433 cases), Tashkent city (410), the Republic of Karakalpakstan (408), and Khorezm region (343). Total damages are estimated at over 76.2 billion soums, of which 29.9 billion soums has already been recovered.

Under current legislation, illegal connections carry criminal liability. Preventive measures are also actively pursued, including public information campaigns and the introduction of modern, convenient payment methods for residents.

In 2025, courts received over 103,300 claims totaling 332.2 billion soums to enforce payment discipline. Water services were cut off for 53,500 debtors, over 38,000 of them in Tashkent.

These combined efforts have yielded tangible results: household arrears have decreased by UZS 146.4 billion (14%) compared to the start of the year, reaching 762.4 billion soums. Compared to the same period last year, arrears dropped by 281.4 billion soums (27%).

Officials noted that additional measures will be implemented by the end of the year to further reduce arrears, prevent illegal connections, and improve service quality.