Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The French company Veolia takes control of the heat supply system in Tashkent. The corresponding decision was made in accordance with the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers on 22 September.

The document notes that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) held a tender for the management of heating networks in Tashkent and their modernization. 3 companies took part in the tender. As a result of the tender, ADB recommended accepting the offer of the French company Veolia Central & Eastern Europe.

The Khokimiyat of Tashkent and the Agency for the Development of Public-Private Partnerships have approved Veolia’s proposal. A subsidiary company Veolia Energy Tashkent was established to implement the project.

The resolution notes that the khokimiyat of Tashkent will conclude an agreement on public-private partnership with the French company for a period of 30 years.

The document says that Veolia Energy Tashkent will receive buildings, structures and other property of State Unitary Enterprise Tashteploenergo free of charge without the right to sell or transfer it. The company will also receive the functions and tasks of producing and supplying heat to consumers, as well as settlements and receiving payments.

According to the resolution, in the first two years Veolia will modernize the heating system of 118 multi-storey buildings and 43 social facilities served by the boiler houses Sanoat energo (Sergeli district) and Vodnik (Bektemir district).

The company is also modernizing 181 boiler houses and heating facilities, laying 575 km and reconstructing 841 km of heating networks.

The French company will install 51.5 thousand heat meters and 2.46 million hot water meters, as well as purchase 391 units of vehicles and special equipment.

Veolia must also attract foreign direct investment in the amount of 20 million euros for the implementation of the project, as well as guarantees for the fulfillment of all financial obligations of the Tashkent structure.

The company will also repay earlier loans from the International Development Association and other expenditure obligations of Tashteploenergo.

ADB will receive US$1 million for consulting services. The bank will remain the project implementation consultant for the next three years.