World Bank Modernizes Water Intake Facility in Samarkand Region

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Reconstruction of the “Murtak” water intake facility is underway in Uzbekistan’s Samarkand region as part of a project supported by the World Bank Group, officials said.

World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Antonella Bassani assessed the progress of the works during a visit to Uzbekistan.

The project is being implemented by JSC “Uzsuvta’minot” with financing from the World Bank in the amount of US$239 million and a contribution of US$7.8 million from the Government of Switzerland. It aims to improve water supply in several regions of the country, including the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Syrdarya region, and Samarkand region.

The Murtak water intake consists of 11 wells with a total capacity of around 67,000 cubic meters of water per day. It plays a key role in supplying drinking water to the city of Kattakurgan, which has a population of about 90,000 people, as well as nearby settlements.

During the site visit, Bassani discussed project implementation with Kattakurgan city mayor Gavhar Alimova and acting chairman of the board of JSC “Uzsuvta’minot” Akhmad Suvankulov, together with local residents, technical specialists and contractors.

The modernization includes the renovation of all 11 wells, completion of a pumping station, installation of a water treatment system, and deployment of a solar power plant along with automated control systems. Electrification works and efficiency improvements are also planned.

Officials expect the project to expand access to safe drinking water in the region and strengthen the reliability of water supply systems. Completion is scheduled for September 2026.