Projects to improve water supply in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and regions of the Ferghana Valley were considered

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 5 December, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev got acquainted with the presentation of projects related to improving water supply in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and regions of the Ferghana Valley.

To realize the huge agro-industrial potential of Karakalpakstan, first of all, water supply is necessary. Since 2015, with the participation of the World Bank, a US$260 million project has been implemented to improve water management in the region. 650 kilometers of canals and 556 hydraulic structures have been restored, more than 5,000 hectares of land have been laser leveled.

As a result of effective organization of work and localization of many components, it was possible to reduce project costs by US$48 million. In this regard, it is proposed to continue the project with the direction of the saved funds to the Beruni, Turtkul and Ellikkala regions. Due to this, it is planned to restore 216 kilometers of canals and 406 hydraulic structures. As a result, the water supply of 30 thousand hectares of land in these areas will improve and 300 million cubic meters of water will be saved.

The head of state approved the proposal and gave instructions on planting highly profitable crops, introducing water-saving technologies on the lands covered by the project.

Andijan, Namangan and Ferghana regions have fertile soil. However, due to the obsolescence of 235 pumping stations, the water supply of 380,000 hectares of land is hindered, of which 60,000 hectares are out of circulation. In addition, these pumping stations consume electricity 1.5-2 times more than usual.

Therefore, in these regions, it is planned to modernize pumping stations in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. At the first stage, it is planned to modernize 118 pumping stations.

As a result, 30 thousand hectares of land will be returned to circulation, water supply of 57 thousand hectares of irrigated land will improve. It will be possible to provide additional 4,375 household plots with irrigation water. 290 million kilowatt-hours of electricity will be saved per year.

By reducing energy and operating costs, the project will pay off in 7 years.

The President emphasized the need to involve more local entrepreneurs in the implementation of the project.