The Ministry of Construction responded to the statement regarding “additional expenses” for construction permits

The Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Communal Services commented on businessman Usmonjon Abdusamatov’s remarks concerning unjustified refusals and corruption cases in the permit acquisition process.

The businessman told the story in an open dialogue with representatives of the construction industry.

We bought a plot of land, we need to get permission further. We submit an application — refusal. We submit again – again refusal. Until you arrive at the address and say “As-salamu alaykum” (hereinafter he made a gesture imitating the transfer of money). This is a reality that needs to be spoken about openly. And this directly affects tomorrow’s expenses, — he said.

According to him, in Tashkent, the extra “expenses” linked to obtaining permits and cadastral registration can amount to $200,000 per house, and up to $100,000 in the Tashkent region.

The Ministry of Construction announced that all public services and payments within the construction sector are conducted solely through electronic means, including the my.gov.uz portal and Public Service Centres. Simultaneously, at all stages, any direct interaction between the applicant and the representative of the authorised body is omitted.

The Ministry of Construction recalled that in recent years, reforms have been implemented aimed at reducing bureaucracy, minimizing the human factor, and preventing corruption risks.

All processes – from obtaining a building permit to accepting it into operation — are fully monitored through the Shaffof Qurilish national information system, — the statement said.

The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Communal Services also reported that the digitalisation of public services in construction is progressing gradually to ensure transparency, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, and provide convenience for businesses and citizens.

Furthermore, in accordance with the presidential decree of 26 July 2023 and the government’s decree of 25 March 2024, a fee of one basic calculated value per cubic metre of construction volume has been introduced in Tashkent.

The fee applies to facilities being built or reconstructed in the city, except for:

• facilities financed from the budget,
• individual residential houses,
• non-state kindergartens and schools.

The Ministry clarified that all revenues are fully transferred to the Tashkent City Development Fund under the Hokimiyat.

The department also called on entrepreneurs and citizens who have experienced corruption in the construction sector to contact the compliance departments of the ministry and its regional branches. The Ministry stated that ensuring transparency, legality, and openness in the construction sector is a priority and remains receptive to dialogue.