The World Bank has provided Uzbekistan with hundreds of millions of dollars to improve living standards in 16 regions

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved a $250 million package for Uzbekistan to develop municipal infrastructure and services for residents and businesses in 16 districts and cities, according to the organization.

The “Creating Favorable Living Conditions and Increasing Productivity in Cities” program will support the implementation of measures and contribute to the development of infrastructure in 13 regions. Among them are the cities of Yangiyul and Margilan, Kungrad, Chimbay, Asaka, Gijduvan, Gallyaaral, Yakkabag, Khatyrchi, Chartak, Bulungur, Syrdarya, Denov, Kuva, Shovot, and Khazarasp districts.

The corresponding program is aimed at achieving the following goals:

• expanding the access of residents and businesses to municipal infrastructure and services through investments in the development of social, communal, transport, trade, business, and tourism infrastructure and public spaces. These include medical and preschool institutions, schools, water supply and sewerage systems, public toilets, roads, pedestrian areas, markets, parks, urban flood protection facilities, as well as other infrastructure in demand in the respective districts and cities;
• strengthening the potential of local authorities in preparing and implementing master plans and investment plans for the development of territories aimed at creating favorable conditions for citizens to live, business development, local economic growth, as well as increasing preparedness for natural and climatic emergencies;
• development of investment plans for the development of territories with the direct participation of citizens and businesses, so that the promising municipal facilities and services included in them meet their needs, including the needs of women, as well as contribute to the growth of local economies and the creation of new jobs.

By 2030, thanks to the program, it is planned to directly improve the living conditions of about 1 million people, and women will make up half of the beneficiaries.

The program will improve access to transport services for 300 thousand people, as well as the development of public spaces and parks for 400 thousand residents. The implementation of infrastructure projects within the framework of the program will create about 10 thousand temporary jobs in the construction sector.

It was previously reported that the World Bank allocated a large loan to Uzbekistan to improve irrigation. Agriculture consumes about 90% of all water in the country, with a significant portion of the system being outdated.