The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide a $161 million loan to support the development of an integrated wastewater management system in Tashkent region, Uznews.uz reports with reference to the bank’s press service.

It was noted that the ADB-supported project will upgrade centralized urban sewage systems in six cities: Akhangaron, Almalyk, Angren, Bekabad, Chirchik and Yangiyul, as well as in the city center of Chinaz. It will support the construction and rehabilitation of wastewater treatment plants and sewerage networks, as well as the installation of water meters for more than 800,000 households.

Within the framework of the project, septic tanks will be installed for 136,000 people in 70 rural settlements of Chinoz, Yangiyul and Zangiota districts. It will also provide access to decentralized sanitation. This will help increase the capacity of Tashkent Water Supply enterprise through training and management support.

“This project will introduce smart water supply and sewerage management solutions that incorporate digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, remote sensors and analysis,” Jung Ho Kim, ADB’s senior urban planning specialist, said.

ADB is also leading a $800,000 technical assistance grant to help implement institutional reforms and build capacity.