ADB Supports Digital Transformation of Uzbekistan’s Water Sector

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (19 February 2025) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $125 million loan to support the Government of Uzbekistan in modernizing water management, improving water security, and increasing access to safe and reliable water in the country. 

The Climate-Smart Water Management Improvement Project will improve asset management and sustainability of service delivery, while strengthening the institutional capacity of the country’s national water utility. This will help decision making and enhance water management and energy-use efficiency, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

“Uzbekistan’s water resources are under acute threat from climate change and inefficient usage,” said ADB Country Director for Uzbekistan Kanokpan Lao-Araya. “ADB’s project introduces smart water management systems to improve water usage, reduce energy consumption, and increase operational efficiency to lower Uzbekistan’s carbon footprint.” 

The project will support the Joint Stock Company Uzsuvtaminot (the national water utility) and its regional branches in completing the installation of an ongoing nationwide bulk flow metering and telemetry system on the main water resource’s locations. The project will also carry out an asset inventory and prepare onsite geographic mapping for all existing water supply and wastewater infrastructure, including about 4 million customer connections. 

An integrated package of climate-smart, IT-based utility management systems will be launched, including relevant training for the national water utility staff. The project will also improve customer centers by providing new financial management software that will lead to transparent financial statements based on international standards. 

The project will promote transformative digital solutions and technologies to decrease operational expenditure, increase workforce efficiency, and enhance customer engagement and satisfaction.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the partnership between ADB and the Republic of Uzbekistan. Since the Republic of Uzbekistan joined ADB in 1995, the bank has committed public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance totaling $14.3 billion to the country.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.