Surkhandarya implements major water supply project

On February 26, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the practical results of a $287 million project aimed at improving drinking water supply in the Surkhandarya region through the use of water from the Topalang Reservoir in the city of Termez. This was reported by the presidential press service.

According to the report, systematic efforts have been undertaken in recent years to reform the country’s water management system, modernize irrigation infrastructure, and ensure the rational use of water resources.

The $287 million mega-project being implemented in the Surkhandarya region is considered one of the key achievements in this sector.

Within the framework of the initiative, large-scale construction and installation works were carried out over the past years. As a result of introducing modern mechanisms, mineral-rich drinking water is now being supplied continuously to 10 districts of the region and the city of Termez.

Eight to nine years ago, centralized drinking water coverage in Surkhandarya stood at 47 percent. Today, this figure has increased to 67.5 percent. As a result, both the quantity and quality of water supply for the population have significantly improved.

The President emphasized the importance of supporting such large-scale energy-efficient, technologically advanced, and socially impactful projects. He also noted that this experience could be applied in other regions of the country in the future.

A major technical achievement of the project was the construction of 246 kilometers of main and internal pipeline networks. Importantly, hydraulic calculations made it possible to supply water without the use of pumps. This has significantly reduced energy consumption and ensured system stability. Thanks to this innovative approach, water is delivered to the city of Termez and the district centers of Angor, Bandikhon, Kizirik, Sherobod, and Muzrabot without the need for electricity.

As a result of the initiative, drinking water supply has been strengthened in 223 neighborhoods. Water hardness has been reduced by up to half. Improved quality is considered an important factor in protecting public health and extending the service life of household appliances.

The Geo-Information Center established at the “Northern” water production facility enables real-time monitoring of the system. Issues such as pressure drops, аварияs, and water losses can now be detected within minutes.

Due to the improved water supply, there is no longer a need to use more than 100 underground water wells in the region, which reduces the environmental burden.

In addition, the project is expected to save 18.4 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, equivalent to approximately 18.5 billion soums in savings. The integration of consumers into the billing system has increased transparency in water metering and reduced outstanding debts.

Another important feature is the installation of solar panels with a capacity of 6,418 kilowatt-hours across a 10-hectare area.

The head of state also reviewed a presentation on the region’s hydropower indicators and prospective projects in the sector. He set tasks to promptly resolve remaining water supply issues in the region, including replacing outdated pump units with energy-efficient technologies and modernizing pipeline networks.