Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Dec 11 /Trend D.Azizov/
From 2013-2015, Uzbekistan plans to attract foreign investments to the sum of $378.7 million (792.52 billion soums) for the implementation of the development programme on drinking water supply and sanitation worth 1.44 trillion soums.
This has been provided by a decision of the Cabinet of Ministers which approved the development programme on drinking water supply and sanitation and comprehensive measures to improve the efficiency of water and wastewater organisations in 2013-2015.
In total, it is planned to construct and reconstruct 4180 kilometres of water networks as part of the programme to improve the centralised water supply in 1600 villages by 2016.
In addition, it is planned to reconstruct the sewage and wastewater treatment facilities with a total design capacity of 873,000 cubic meters per day and 382.8 kilometres of sewerage networks during the same period.
Today the centralised water supply covers 119 cities (100 per cent) and 9060 villages (74.6 per cent) with level of provision at 82.6 per cent, the statement said.
As a result of the program piped water coverage in rural areas will reach 85-90 percent, sewerage system service - 70 percent in cities and urban centers with wastewater sewer system.
As part of comprehensive measures to improve the work efficiency of water supply and sewerage organizations, database examination of utilities for water supply and sewerage system, introduction of automated user recording billing system, creation of a customer database and billing systems for each utility service according to single standards are planned.
In addition, installation of modern water meters at the water intakes and branch locations of distribution lines, individual water meters in the housing stock and common water meters for apartment buildings, as well as the development and implementation of a pilot project 'unified automated accounting system on water supply and sewerage system for utility customers' in Tashkent are envisaged.
Activation of work is planned on sending claim papers to economic and civil courts, which is aimed at the financial restoration of the water supply and sewerage system organizations, accounts payable and receivable
The measures for introduction of energy-saving technologies should result with detection of obsolete and energy-intensive pumping equipment, as well as reduction of the costs for water services by decreasing electricity costs.