Uzbekistan: Second Tashkent Province Water Supply Development Project

Water and other urban infrastructure and services / Water and other urban infrastructure and services

The districts of Yangiyul and Chinaz, the two districts of Tashkent Province targeted by this project, typify these constraints. Yangiyul district's groundwater-sourced water supply systems are severely dilapidated: three of its five primary systems operate below 50% capacity, and an estimated 70% of pumping equipment installed in its 20 smaller systems needs to be replaced. A significant proportion of the Chinaz water supply system is also obsolete, with sections of its distribution mains and branches having not been operational for many years. Although urban areas in Chinaz reportedly enjoy adequate water availability, other areas suffer from water rationing.

The proposed project, which is a second and integral phase of the original project, will revitalize the water supply systems of the other two districts of the Kadiyra regional water supply system, namely the districts of Chinaz and Yangiyul. Together, both projects will therefore provide reliable and sustainable water supply services along the entire economic growth corridor, which has been prioritized for water supply improvements due to its economic importance, proximity to regional water sources, and poor WSS standards. In addition, the proposed project will provide supplemental capacity support to further increase the sustainability of the TPS. A KSTA, to be financed by the PRC Fund, will also support the strengthening of policy and planning in the WSS sector.

Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia's fastest growing economies, growing at or above 7% annually over the past 5 years. Its largest urban agglomeration is Tashkent Province, which is expanding at a rate of 1.3% annually, and notably along its southwestern corridor. Despite this strong growth however, urban service deficiencies pervade the province, particularly in water supply and sanitation (WSS). Much of the province's water supply infrastructure is dilapidated, resulting in service unreliability, high leakage losses and heightened pollution risks. Water supplies are therefore often irregular, intermittent and of poor quality. Water availability is as low as two hours per day in certain areas, forcing consumers to seek alternative water supplies.

Historically, the WSS regulatory framework has been largely dysfunctional, utility performance marginal, and sector planning and coordination capabilities weak. Acute funding constraints for capital investments and operation and maintenance (O&M) have significantly impacted the sector. WSS service inequalities exist, particularly between urban and rural areas, and stakeholder involvement has been limited. These deficiencies severely constrain WSS service delivery throughout the province, resulting in deteriorating health conditions, water access inequalities, and constrained economic growth.

Consultants will be recruited through output-based contracts to implement the TRTA. ADB will engage the individual consultants in accordance with ADB Procurement Policy (2017, as amended from time to time) and the associated Project Administration Instructions/TA Staff Instructions.

It is expected that 18 person-months of international and 20 person-months of national consultants are required. In view of the business environment and following the previous project practice, all consultants will be recruited individually to prepare documents for technical feasibility, financial and economic viability, safeguards and capacity assessment and strengthening.