CA-NEWS (UZ) - Uzbekistan is developing a project on improving water supply in Syrdarya region with the cost of US $100 million, UzDaily reported.

The Government has requested the World Bank assistance of US $88 million to "improve the level of service in terms of safety, quality, reliability, efficiency, financial viability, and sustainability of the water supply services in the six districts of Akaltyn, Bayaut, Kvasast, Mekhnatobad, Mirzaobad, and Sardoba in the Syrdarya region" with a total population of 340 000.

The project objective is to improve the coverage, quality, efficiency, and sustainability of public water supply services in selected districts of the Syrdarya region. The objective would be achieved through rehabilitation and/or replacement of the existing water supply infrastructure that has now reached the end of its useful life.

Uzkommunhizmat Agency (Uzbek Communal Service) will act as the implementor of the project. It is expected that the World Bank will allocate US $88 million loan through International Development Association (IDA) resources.

Uzbekistan joined the World Bank in 1992. The World Bank's mission in the country is to improve people's livelihoods through being a partner in economic reforms, supporting the modernization of the country's social sectors and infrastructure, and sharing its knowledge and experience with the government and the people of Uzbekistan.

Total World Bank commitments to Uzbekistan amount to more than US$800 million.