The Asian Development Bank (ADB) expects approval of the Ayakchi dam project in Uzbekistan next year. This was stated by the director of the Asian Development Bank’s department for agriculture, food, natural resources and rural development in Central and Western Asia, Yasmin Siddiqui, during a briefing held as part of the 58th Annual Meeting of the ADB, reports a special correspondent for Trend news agency from Milan.
«ADB and Uzbekistan have a long history of cooperation in the field of water resources and agriculture. Last Monday I was in Tashkent, where I met with representatives of the Ministry of Water Resources to discuss the program From glaciers to farms. We are pleased to note that government agencies are showing high interest and a proactive approach. They are well aware of the scale of the challenges they face due to melting glaciers and their consequences», she said.
Siddiqui noted that Uzbekistan is already faced with an acute shortage of water resources, land degradation, and salinization of soils and waters.
«While a significant portion of the population depends on agriculture, as does the country’s economy as a whole — especially cotton and other key crops. We are collaborating with the Ministry of Water Resources, the Ministry of Ecology and Environmental Protection, as well as with agencies responsible for drinking water supply to form a potential portfolio of projects», she emphasized.
According to Siddiqui, the Uzbek government has already identified a number of initiatives and investments that it would like to implement with the support of ADB and the Green Climate Fund as part of the From Glaciers to Farms initiative.
«As an example, I can cite one project that ADB plans to support. We expect it to be approved by the ADB Board of Directors next year — this is the Ayakchi Dam project. Its goal is to effectively manage water resources to avoid uncontrolled flow of water along the river and its losses. As part of the project, we are also considering the possibility of introducing innovative solutions such as floating solar power plants. Our task is — to bring technology and innovation to the government whenever possible. It is also planned to install early warning systems on the Amu Darya River, since data availability is critical for effective management», she explained.
