Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The joint-stock company Uzsuvta’minot, the national operator of drinking water supply and sanitation in Uzbekistan, has issued a clarification in response to a report published by the Yuksalish movement, which detailed the results of its independent monitoring of water infrastructure projects across the country.

According to the Yuksalish study, work on 23 out of 67 officially commissioned water supply facilities remains incomplete in practice. In several cases, facilities were formally declared operational despite unfinished construction and unresolved issues.

Uzsuvta’minot asserted that the movement did not contact the company for clarification and instead obtained information from other state bodies. The company also noted that its representatives did not participate in the monitoring activities.

The Position of Uzsuvta’minot

In a statement, the company’s press service characterized the study as “unprofessional,” arguing that each facility should be assessed on the basis of project and cost-estimate documentation available to the client, contractor, and design organizations. The published report, it noted, lacks references to regulatory standards or evaluation criteria.

Uzsuvta’minot further criticized the dissemination of such materials on social media before a comprehensive verification process is completed, calling it a sign of unprofessional conduct.

The company responded to several specific examples mentioned in the monitoring. Regarding claims that water supply systems in the “Ergashobod” and “Olakanot” mahallas of Asaka district, Andijan region, remain unfinished, the company stated that the projects were implemented under public oversight with the participation of local representatives, formal state acceptance certificates were issued, and residents are being supplied with drinking water. The company insisted that no issues are present at these sites.

Concerning the project covering the “Poykent,” “Sayyot,” “Kulonchi,” “Shurobod,” and “Karakul” mahallas in Karakul district of Bukhara region (Lot 3), Uzsuvta’minot stated that all construction and installation work has been completed and acceptance certificates have been signed.

It was further explained that the settlements included in Lots 2 and 3 will receive water from facilities constructed under Lot 1. Thus, any claims of incomplete work were deemed premature and inaccurate.

The company also rejected allegations of substandard work in the “Mirzo Ulugbek” (Yugakiy Street) and “Kaliya” mahallas of Jizzakh region. According to Uzsuvta’minot, all construction was conducted under the supervision of the appropriate inspection bodies and followed by formal state acceptance. Residents in these areas are currently receiving drinking water.

The company expressed concern that the dissemination of incomplete or misleading information could damage its reputation and undermine state policies in the water sector.

In addition, detailed explanations regarding 37 other facilities referenced in the report have been published on the company’s official website.

Response from the “Yuksalish” Movement

The Yuksalish movement issued a response to Uzsuvta’minot’s statement, emphasizing that the initial monitoring was conducted using official data, including information obtained directly from the operator itself, and involved qualified experts.

In one of Uzsuvta’minot’s official letters sent in response to a request from the movement, certain facilities—now described by the company as “long-term” or “transitional”—were previously reported as completed and commissioned.

Yuksalish reminded that its work is conducted within the framework of the Law “On Public Oversight,” using citizen surveys and independent public evaluation methods.

Following the company's rebuttal, Yuksalish representatives revisited several sites where Uzsuvta’minot had claimed there were no issues. However, as of 16 June 2025, previously identified deficiencies had not been addressed.

Examples include:

In the “Oksuv – Dehqonobod” project in Kashkadarya region, no drinking water is being supplied to residents despite the facility’s formal commissioning. The reasons remain unclear.

In the “Charmgar” mahalla of Karshi, the project was reportedly completed three years ago, yet water has never been supplied. Installed meters continue to register zero usage.

In the “Dustlik” mahalla of Guzar district, the facility was completed in April–May 2024, but water supply is still lacking despite residents’ repeated appeals. People are forced to purchase water at a cost of 250,000 soums per tanker.

In the “Ergashobod” mahalla of Asaka district, water is provided only twice a week, with the facility’s capacity deemed insufficient.

A file containing detailed information on other monitored facilities was attached to the publication.

Yuksalish stated: “Reputation is built not through loud rebuttals but through tangible results. Only the citizens themselves can provide a definitive assessment of performance.” The movement also noted that since the release of the report, it has received dozens of appeals concerning other facilities, which will be officially submitted to Uzsuvta’minot.

In conclusion, Yuksalish reaffirmed its commitment to continuing systematic public monitoring in the water supply sector in response to the real needs of the population.