Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The Government of Uzbekistan identified measures to implement the project "Sustainable Solid Waste Management". The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has allocated a loan of US$60 million.

ADB has approved a US$60 million loan that will help improve and expand solid waste management services in small urban and rural areas throughout Uzbekistan, as well as promote environmental sustainability.

On 17 April 2020, the ADB Board of Directors approved the allocation of a loan with a 5-year grace period for 25 years. Its main goal is to further improve the system for handling household waste, develop the infrastructure for sanitary cleaning, and provide the population with high-quality sanitary cleaning services.

The total cost of the project is US$112 million. The share of Uzbekistan is US$52 million, including in the form of tax and customs benefits - US$44.01 million and the funds of the State Committee on Ecology and Environmental Protection - US$7.99 million. The project implementation period is 5 years (2020-2024).

The project envisages the acquisition of 339 units of special equipment for collection and removal of household waste, 8 mobile laboratories, 6,000 containers, the organization of 13 service centers and the provision of additional sanitation services for the subdivisions of state unitary enterprises (SUE) "Toza Hudud" in Karakalpakstan and all regions 4 millions of residents.

The State Committee on Ecology and Environmental Protection is the responsible executive body for the timely implementation of the project, as well as for the targeted and efficient use of ADB’s borrowed funds.

ADB interest and debt payments will be covered by the funds of the Toza Hudud State Unitary Enterprise.