Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 9 April, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation of proposals for creating a legal framework to implement urban renovation.

Over the past eight years, Uzbekistan's population has increased by six million people. During this period, around half a million residential homes were built. Last year alone, the country constructed multi-story buildings with 100,000 apartments, and this year, over 130,000 are planned.

Considering the projected population growth to 40 million in the coming years, the annual demand for housing may reach 140-150 thousand apartments. To meet this need, approximately 2,000 hectares of land will be required annually, although land resources are quite limited.

One effective solution in these circumstances is the implementation of a renovation program. Currently, there are about 17,000 outdated two- and three-story buildings in the republic that do not meet modern standards. The communications in these buildings are worn out, and in some cases, there is no sewage system.

Replacing these buildings with modern 7-9-story residential complexes will triple the number of residents, provided that the new apartments are equipped with necessary engineering communications, hot and cold water, and modern sewage systems. This will significantly improve the quality of life for thousands of families in their home neighborhoods.

Particular attention will be given to energy efficiency: compact construction will allow for more efficient use of infrastructure and energy resources.

As there is no unified regulatory framework in this area, a draft law "On Urban Renovation" was prepared based on international experience.

The presentation covered the legal, organizational, and financial aspects of the proposed system. According to the project, the renovation program will be implemented in three stages. The first stage will involve an inventory of the areas subject to renovation, followed by the development of projects. Residents will be offered new housing or financial compensation. All agreements with property owners will be formalized individually and notarized.

At the second stage, renovation projects will be reviewed by regional and republican councils, after which the construction organization will be selected. The third stage will involve construction and the commissioning of new buildings.

Additionally, it is expected that the new buildings will house stores, service facilities, and small production enterprises on the lower floors, which will stimulate the economy of the renovated areas. Experts estimate that the program will save up to 20,000 hectares of land.

During the first stage of the renovation, 20,000 apartments are planned to be built.

The President emphasized that in implementing such projects, the interests of citizens must be given priority. The work must be conducted in a fair and transparent system. In this regard, he ordered additional training for the heads and deputies of district khokims on the organization and implementation of the renovation process.

Measures for ensuring the necessary infrastructure in renovation zones, as well as the development of trade and services in the new residential areas, were also discussed.