The RWP initiative supports projects that contribute to inclusive community-based water management and adaptation to climate change. The additional funding laid foundation to a new mini-project on community water stewardship to increase access to safe drinking water and sanitation services in the Zarafshan River Basin.

The mini project will help with the construction of a sustainable water supply system that will provide safe drinking water in the Canal Yoqa village in Samarkand region. Canal Yoqa is home to almost 800 people making up 150 families with almost half of the population consisting of youth and elders. Women from the Canal Yoqa village use water from homemade wells for drinking, cooking, washing and other needs. Lack of safe drinking water impacts health and the well being of the local population, hence making access to safe drinking water a priority.

To learn more on what the community needs are and come up with a plan for the construction of the water supply system together with the people living in Canal Yoqa UNDP reviewed the existing social, economical, environmental and gender dimensions. Even the eldest member of the community - Islom Ne’matov, who is 90 years old came to our meetings, he wanted to make sure that every voice is heard.

To ensure that the water system operates and works for a long time UNDP will help to establish an association for consumers of rural drinking water. Women will play a major role in managing the water supply system and through this initiative they will also gain invaluable experience in managing and maintaining a vital water supply system through their own efforts. Successful implementation of the project will mean better health and living standards not only for people living in Canal Yoqa but also for the additional 5 neighbouring communities.

The IWRM project will take the lessons learned and best practices of the Canal Yoqa experience and share it throughout the Zarafshan River Basin.