He emphasized that in conditions of water scarcity, the rational use of resources becomes crucial, which is one of the top priorities for Central Asia.
According to the diplomat, cooperation is carried out through intergovernmental mechanisms, including regular meetings of the joint commission on water issues.
At these meetings, problems related to the distribution of water resources in transboundary rivers, preparation for the growing season, as well as increasing the efficiency of water use and adaptation to climate change are discussed. Additionally, coordination of the operation of reservoirs and hydro facilities in the region is carried out.
These efforts are conducted in a format of trilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan to regulate the entire water-energy system of the region.
The ambassador specifically highlighted the Kambar-Ata Hydroelectric Power Plant-1 project as an important aspect of regional cooperation in the field of hydropower.
Niyazkhodzhayev also noted that the parties are working together on the repair of water facilities and hydraulic structures. "When there is a need for repairs to canals or hydraulic structures on our territories, we send official requests to Kyrgyzstan, providing a list of the necessary equipment and specialists. After coordination, our specialists go to carry out the work," he reported.
Furthermore, the ambassador spoke about the measures being taken in Uzbekistan for the economical use of water. From 2020 to 2024, more than 60 trillion soums and $622 million from foreign sources have been invested in the development of water-saving technologies.
If in 2020 such technologies were used on 4% of irrigated lands, by 2026 this figure is expected to rise to 60%, covering about 2.6 million hectares.
"These measures allow for an annual saving of approximately 2.5 billion cubic meters of water," he added.
Additionally, the country is modernizing its water resource management system: part of the water facilities has been transferred to the private sector, and automation of hydroposts and digital monitoring is being implemented.
In 2024, a new program for water resource management and the development of the irrigation sector until 2028 was launched, within which it is planned to expand the application of water-saving technologies to 3.5 million hectares, which will account for about 80% of irrigated lands.
A reduction in water losses is also expected through an increase in the share of concrete channels and a decrease in energy costs of pumping stations.
Niyazkhodzhayev added that special attention is being paid to training personnel for the water management sector. In Uzbekistan, the establishment of a training center for 200 places for the preparation of specialists in this field is planned.
