The opening ceremony took place on March 16 and became a significant event for Mongolia — for the first time in the country, a large wastewater treatment plant was launched. The event was attended by President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Michael George. This was reported by MiddleAsianNews.
The new treatment plant was built next to the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant as part of the "Wastewater Treatment Project," which is part of the Mongolia Water Resources Agreement (Agreement II) between the government of the country and the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, serving as the Prime Minister of Mongolia, signed an important agreement during his official visit to the United States with the Secretary of State and the head of the MCC Board of Directors, which ensured the ratification of the second Millennium Challenge agreement for Mongolia and initiated this project.
As part of this agreement, an extensive water supply program was launched with total investments of $462 million, of which $350 million was provided by the Millennium Challenge Corporation and $111 million by the government of Mongolia.
President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh noted in his address: "Today we have gathered to celebrate the opening of the first large wastewater treatment plant in Mongolia, which is an important infrastructure project under our Water Agreement. This plant represents a significant step in achieving the goals outlined in the National Security Concept of Mongolia, as well as in the long-term water policy aimed at treating wastewater and using it for energy production. This initiative not only introduces treated water into Mongolia's energy sector for the first time but also opens up opportunities for its reuse in other sectors in the future. This will help preserve our groundwater resources for future generations."
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Michael George DeSombre, noted: "The $462 million Water Resources Agreement provides Mongolia with the opportunity for large-scale water reuse in the industrial sector for the first time. This project not only impacts water treatment but also opens doors for investments from both local and American entrepreneurs in Ulaanbaatar."
“Throughout the duration of the Water Resources Agreement, we adhered to the principle of 'on time and within budget,' which allowed us to successfully complete the project without additional costs and delays. This was made possible through the collaborative efforts of specialists from the U.S. and Mongolia, striving towards a common goal.”
The project aims to increase Ulaanbaatar's water supply by 50 million cubic meters per year, ensuring stable water supply for more than 2.4 million residents over the next 30 years. This is also the largest investment in Mongolia's water sector in the last three decades.
As part of the "Wastewater Treatment Project," Mongolia built its first large-scale wastewater treatment plant, as well as 12 km of pipelines, a water storage tank, and a pumping station with the necessary infrastructure.
The plant will be able to process 50,000 cubic meters of treated wastewater per day, amounting to up to 18 million cubic meters per year, sourced from the new Central Wastewater Treatment Plant. The treated water will be used for technical needs, such as ash removal and ensuring the operation of thermal power plants III and IV.
The project was implemented with funding from the government of Mongolia, utilizing qualified local engineers and with the support of American specialists.
High-ranking officials from both countries attended the grand opening, including President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael G. DeSombre, Minister of Foreign Affairs Battsetseg Batmunkh, Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Board of the Millennium Challenge Account Mongolia Javkhlan Bold, Governor and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar Nymbaatar Khishgee, as well as other high-profile representatives from the governments of Mongolia and the USA.
