In Uzbekistan, all unpaved internal neighborhood roads will be improved by 2030. This was reported by Upl.uz.
This was announced by the Minister of Transport Ilhom Mahkamov during the "Government Hour" held in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis. The minister's speech was a response to the criticisms from deputies regarding the condition of local roads.
Deputies emphasized that the quality of roads deteriorates especially during the autumn-winter season, and dirt roads become almost unfit for walking. They also discussed the inability of neighborhood residents to participate in the "Open Budget" program and the lack of opportunities to vote on infrastructure projects.
Deputies raised questions about the sufficiency of funds allocated for the maintenance of local roads. They stressed the need to conduct accurate calculations and verify the sufficiency of funds, despite the fact that the roads have been transferred to the balance of local authorities and funds have been allocated.
Complaints were mentioned regarding citizens traveling to schools and kindergartens via poor roads. Deputies stated that it is wrong to place the responsibility solely on local authorities and that the legitimate demands of the population should be adequately addressed.
Ilhom Mahkamov acknowledged that there was no information provided about the program for improving local roads in his report, but he emphasized that such a program exists and is actively being implemented. He stated that although the roads have been transferred to the balance of local authorities, the overall policy is managed by the Ministry of Transport.
Special funds will be allocated from the budget for the repair of roads, and there is also the possibility of directing remaining funds from their own reserves to road repairs. The minister confidently stated that the issue of unpaved roads in neighborhoods will be completely resolved within five years.
Currently, 70 percent of dirt roads have been converted to gravel or asphalt surfaces, and the remaining 30 percent will be fully converted to gravel surfaces within two years. Mahkamov emphasized that by 2030, there will be no village or neighborhood in Uzbekistan that is impassable by roads.
He mentioned that the program may seem like a large-scale initiative, but confirmed that it has been adopted and is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministries of Economy and Finance.
