Uzbekistan’s Water Code: Enhancing Resource Management and Efficiency
The proposal to simplify the issuance of permits for water use and introduce public-private partnership mechanisms has been put forward by the Oliy Majlis in Uzbekistan.
Deputies of the Oliy Majlis have discussed the draft Water Code in its first reading, as reported by the press service of the Legislative Chamber.
The Code aims to serve as a comprehensive legal document in the realm of water and water use. It delineates the responsibilities, obligations, and roles of the Cabinet of Ministers, governmental bodies, and local self-governing bodies in the regulation of water affairs.
Under the Code, water fund lands are set to be transferred to the balance of the Ministry of Water Resources and its regional entities. This includes areas encompassing lakes, rivers, streams, and other natural water sources.
The draft legislation also outlines the prerequisites for integrating public-private partnership mechanisms into water management. The process of granting permits for water use is expected to be streamlined.
A key tenet of water suppliers’ operations as stipulated in the Code is profitability. It emphasizes the necessity of recuperating costs related to water supply.
Additionally, the Code replaces referral norms with direct action norms. Upon its enactment, several Cabinet resolutions, their respective provisions, and procedures will be abolished.
During discussions, it was emphasized that the implementation of the Code is poised to enhance the governance of water resources and optimize their utilization. By heightening the accountability of suppliers and consumers, the legislation is crafted to incentivize investments in the water sector and foster its modernization efforts.
