On 16 February Ms. Kyoko Postill, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Uzbekistan and Mr. S.Allanazarov, the Khokim of Shumanay district, inaugurated a new water supply system in Makhankenes No 3, a five house community home to approximately 430 people in Shumanay city. The new system consists of 300 meters of newly laid water pipes and 4 community water taps. Supported by the ELS project and cost shared by the community, the new pipes and taps have upgraded the community’s old water system built in 1987.

During the inauguration ceremony, people from the community told Ms. Postill about their community’s involvement in the ELS project and how their joint efforts have contributed to improve the community’s living standards. Ms. Postill’s visit was broadcasted on the local TV.

Makhankanes No 3 efforts are yet another concrete example of how local communities can advance the country’s efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goal 7 Ensure Environmental Sustainability and its target of improved water and sanitation in urban and rural areas. Measures to improve people’s access to drinking water, a scarce commodity in the mostly arid environment of Karakalpakstan, are receiving the attention of the government and donor alike as they are an essential element of the country’s strategy to improve living standards of present and future generations.

On the first day of her three day visit, Ms Postill was received by Mr. H.Abdurakhmanov, Deputy Minister of the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan with whom she reviewed the current status of UNDP projects in Karakalpakstan. Ms Postill visited a number of UNDP supported project sites and met various representatives of government agencies. Finally, she attended a workshop organized by the Bank/UNDP supported Tugai Forest Conservation project and visited the Badai Tugai reserve along the eastern bank of Amu-Darya River.

For more information about the Millennium Development Goals in Uzbekistan, please go to http://www.un.uz/eng/mdgs.htm