ADB backs Karakalpakstan’s development with over $780mn in projects
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) outlined its development priorities for Karakalpakstan on October 14, focusing on water security, transport infrastructure, reporter of Kursiv Uzbekistan informs.
The plans were presented during the opening of ADB Days at Berdakh Karakalpak State University in Nukus, where regional officials and ADB representatives gathered to discuss ongoing investments and future priorities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, ADB Country Director for Uzbekistan Kanokpan Lao-Araya highlighted the results of more than two decades of investment in Karakalpakstan.
«Today, many of these investments are delivering tangible results and creating new opportunities for growth and resilience,» she said.
Lao-Araya also confirmed that the bank and the Karakalpakstan government would discuss a draft Social and Economic Development Strategy and sign an updated Memorandum of Understanding to guide future cooperation.
Focus on transport and regional growth
ADB’s development strategy for Karakalpakstan places the A380 highway at the centre of efforts to improve regional connectivity and economic opportunities.
The proposed strategy aims to strengthen links between settlements, industrial centres and markets while addressing inequalities in access to essential services.
It includes recommendations to modernise irrigation canals, improve healthcare and vocational education, expand logistics infrastructure and support local businesses.
Environmental measures include restoring degraded land, establishing protective green belts around Nukus and improving monitoring of dust pollution and water scarcity.
The strategy also identifies opportunities for tourism, agricultural processing and renewable energy development, alongside proposals to establish a logistics hub in Kungrad.
ADB’s active sovereign operations in Karakalpakstan exceed $780mn, covering transport, water infrastructure, energy and social development projects.
Water supply improvements
One of the major projects highlighted on October 14 is the Western Uzbekistan Water Supply System Development Project, backed by a $145mn ADB loan.
The project was designed to improve drinking water access for approximately 388,000 residents across six districts and 116 rural settlements in Karakalpakstan.
It includes the construction and reconstruction of three water treatment plants, approximately 300 kilometres of main pipelines, 28 water distribution centres and around 900 kilometres of distribution networks.
The programme includes a visit to a water distribution centre in Nukus, where the infrastructure improvements and their effects on local communities will be discussed.
Better regional connectivity through A380
Another major investment involves reconstructing sections of the A380 highway, a route linking Uzbekistan with Kazakhstan and wider regional trade corridors.
ADB is also supporting the Nukus-2 renewable energy project, which combines a 200-megawatt wind farm with a 100-megawatt-hour battery storage system. The facility is expected to enter operation in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Lao-Araya said the bank would continue supporting the region as it confronts environmental and economic challenges.
«As we look to the future, ADB remains firmly committed to supporting Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan in addressing complex development challenges, including water security, climate resilience, infrastructure development, energy transition, and economic opportunities for future generations,» she said.
The ADB Days programme runs from October 14 to 16, with discussions and project visits covering water infrastructure, transport and renewable energy.
