Kyrgyzstan secures $60 million loan for clean water access in Osh region

Residents of Kyrgyzstan's Osh region are set to gain access to clean drinking water through a significant project funded by a $60 million loan from the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development (EFSD). Kyrgyz officials and EFSD representatives finalized negotiations for the project, which aims to address a critical issue in one of the country's most densely populated areas.

The initiative will directly benefit around 158,000 people across 32 villages in the Kara-Suysky and Uzgen districts. Currently, these communities rely on outdated water supply systems, with overall access to quality drinking water in the Osh region standing at approximately 65 percent. The project's total budget is $66.7 million, with Kyrgyzstan contributing $6.7 million in co-financing.

Plans include a large-scale modernization of water infrastructure. This involves constructing and upgrading over 890 kilometers of water pipelines and distribution networks, drilling 33 artesian wells, building 54 reservoirs, and installing 11 pumping stations. These improvements are designed to ensure a stable and safe supply of drinking water for the affected population.

Beyond water supply, the project also encompasses crucial sanitation upgrades. Approximately 95 sanitary facilities in schools, kindergartens, and medical centers will be renovated. The implementation is slated to take five years from the agreement's effective date, with the signing of the document expected by the end of June 2026.