Photo: Press Service of the President of Uzbekistan
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has initiated a program for the improvement of mahallas (local communities) called “Place of Development and Leadership.” The project will cover all regions of the country, the presidential press service reports.
Initially, the program will target four districts in each of the Fergana, Samarkand, and Tashkent regions, two districts in other regions, and 328 of the most problematic mahallas nationwide.
The president announced the launch of the initiative during a visit to the Shurarik mahalla in the Naryn district of Namangan region. There, he spoke with residents about pressing issues, including the need to repair local roads, the absence of street lighting, and lack of stormwater drainage. The mahalla is home to over 5,000 people, including 62 low-income families, 118 unemployed residents, and 157 citizens working abroad as labor migrants.
Located along an inter-district road, the community has strong potential for the development of entrepreneurship, trade, and services. Vacant buildings may be repurposed through public-private partnerships.
“We will fundamentally transform this mahalla, bringing in the spirit of the New Uzbekistan. Streets will be upgraded, the appearance of the settlement will be renewed. People will gain decent living conditions, places to walk, and areas for children’s recreation,” the president said.
Authorities have been tasked with turning Shurarik into a model mahalla. A master plan will be developed to create a modern urban environment and favorable conditions for business. Officials are instructed to assist proactive citizens with infrastructure improvements. The community is expected to become a development hub for five neighboring mahallas.
Plans include building a mahalla center, creating walking zones, children’s and sports playgrounds, establishing a library, professional training and foreign language centers, and opening a bank branch. Schools and kindergartens will undergo major renovations under a state investment program. Streets will be paved, decorative and fruit trees planted, and residents will renovate homes under a social contract framework.
Such projects will be implemented nationwide. A total of 5 trillion soums ($406.7 million) has been allocated from the state budget to upgrade districts and mahallas. Specifically, Kasansay and Naryn districts of Namangan region will each receive 100 billion soums (over $8 million), while two problematic mahallas in each remaining district of the region will receive 5 billion soums ($406,000). These measures aim to transform local communities into sustainably developing areas.
