The volume of water consumption in Central Asia has doubled since the early 1990s, stated Arman Akhunbaev, head of the Sectoral Analysis Center at the Eurasian Development Bank, Eurasia Today reports.
According to him, there has been a significant increase in water consumption without corresponding investments in the sector.
Significant water losses amount to 55%, with half being lost in distribution networks due to infrastructure issues. In some countries, water loss reaches 80%.
Additionally, 14% of the region's population (10 million people) do not have access to safe drinking water.
"The quality of water is the main issue. In Uzbekistan, almost a third of the population consumes water that does not meet necessary standards," noted Akhunbaev.
One reason for water shortages is the rapid population growth in the region. It is predicted that by 2050, the population of Central Asia could exceed 100 million people.
Climate change is also making summers in the region hotter and drier, increasing the need for water.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
June 29, 2024