The Asian Development Bank''s (ADB''s) President Haruhiko Kuroda and Republic of Uzbekistan''s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Rustam Azimov on 1 December signed a $60 million loan agreement to support the government''s efforts to strengthen the water supply and sanitation sector, UzReport.com reported.

The loan, from ADB''s concessional Asian Development Fund, is the first tranche of a $300 million multi tranche financing facility (MFF) - ADB''s first MFF investment program to Uzbekistan. The program aims to improve the living standards, environment, and health of three million people in Uzbekistan.

"ADB has been developing a long term partnership with the Government of Uzbekistan in the water supply and sanitation sector since 2000," said Mr. Kuroda. "ADB has provided $193.1 million in loans and $5.1 million in grants to the sector. We are committed to continuing and further strengthening collaboration with the government in this important sector for basic human needs."

The loan will finance improvements to water source and distribution systems in Damkhodja and 11 district centers in Bukhara and Navoi provinces, as well as upgrade wastewater treatment plant and sewerage systems in the capital city of Surkhandarya province. The program will also strengthen water supply and sanitation institutions and support capacity development.