Shavkat Umurzakov: embracing the future, leaving the past behind

On January 16, 2023, Tashkent city mayor Jahongir Artikhojayev was dismissed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during a meeting on the supply of energy resources. The reason cited for his dismissal was the failure to properly prepare for the winter despite multiple warnings and his inability to fulfill his promises.

A short time after Artikhojayev's departure, Shavkat Umurzakov, the head of the Uzavtosanoat company, was appointed as the acting mayor of Tashkent. He had been expected to fulfill commitments made since 2018 but had not delivered on them. A year later, after serving as the acting mayor, Umurzakov was officially appointed as the mayor of the capital.

In an interview with QALAMPIR.UZ, Umurzakov emphasized his focus on the future and stated that he does not waste time revisiting the past. "My time is more valuable, and I prefer to look ahead," he explained. Despite this, he acknowledged the substantial challenges left by the previous administration, mentioning that the population has grown by 100,000 people and that urban development requires a scientific approach rather than merely cosmetic changes like asphalting streets.

The new mayor detailed plans for each neighborhood, which include creating more parks, sports fields, benches, and bicycle paths, while also emphasizing the importance of involving the public in monitoring the work. He admitted that while many projects had already been completed, much work remains to be done, and the city is making progress with optimism for the future.