Lack of attention to border and enclave neighborhoods draws criticism

District heads in Uzbekistan are not providing sufficient attention to 563 neighborhoods located in border and enclave areas. Improving access roads, building guesthouses, recreation facilities, and trade and service centers in these areas could increase the incomes of 50,000 households, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said during a video conference on November 19 reviewing poverty reduction and employment efforts, as well as priority tasks for the coming year.

The meeting noted that developing a 5-kilometer section of the Soh River through Sarikanda, Rovan, and Istiqlol neighborhoods into a resort and entertainment zone could attract 30,000 tourists annually, boosting the income of 200 families.

It was emphasized that if each district head implements similar projects across all 563 neighborhoods and provides employment for at least 100,000 people, 25,000 families could be lifted out of poverty.

Next year, a significant improvement in the living standards of residents in these neighborhoods is expected. One trillion soums has been allocated for constructing recreation and service facilities in these areas.

For the development of services along coasts and roads, 500 neighborhoods have been selected. Regional governors have been tasked with designating land plots, conducting auctions, converting irrigation and drainage channels to closed systems, leveling canal banks and road edges, and creating conditions for entrepreneurial projects.

District banks will provide loans of up to 1 billion soums for projects creating at least five permanent jobs in these areas. The goal is to generate permanent income for 50,000 people next year.

The meeting also highlighted that rising household incomes have increased demand for food services, tourism, and trade. In 2025 alone, 255 night-and-day street projects were launched, operating 11,000 service facilities and providing employment for nearly 27,000 residents.

District heads have proposed establishing 200 additional streets connecting 1,000 neighborhoods next year. Those officials who prepare a clear “roadmap” within a month and begin implementation will receive funding of up to 4 billion soums per street, expected to create 25,000 new jobs.