Shavkat Mirziyoyev attends the Sumalak festival (video)

Today, February 26, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the “New Uzbekistan” residential area under construction in Jarkurgan district of Surkhandarya region and took part in the Sumalak festival, the presidential press service reported.

According to the report, efforts to create достой living conditions for the population and to construct modern and comfortable housing are steadily expanding across the country. In accordance with the presidential decree of October 12, 2021, measures are being implemented to build “New Uzbekistan” residential areas and to promote the socio-economic development of the regions.

One such project, being developed in line with modern urban planning standards, is rising in Jarkurgan district of Surkhandarya region.

The residential area is being built by developing desert land. Construction of 116 multi-storey apartment buildings is planned on 50 hectares. To date, a clinic, a 180-seat kindergarten, a 330-seat school and a neighborhood assembly building have been commissioned. Residents have already moved into 1,500 apartments across 68 buildings.

In addition, an information technology and English language training center has begun operations, along with the construction of seven micro-centers and five retail and household service facilities. Drinking water and heating networks have been laid, nearly three kilometers of gas pipeline have been installed, and a 250-kilowatt transformer has been set up. Landscaping has been carried out on 4.5 hectares with ornamental and fruit trees, while saxaul plants have been planted on 300 hectares of desert land.

In the future, the construction of about 50 more buildings is planned. In particular, 14 additional multi-storey residential buildings with 280 apartments, new roads, landscaping works and a recreation park are scheduled to be completed this year.

During the visit, the President reviewed the activities of the “Yangi Yoshlar” management service company operating in the residential area. The company services 161 multi-storey buildings in the district, 54 of which are located in this complex. Rooftops of the apartment buildings have been equipped with 5 to 15 kilowatt solar panels.

Inclusive education ensures that every child, regardless of physical or intellectual condition, attends school and receives quality education.

The head of state also inspected the conditions created at School No. 66 in the residential area, particularly the facilities organized for children with disabilities.

More than 500 students are currently studying at the school. Special approaches have been introduced to educate children with disabilities in accordance with modern standards, and nearly 50 specialized professionals and teachers are employed. The schoolyard, corridors, classrooms, cafeteria, gymnasium and treatment room are equipped with the necessary facilities.

While reviewing the school’s facilities, the President emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence and digitalization-related fields for the lives and future of today’s youth.

“We are not introducing artificial intelligence training programs into school education without reason. We want students to enter higher education institutions and the labor market prepared for the professions of the future,” the President said.

The President then visited the foreign languages and information technology training center in the residential area.

Built at a cost of 6.5 billion soums, the 400-seat complex provides more than 2,000 young people annually with opportunities to study and work on projects. Nearly 200 students have successfully completed computer literacy and front-end courses and received certificates. Around 150 students have achieved IELTS scores of B2 and above. The center employs about 20 specialists.

The head of state highlighted the importance of such complexes aimed at guiding young people toward education, including the study of foreign languages.

“Today, we must support the future aspirations of such centers and, if necessary, combine their efforts and connect them with foreign partners. Then parents will confidently send their children to study at such centers,” the President said.

With the arrival of spring, organizing seasonal festivals has become a tradition across the regions. The President attended the Sumalak festival in the residential area, shared in the celebratory mood with residents and listened to the sincere views of those living there.

“Today, the international community looks at Uzbekistan with respect, witnessing the results of reforms and the conditions being created for our people. The ‘New Uzbekistan’ residential areas are being built to ensure our citizens enjoy a prosperous life and live in comfortable homes. I do not repeat ‘education, education’ without reason. With our knowledge and such constructive work, we will further enhance our country’s prestige and secure a достой place in the world. The people of Surkhandarya are hardworking and generous, and we will implement many more initiatives here,” the President said.