Water Academy will be established in Uzbekistan

A single scientific center for the introduction of innovative and technological solutions, scientifically-based modern approaches and advanced training of qualified personnel in the field of drinking and sewage water – Academy of Qualification Development and Preparation of personnel in the field of water supply is proposed to be established in Uzbekistan. This is stated in the draft Presidential decision «On measures to develop the system of training qualified personnel in the sector of water supply », placed on the portal of discussion of draft normative acts.

The main tasks and activities of the Water Academy are:

• training of personnel in management, production, and operation required for the development of the water supply sector, also training, retraining and advanced training of personnel in secondary and secondary special vocational education, higher education and postgraduate education;
• carrying out research in the field of drinking and sewage water, implementation of joint programs for the training of scientific, scientific-pedagogical and scientific-technical personnel, organization of foreign internships and training courses, involving leading professors and teachers of internationally recognized foreign universities;
• widely utilizing advanced technical and technological solutions for digitalization in new construction, modernization, and reconstruction of activities in the field of drinking and sewage water and sanitation, including wide use of SCADA and geographic information systems, introduction of “artificial intelligence” and “internet of things" (IoT) in the system of accounting and billing, introduction of advanced technologies in sewage water systems (technologies such as membrane treatment, water ionization, reuse of treated water), conducting and training advanced technologies and laboratory research on drinking water quality control;
• operation of facilities and networks, integrated water resources management, “smart” water management and accounting, supply of drinking water to consumers, prevention of technological and commercial losses of drinking water, analysis, and monitoring of drinking water quality and safety, reduction of environmental damage, identification of alternative water sources, cleaning and processing domestic and industrial sewage water and rainwater water, troubleshooting, labor and technical safety, repair of pumping equipment, metrology and hydraulics, introduction of renewable and energy efficient sources, financial management of the industry, formation of tariffs, organization of regular short and medium-term training courses and practical trainings on work with subscribers and the public, including on a payment-contractual basis;
• creation of a «Start-up Accelerator» within the framework of the Academy of Water Resources to support the initiative of industry professionals to create advanced innovative technologies, promote the introduction of their innovative ideas into the production and spread this accelerator throughout Central Asia.
• preparing recommendations based on updating the technical requirements, conditions, standards, and performance indicators used in the industry in accordance with the development goals of the industry, direct participation in improving the regulatory framework in this regard;
• implementation of international cooperation on the introduction of new management and financing mechanisms in the investment policy in the field.
The discussion of draft decision will continue until 23 April this year.