The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$59 million loan and US$500 thousand grant to enhance livability and economic competitiveness in the cities of Djizzak, Havast, Khiva and Yangiyer in Uzbekistan.

ADB's Integrated Urban Development Project involves support for strategic investments in municipal infrastructure and services to increase the economic competitiveness of the specified cities and as a result improve the quality of life of people. The project represents the improvement of solid waste management in all four cities and the development of green infrastructure, including a new public park with a community center in Khavast, a public greenway and a two-story visitor center in Khiva and the development of water networks with environmentally friendly water saving technologies in Jizzakh.

The project will help improve living standards through tourism skills training and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. ADB will establish a capacity development program to improve sustainability, efficiency and service delivery in Djizzak, Havast, Khiva and Yangiyer.