Uzbekistan Country Gender Assessment: Update

Box 5: Water Supply and Sanitation in the Andijan region—Outcomes of the Gender Action Plan

Female respondents to the survey for this country gender assessment (CGa) update who reside in multistory dwellings in andijan city confirmed the positive effect of water supply and
sanitation interventions. Most live in extended families, with up to four married sons staying with their parents in the same apartment.
previously, continuous water supply was available only 2–3 hours a day, and pressure was insufficient to reach the upper floors. Families accumulated water in their bathtubs and different containers. Maintaining decent sanitary conditions in the home and performing regular household chores, all connected to water consumption, was a burdensome challenge for women. One woman said, the woman is a duck. She cannot live without water.
Once the water supply improved, there was running water in the kitchen and respondents started using washing machines. Morbidity also decreased noticeably among children and other family members.
In some buildings, women began growing ornamental plants and flowers in front of their houses. the time saved from water burdens allowed some women to start micro and small enterprises (e.g., embroidery, sewing, pastry-baking businesses), and they began investing in self-education and the education of their younger children. In local pre-schools, sustainable indoor bathroom and toilet facilities dramatically improved sanitary conditions.
Female staff of the Suvokava/Vodokanal branch in andijan city pointed out that the installation of the latest water purification technologies and laboratory equipment has dramatically improved water quality. the new pumping equipment generates considerable energy savings.
Conflicts with Suvokava water consumers have drastically decreased. previously, consumers had to pay the costs of water even when supply was inconsistent.
Source: adB. 2014. Multitranche Financing Facility: Water Supply and Sanitation Project in Uzbekistan (Loans 2825; 3064, Tranche 3, completed in 2014; and $58 million Tranche 4, completed in March 2018). Manila.

7.