The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Monday said it has approved a 240-million-U.S. dollar loan to improve 700 kilometers of rural roads in Uzbekistan.
The ADB said the project will focus on local and inter-farm rural roads in 12 regions and the Republic of Karakalpakstan.
The multilateral lender said the improvements aim to enhance capacity, quality, and connectivity, ensuring safety and climate resilience through reinforced embankments, bridges, culverts, and drainage systems.
The ADB said the project will provide rural communities and farmers with all-weather access to markets, schools, health services, and district centers.
"With almost half of double-landlocked Uzbekistan's population living in rural areas that rely on agriculture as the main source of livelihood, connectivity is critical," said ADB Director General for Central and West Asia Yevgeniy Zhukov.
"Keeping rural communities connected to markets and services through safe, reliable, and climate-resilient rural roads is essential to achieve inclusive, sustainable economic development," he added.