Uzbekistan: Medium-size Cities Integrated Urban Development Project

approved

The Medium-size Cities Integrated Urban Development Project (MSCIUDP) is envisioned to address the challenges of rapid urbanization of secondary cities. The proposed Project is jointly co-financing the scaling up of the World Bank-led (WB, lead MDB) MSCIUDP. The Project has been conceived as a programmatic approach and is contributing to Government of Uzbekistan (GoU)'s vision to roll-out a National Medium Size Cities Program (NMSCP).  Component 1 - Improvement of Urban Services and Enhancement of Public Urban Spaces  This component will finance selected infrastructure investments that improve urban functionality and livability in Participating Cities (refe�rred to as specific activities). Fast track investments to commence during the year 1-2 of the project are expected to include rehabilitation/extension of water supply and sanitation infrastructure and energy efficiency measures. Strategic urban investments will be identified based on urban regeneration studies and may include upgrading of public spaces, street networks, and associated infrastructure; upgrading of vehicular, pedestrian and multi-modal accesses; restoration of selected heritage buildings; improvements to selected basic infrastructure and services (water supply, sanitation, sewerage, sidewalks, roads) on a case-by-case basis to complement the long-term functionality and increase the effectiveness of area-specific urban improvements. Feasibility studies (if required), detailed design, construction supervision, and other services associated with the investments may also be financed under this component.  Component 2 - Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building  Subcomponent 2.A: Institutional strengthening and capacity building of project municipalities and their regions. This subcomponent will support the institutional strengthening and capacity building of Participating Cities and their respective regional governments. The activities will be tailored to the specific needs of the Participating Cities and focus on the improvement of asset management and maintenance capacity as well as design of safe roads. This component also includes the procurement of municipal maintenance equipment and the construction/upgrading of maintenance facilities to store and maintain municipal equipment, if needed.   Subcomponent 2.B: Support for GoU policy and reforms for sustainable urbanization. This component will complement the activities under the WB's parent project through activities to support sustainable and resilient urbanization, including i) the national urbanization study, ii) development of procedures and regulations to mobilize private investments in solid waste management, and iii) support the respective water companies in mobilizing private investments and increasing efficiency in water supply. Technical assistance and capacity building may be provided in the areas of land privatization, housing, road safety, and other areas, as needed. In addition to directly supporting Participating Cities, the component will also support the Academy of Public Administration (a government body responsible for training of public servants) in developing a new system of trainings and capacity building for local governments.  Component 3 - Implementation Support  This component will support project implementation, including implementation of the project monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system, communication strategy, application of safeguard instruments as well as training and financing of incremental operating costs of the Project Implementing Unit (both at central and regional levels).  Component 4 - Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC)  This provisional component will allow for rapid reallocation of Project funds from other Components to provide immediate response capacity to the Government following an eligible crisis or emergency in Uzbekistan. The criteria for determining an eligible crisis and process for CERC activation will be defined in the Project Operation Manual prior to project effectiveness.