Kyrgyzstan Seeks $1.2 Billion to Bring Clean Water to Over 900 Villages

Kyrgyz Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry Bakyt Torobaev has said that Kyrgyzstan is seeking $1.2 billion in funding to deliver clean drinking water to 960 villages.

Torobaev made these remarks at the Rome Water Dialogue 2025 held at FAO headquarters, The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

Addressing the session on Effective Solutions for Water Resources Management, Torobaev emphasised that water is a vital strategic resource impacting food security, energy access, public health, and the environment.

He issued a warning that by 2050, nearly half the global population may experience water scarcity, stressing the urgency for collective, large-scale investment.

In Central Asia, Torobaev noted, approximately 10 million people still lack access to clean drinking water. He added that 80 per cent of the region’s water infrastructure is deteriorated, contributing to water losses of up to 55 per cent.

For Kyrgyzstan, Torobaev said the upgrade and expansion of water infrastructure to cover underserved rural areas is a national priority-and that the $1.2 billion investment is essential to achieve it.