A new system for the technical maintenance of educational institutions is being developed in Uzbekistan, which involves the participation of the private sector. The Minister of Construction and Housing and Communal Services, Sherzod Khidoyatov, announced this initiative on October 13 during the 'Government Hour' at the Oliy Majlis Legislative Chamber.
Deputy Dilnoza Azizova, representing the 'Milliy Tiklanish' party, raised the issue of low quality in the construction and repair of social facilities, including schools, kindergartens, and roads. She requested information on whether the ministry is studying foreign experience regarding the broader involvement of private companies in such work.
Sherzod Khidoyatov confirmed the existence of problems with the condition of educational buildings. He noted that the issue of operating schools and kindergartens in the republic is extremely relevant, and after the president raised this problem, corresponding joint work began with the Ministry of Preschool and School Education (which has been transformed into the Ministry of Education and Science).
The first step in implementing the project will be the passportization of all schools and kindergartens in the country. Currently, design organizations are assessing the technical condition of buildings, including roofs, heating systems, and boiler equipment, and are also analyzing the types of fuel used, such as coal and gas. Based on the collected data, a list of necessary repair works will be determined. Standards for the future operation of both existing and new educational institutions are being developed in parallel.
Khidoyatov reported that joint development of regulations is underway, and proposals have been put forward so that managing service companies that serve residential buildings near schools and kindergartens can also provide their services to these institutions. This issue is also being discussed with the Ministry of Economy and Finance. In the long term, the private sector is planned to be involved in the technical maintenance of educational facilities.
The minister emphasized that currently, maintenance is carried out by employees of the schools and kindergartens themselves, but this model does not meet modern requirements. In particular, new educational institutions are equipped with more complex engineering equipment, such as modern heat pumps, whose operation requires qualified specialists.
