An important aspect of our cooperation with the United States is the "Improvement of Water Supply in Ulaanbaatar" program, which focuses on the protection and enhancement of Mongolia's water resources. The project is being implemented by the Millennium Challenge Corporation, with the completion of key construction works scheduled for March 31, 2026.
This jointly funded project includes $350 million (₮1.2 trillion) in assistance from the United States and $112 million in investments from Mongolia, highlighting the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The implementation of the Compact Agreement will lead to an increase in Ulaanbaatar's water supply by more than 80%, creating favorable conditions for the expansion of the capital to the west and its economic growth.
Since 2004, the Millennium Challenge Corporation has implemented 82 programs, totaling $19 billion, in 50 countries around the world. The water resources agreement currently in effect in Mongolia was signed in July 2018, and in September of the same year, then-Prime Minister Khurelsukh Ukhna confirmed readiness for its implementation. Since the funding comes from American taxpayers, certain results must be achieved. Therefore, if the project is successfully completed within five years, it will be an achievement. Otherwise, the grant will be canceled,” noted Ms. Enkhgerel Enkhtuvshin, Executive Director of the Millennium Challenge Mongolia Fund (MCA-Mongolia). “As part of the Compact Agreement, up to 50 million cubic meters of water will be purified from the western water intake of Ulaanbaatar, which is being built based on underground aquifers near the Biocombinat and Shuvuun-Fabrik plants. The water will be purified in a modern water treatment facility constructed on the eastern slope of the Songinokhairkhan mountain and supplied to the centralized water supply system. The construction of this facility is 99.5% complete, and testing and adjustment work is already actively underway.”
“As part of this project, the ewater.mn system is also being developed, which will collect all information about water resources and their use in Mongolia into a single platform. This will be an important step towards effective and responsible management of water resources. Thanks to the implementation of the Water Agreement, Ulaanbaatar will be able to avoid water shortages over the next 30 years,” added Ms. Enkhgerel.
As a result of this agreement, 8,092 jobs have been created, 92% of which are held by citizens of Mongolia. Local small and medium-sized enterprises have received orders worth over ₮83 billion.
Thus, for the first time in Mongolia, advanced technologies and methods that meet global standards are being implemented within the framework of the Water Agreement.
The implementation of this program is carried out by talented young engineers and specialists from Mongolia, which is a significant achievement and demonstrates a high level of professionalism and the ability to adapt to international standards set by the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
Tatar S.Maidar
source: MiddleAsianNews
