Optimizing the Implementation of Infrastructure Programs

As part of the “Aimags and Soum Green Regional Development Investment Program”, which is being implemented in Bayan-Ulgii, Khovd, and Uvs provinces from 2023 to 2027, a mission was conducted to validate and refine the investment project list. Yo.Lkhagvadorj, an urban development specialist from the project implementation unit, and Ch.Bilegsaihan, a resettlement specialist, traveled to the three western provinces to oversee this process.

During the mission, local authorities and specialists from Khovd, Bayan-Ulgii, and Uvs provinces and soums engaged in discussions on the optimal implementation of planned infrastructure programs, including strategies to improve general infrastructure, expand central services to ger districts, and effectively manage land clearance and resettlement efforts in collaboration with stakeholders. Recommendations were provided to ensure the success of these initiatives.

Key Activities Conducted During the Mission

In the provincial and soum centers of Khovd, Bayan-Ulgii, and Uvs, the following activities were carried out:

• Meetings were held with provincial and soum governors, chairpersons of Citizens’ Representative Khurals, officials from the Development Policy, Planning, and Investment Department, the Land Relations and Urban Development Department, and provincial chief architects.
• The investment project list planned under the program was thoroughly reviewed, incorporating feedback from provincial and soum administrations and exchanging information on the current status of these proposals.
• Verification was conducted to determine whether there were ready-to-implement projects without land clearance issues.
• Site visits were made to locations designated for agro-parks, irrigation systems, reservoirs, and other infrastructure investments.

Findings and Adjustments

The mission revealed that the planned agro-park sites in Uvs, Khovd, and Bayan-Ulgii were located in areas affected by industrial pollution and air contamination. Consequently, discussions were held with local authorities to identify alternative locations, and preliminary adjustments were made. Additionally, infrastructure investment projects were reprioritized based on their significance and feasibility.

Major Infrastructure Investments Under the Program

The Provincial and Soum Regional Green Development Investment Program aims to implement the following major projects in Khovd, Bayan-Ulgii, and Uvs provinces:

Urban Infrastructure Development

• Improve and modernize clean water and wastewater management in ger districts.
• Strengthen electricity and heating supply networks.
• Enhance telecommunication and connectivity infrastructure.
• Implement comprehensive waste management solutions.
• Develop road networks with flood protection embankments, drainage systems, and street lighting.
• Utilize solar-powered battery storage systems for public buildings and street lighting.

Ger District Redevelopment and Living Conditions Improvement

• Construct and renovate public buildings and facilities.
• Strengthen electricity and heating supply networks.
• Reassess road conditions, including flood protection embankments, drainage systems, pedestrian and bicycle lanes, and street lighting.

Land Management and Planning

• Establish a geodesy and mapping database, including satellite data receivers for remote sensing and a soil analysis laboratory (Research and Development Center).
• Relocate the agro-park to a healthier site, as the initially selected area was affected by industrial pollution.
• Halt land allocations in certain ger district redevelopment zones.

These projects will be implemented through investment funding under the program, ensuring sustainable urban development and improved living conditions in the targeted provinces and soums.