MCC Hamid Olimjon is one of the most densely populated areas of Turakurgan district, where the majority of population is youth. Being industrious, like the rest of Uzbek nation, the mahalla population cultivates prolific gardens, grows melons and gourds, cotton, grapes, vegetables, and keeps bee-farms. In short, both old and young generation work towards the welfare of their community.

In 2010, the mahalla members have decided to improve the potable water supply system by implementing the project by their own efforts. The reason that triggered this initiative was the old water supply system built in 70s of last century that was incapable of supplying potable water sufficient for continuously expanding mahalla population. In the meeting of mahalla activists, this project was selected as the priority one by majority of votes and it was decided to find the ways of implementing the project within the shortest possible time period, to estimate mahalla’s own resources, and, if necessary, to apply for sponsor support. At this stage of project planning, EU/UNDP “Enhancement of Living Standards in Fergana Valley” project has involved into the process. Further, with support of specialists from local authorities, local water supply departments, Mahalla Fund and ELS project experts, mahalla population has prepared necessary project estimate documents. Simultaneously, ELS project has organized several trainings to build the capacity of mahalla population in project planning and implementation, local development planning, fund raising and resource mobilization.

As a result of this project, more than 1500 people living in MCC Hamid Olimjon benefited from the new 2400 meters long water pipeline. Notably, the significant part of costs related to this initiative was covered by mahalla population themselves. Paperwork, financial management, organization of hashar, and other project related activities were divided among initiative group members based on their abilities and qualifications that facilitated a faster project implementation process. Regional administration also made a significant contribution in organizational matters.

It is worthwhile to note that mahalla did not stop with this achievement, instead after completion of the project, the initiative group headed by mahalla chairman has decided to drill a new artesian well and to cross-feed the all water pipelines in order to ensure the sustainability of the project and an uninterrupted water supply in the mahalla. The mahalla population compiled the necessary project documentation, found sponsors and under the direction of district water supply department, a new artesian well was drilled.

In addition, another project related to improvement of natural gas system in the mahalla has been started in parallel with the water supply project. At the expense of mahalla population, the project documentation has been updated and the plan of installing the new gas pipeline was elaborated. With successful implementation of this project, more than 300 households, as well as district hospital for infectious diseases will get an access to natural gas.

“If we really want to do something, we find opportunity; if we do not, then we find justification” said Goethe. People of MCC Hamid Olimjon has no time for justification, instead they use every opportunity and make contribution for development and welfare of their community.