LocationsAuthor: Iroda Muminova
From darkness to light: electricity for rural residents in Aral Sea region
October 15, 2024
UNDP Uzbekistan
In a small village of Gujimli in Chimbay district, the day began not with the sound of phone alarms or TV, since electricity was not a regular visitor to their home. When Gulparshin’s grandchildren should do their homework, she was always there with lit candles or her phone’s flashlight.
Electricity, as it is for many, was not merely a convenience for the people of Gujimli; it was essential for their health, education, and dreams of a brighter future.
“Our village had long grappled with the challenges of unreliable electricity,” Gulparshin explained, “The old transformers from the late 1970s had a mere capacity of 160 kW. Frequent power outages plagued our lives, particularly during the harsh autumn and winter months when gas supply pressures dropped and we had to rely on electric heaters that often failed us. The erratic voltage often damaged household appliances, and children struggled to complete their homework in the dark…”
UNDP Uzbekistan
With support from the Government of Japan, the UNDP initiated seminars focused on community mobilization, listening to the voices of those living in the pilot areas of Karakalpakstan. Through these discussions, the undeniable need for a stable electricity supply became clear, especially in villages like Gujimli.
The project team discovered that outdated transformers plagued many settlements in Kegeyli, Chimbay, Khojeyli and Nukus districts. In response to the identified shortcomings and solutions to existing problems, the project delivered 12 sets of electrical transformer equipment, each with a capacity of 250 kW. As a result, 7,296 residents — half of which are women mostly staying at home and depending on electricity supply even more than others — gained access to a reliable electricity supply.
“The power transformer's impact went beyond just creating convenience. With consistent electricity, children could study diligently in the evenings, completing their homework without the struggle of candlelight or battery-operated lamps. Parents felt less stress, knowing they could provide a warm home in winter without the anxiety of unexpected outages”, says Gulparshin full of emotions.
As the project team returned for monitoring, they were greeted by a different scene. The community, once dimmed by uncertainty, now thrived under the radiant light of new possibilities. Local businesses flourished, fueled by the newfound stability of power. Families gathered more often, celebrating milestones and everyday joys under bright lights, weaving memories together.
UNDP Uzbekistan
“We journeyed from darkness to light, transforming our reality,” reflected Ramazan Mambetniyazov, another resident of the Chimbay district, “With every flick of the switch, we celebrated a brighter future — one where power was no longer a source of worry, but a foundation for growth and prosperity. Together, we stepped into a new era, united by the light that now filled our homes and hearts”.
UNDP Uzbekistan
As the sun set over Gujimli, it painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, a fitting backdrop to the vibrant community that had emerged from the shadows.
The electricity was not just a utility; it was a lifeline, igniting hope and dreams across the Aral Sea region. With each illuminated house, Gujimli residents were filled with new dreams and hopes - the future had no uncertainty of darkness, it was lit with possibilities.
About the project: The UNDP Project “The Project for Supporting Self-reliance through Climate-resilient Agriculture in the Aral Sea Region” is financed by the government of Japan and being implemented 2023-2025 and contribute to addressing multiple human insecurities of people, living in the most vulnerable districts of Karakalpakstan, which are fully aligned with the policies and strategies of the Government of Uzbekistan on addressing the Aral Sea crises.
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