In Uzbekistan, it has been proposed to lease out premises of Mahalla Centers for shops, salons, and workshops

In Uzbekistan, it has been proposed to lease out the premises and equipment of Mahalla and Consumer Services Centers to entrepreneurs. The funds received from the lease are planned to be transferred to local budgets, mahalla funds, and the State Assets Management Agency.

The corresponding draft was prepared by the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The document has been published on the portal for public discussion of draft regulatory legal acts.

This refers to the Mahalla Centers built under the "Sustainable Rural Development" project with the participation of the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund for International Development. The project is being implemented in 170 mahallas across 20 districts of Karakalpakstan, Bukhara, Navoiy, and Khorezm regions — 40 central and 130 adjacent ones.

Currently, 40 Mahalla Centers, fully furnished and equipped, have been put into operation. The proposed procedure will also apply to centers that will be built in the future using funds from international financial institutions.

According to the draft, the premises of the centers that are not intended for administrative needs will be leased out through E-auksion on a competitive basis. The auction announcement must be published at least 30 working days in advance. Lease agreements will be concluded by the district khokimiyats (administrations), on whose balance sheets the buildings are held.

It is proposed to locate consumer service enterprises in the centers: hair salons, beauty parlors, dry cleaners, appliance repair shops, sewing enterprises, and fitness gyms. In addition, the premises can be used for training and vocational guidance centers, consultations for young entrepreneurs, trade, and production.

In particular, the buildings are permitted to house grocery stores and confectionery shops, and the basements can be used to organize the storage, processing, and packaging of fruit and vegetable products.

The premises of the centers will be divided into administrative, social, commercial, and common areas.

Administrative premises will not be leased out.

The annual rent per square meter will be calculated taking into account the minimum rate, territorial zone, building type, use of the adjacent territory, and the commercial attractiveness of the property. A coefficient of 2.0 is provided for the Bukhara region, 2.0 for the first to third floors and 1.2 for basements in the Navoiy region, 1.5 for the Khorezm region, and 1.8 for Karakalpakstan.

In addition to the rent, entrepreneurs will pay for utilities, their share of the maintenance costs for common areas, and contributions for routine repairs in the amount of 5% of the rent. The agreement, in particular, can be terminated in case of non-payment for more than two consecutive months.

It is proposed to distribute the revenues from the lease of premises and equipment within five working days. 40% will be directed to the local budget, another 40% to the mahalla fund for the operation, repair, and renewal of equipment, and 20% to the State Assets Management Agency.

At the same time, the share of the mahalla fund must not be less than the amount required to ensure the sustainable operation of the center. It will be possible to change the established proportions by a separate resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers.

It is planned to establish a three-level control over the use of buildings and equipment. The citizens' assembly of the mahalla will report monthly to the khokimiyat, and the district khokimiyat will submit information on revenues quarterly to the district Kengash (Council) of People's Deputies.

An estimate of revenues and expenditures will be compiled annually, which must be approved by the Kengash. Control will also be assigned to the district branch of the Mahalla Association together with the Mahalla Support Council and the territorial division of the State Assets Management Agency.

The discussion of the draft will last until October 18.