LOSSES FROM BUILDINGS WATERLOGGING IN SETTLEMENTS OF SYRDARYA PROVINCE

This study examines waterlogging in settlements on saline soils in the Syrdarya province of Uzbekistan. The region's low relief makes areas vulnerable to waterlogging, often caused by irrigated agriculture. The research assesses the risks and damages to the population and infrastructure caused by this problem. Using risk assessment methods and social surveys, the study estimated the monetary damage to the populations of affected towns and cities and compared the cost of repairing roads in flooded saline and non-saline areas. The results show that about 60% of the urban population in Syrdarya Province have to carry out annual repairs to their homes due to waterlogging and salinisation, costing an average of $322.4 per household per year - almost equivalent to the average monthly salary in Uzbekistan. In addition, salinisation increases road repair costs by $68,750 per year per kilometre. To mitigate waterlogging, the study recommends the construction and effective management of drainage systems on affected lands and the implementation of cost-effective irrigation techniques.