Ulaanbaatar, January 21, 2025 /MONTSAME/. Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai visited the Performance Monitoring Unit on January 18, 2024, to oversee progress on projects and initiatives aimed at reducing air pollution and improving infrastructure in Ulaanbaatar City.

During the meeting, the Performance Monitoring Unit discussed prioritizing major projects in the Capital City, housing policies and initiatives, progress on the establishment of the Thermal Power Plant No. 5 (TPP-5), and assessments of unauthorized constructions.

Participants in the meeting included representatives of political parties in the State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia, members of Parliament, relevant ministers, members of the Ulaanbaatar City Council, city authorities, researchers, and representatives from the private sector. 

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the growing collaborative efforts to address pressing issues in the Ulaanbaatar City. In a previous meeting of the Performance Monitoring Unit, the Prime Minister instructed the prioritization of major projects addressing air pollution and traffic congestion, ensuring interconnectivity and comprehensive management.

Ulaanbaatar City has outlined plans to implement nine projects aimed at reducing traffic congestion, including the Tuul Highway, a New Ring Road, and dedicated bus routes. To address air pollution, five projects are planned including the construction of TPP-5 and the development of the Selbe and Bayankhoshuu subcenters. Additionally, seven mega projects are on the agenda, including a new Sports Complex, Tuul Water Complex, and infrastructure development for New Zuunmod City. Each project aims at providing comprehensive solutions to Ulaanbaatar City's underlying challenges.

As of today, 20 of Ulaanbaatar City's mega projects have commenced.

Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene recently reviewed the progress of the Tuul Highway project and the operations of "Tavantolgoi Fuel" LLC. This time, the Premier assessed the Vertical Axis Ring Road project, a 23.7-kilometer route connecting Naadamchid Bridge, Bayankhoshuu, and Selbe subcenters before intersecting with the Tuul Highway. The project's feasibility study is nearing completion, with the tender scheduled for June 2025 and construction to be completed in 2028.

The Project “Supporting Renewable Energy Transition in Ger Districts for Increased Livelihood Benefits” has begun. A resident of the 31st khoroo in Songinokhairkhan district, N. Tumentsetseg noted that her home heating system was converted to solar power in May 2023. She explained to the Prime Minister that this system eliminates the need for firewood or coal, providing warmth and comfort. The cost of electricity is comparable to monthly fuel expenses, making it economically sustainable.

Currently, solar power systems have been installed in 70 households across Ulaanbaatar, with plans to extend the program to 100 more families. Officials informed the Prime Minister that these systems are environmentally friendly and help alleviate the increasing load on the city’s energy grid. Additionally, the Government’s decision to offer a 1 percent tax incentive has led many businesses to request the installation of solar power systems for their employees. Officials emphasized the growing demand and importance of this initiative in promoting the use of sustainable energy.

The Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai assigned the following tasks to the members of the Performance Monitoring Unit. The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development, Gantumur Luvsannyam, was tasked with drafting a Resolution for discussion at the next Cabinet Session. The Resolution proposes transferring ownership of 30 completed apartments and seven unfinished blocks that house 540 units from the "New Yarmag" Residential Complex Project to Ulaanbaatar City under specific conditions. These properties, acquired by the Development Bank of Mongolia as part of its recovery of non-performing loans, are earmarked for resettlement projects within the framework of the “Ger-area Upgrading Strategy and Investment Plan.”

The Prime Minister also instructed the Minister of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing of Mongolia, Batsuuri Jamba, and the Minister of Finance of Mongolia Javkhlan Bold to align the 2025 funding for the Solongo Affordable Housing Complex 1 and Complex 2 Projects, implemented with concessional loans from the Republic of Korea, with the approved work plan. Additionally, officials were tasked with studying the possibility of issuing one-time retroactive construction permits for unauthorized buildings in the Capital City and presenting it at the next Cabinet Session.

Further tasks included preparing the draft Government Resolution to approve the establishment of the state-owned Thermal Power Plant No. 5 to increase Ulaanbaatar City’s energy capacity and submitting the proposal for decision at the next Cabinet Session.