Ulaanbaatar, September 24, 2025 /MONTSAME/. Within the framework of the Mongolia Water Compact Agreement concluded between the Government of Mongolia and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of the United States, three projects are being implemented in Mongolia.

One of these projects is aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the water sector. Within its scope, 180 water kiosks connected to pipelines in ger areas of six districts of Ulaanbaatar have been fully automated and upgraded to operate as smart facilities 24/7. A handover ceremony to the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority took place on September 23, 2025, at the site of Water Kiosk No. 207 in the 2nd khoroo of Songinokhairkhan District. The event was attended by the member of the State Great Khural, the Chairman of the Standing Committee on the Budget, and the Chair of the Mongolia–United States Parliamentary Group, Gankhuyag Khassuuri, the member of the State Great Khural and Chairman of the Standing Committee on Legal Affairs, Tsogtbaatar Damdin, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Mongolia, Richard Buangan, the Director of the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority, Ts. Turkhuu, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Account Mongolia, Enkhgerel Enkhtuvshin, along with officials, guests, and residents.

There are more than 700 water kiosks across Ulaanbaatar, of which 331 are water kiosks, and 180 have been automated with financing under the Water Compact. In the 2nd khoroo of Songinokhairkhan District alone, about 90 out of 100 water kiosks have been automated. For Kiosk No. 207, financed by the Millennium Challenge Account, an IP67 protection standard automation system and industrial-grade equipment have been installed. External and internal power supply systems have been fully upgraded, including concealed wiring, grounding, lighting, power panels, voltage stabilizers, and surge protectors. In addition, for pipeline renovations, international-standard potable water pipes, fittings, food-grade hoses, and SS316 stainless steel pipes were installed in the distribution nodes.

Of the 180 fully automated kiosks, 61 are in Songinokhairkhan District, 51 in Chingeltei, 26 in Khan-Uul, 25 in Bayanzurkh, 11 in Bayangol, and 6 in Sukhbaatar District. As a result of the project, the operations of all 180 kiosks have been integrated into a centralized monitoring system, enabling remote supervision by the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority’s Monitoring and Control Center. Residents are now able to draw water using mobile applications, water cards, or their phone numbers, with payment options through Khan Bank accounts via QPay, SocialPay, HiPay, and Toki, officials said.

It is to be noted that the Water Compact Agreement is being implemented from March 31, 2021, to March 31, 2026, with the United States providing USD 350 million in grant support, while the Government of Mongolia is investing USD 111.76 million.

Voices from the Event

Member of the State Great Khural Gankhuyag Khassuuri: “The projects and programs of the Water Compact, a pillar of the Mongolia–United States Strategic Partnership, are delivering tangible results, with 180 fully automated kiosks now handed over to the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority. This creates convenient and beneficial opportunities not only for citizens but also for the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority, saving time and resources.”

Member of the State Great Khural, Tsogtbaatar Damdin: “I am pleased to see projects and programs once signed on paper now materializing and being officially handed over. This is the beginning of many more infrastructure projects to come. I am confident that through joint efforts, we will lay a firm foundation for a comprehensive solution to Ulaanbaatar’s water challenges.”

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Mongolia Richard Buangan: “Water is our future. It is a guarantee of the health and safety of Ulaanbaatar residents. One of the Capital city’s pressing problems has been drinking water access. After discussions with city authorities and officials, this project was initiated and completed to provide ger area residents with automated kiosks, ensuring access to water at any time of day. With stable access to clean water, the private sector and businesses can expand, laying the groundwork for long-term growth of the city’s economy.”

Director of Water Supply and Sewerage Authority, Ts. Turkhuu: “I am pleased to have been with this project from beginning to end. Automating kiosks not only saves citizens’ time but also brings economic benefits for us. By fully automating and connecting the kiosks to the network, operational losses that previously stood at MNT 40 per unit have decreased to as low as MNT 10–15.”