Ulaanbaatar, September 23, 2025 – Today, the United States’ and Mongolian governments officially handed over 180 fully automated water kiosks in Ulaanbaatar’s ger areas to the Ulaanbaatar Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (USUG). The kiosks are part of the $461.7 million Mongolia Water Compact’s Water Sector Sustainability Project.
The ceremony took place at Smart Water Kiosk No. 207 in Khoroo 2, Songinokhairkhan District, brought together the U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia H.E. Richard Buangan, the Member of State Great Khural of Mongolia, Chairman of the Standing Committee on the Budget, Chairman of the Mongolia-U.S. Parliamentary Caucus, Member of the State Great Hural (Parliament) of Mongolia, Chair of the Standing Committee on Budget Kh.Gankhuyag, the Member of State Great Khural of Mongolia, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Legal Affairs, D.Tsogtbaatar, as well as representatives of MCC, USUG and MCA-Mongolia, the contractor “HTL” LLC and other stakeholders.
Launched in January 2023, the Ger Area Smart Water Kiosk Upgrade Project modernized 180 kiosks across 61 khoroos in six districts. Each kiosk recieved upgrade to electrical systems, piping, painting, and sofware. As a result, 331 kiosks now operate with an intergrade digital system, greatly expanding reliable access to clean water.
With this upgrade, thousands of ger area residents can fetch water 24/7, pay digitally via card or mobile app, and track their usage. Importantly, 21 truck-refilling kiosks are now also automated, enabling fire and water delivery trucks to access water at any time — a critical improvement for emergency response and city services.
Speaking at the event, U.S. Ambassador Richard Buangan said:
“Water is our future—not only for the health of Ulaanbaatar’s residents, but also for the vitality of Mongolia’s economy. Access to safe, reliable water is essential for every family—and it also drives investment. By ensuring Ulaanbaatar residents can depend on clean water, we are strengthening the city’s foundation for private sector growth and long-term economic opportunity.”
Member of State Great Khural of Mongolia, Chairman of the Standing Committee on the Budget, Chairman of the Mongolia-U.S. Parliamentary Group, Kh.Gankhuyag also expressed gratitude to the American people for their generous support, as well as to the project team and stakeholders, noting:
“The Mongolia Water Compact—a pillar of the strategic partnership between the United States and Mongolia—is now delivering tangible results. Today, we are officially handing over 180 fully automated water kiosks to USUG. With the introduction of these smart kiosks, more residents can access water whenever they need it, while also helping reduce USUG’s operational costs and improve efficiency. This is a concrete example of the Water Compact’s projects making a real, positive impact on the everyday lives of people in Ulaanbaatar.”
Member of State Great Khural of Mongolia, Chairman of the Standing Committee on the Legal Affairs, D.Tsogtbaatar, the one who first signed the Mongolia Water Compact from Mongolian side, also expressed gratitude to the American people for their generous support, as well as to the project team and stakeholders, noting:
“I am truly delighted that the Compact agreements and programs, once only on paper, have now been brought to life on the ground, and that today we are officially handing over the very first of these achievements. This milestone marks the beginning of many future handovers, and I am confident that, through our joint efforts, it will lay a strong and lasting foundation for comprehensively addressing Ulaanbaatar’s water challenges in the years to come.”
By fully automating pipe-fed water kiosks, the project lowers USUG’s operating costs and strengthens the sustainability of Ulaanbaatar’s water system helps USUG reduce operational costs— ensuring reliable, 24/7 service for Ulaanbaatar’s growing population and strengthening the sustainability of the city’s water supply system.
