The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved US$ 30 million in grant financing from the International Development Association for the Dushanbe Water Supply and Wastewater Project, which will support improved water and wastewater infrastructure, benefitting the residents of selected areas of Tajikistan’s capital city, Dushanbe. The municipality of Dushanbe will also contribute additional financing of US$ 2 million.
“By investing in quality municipal services, such as safe and reliable water supply, the World Bank is supporting Tajikistan’s efforts to develop healthy and productive human capital,” said Jan-Peter Olters, World Bank Country Manager for Tajikistan. “The project will not only invest in infrastructure improvements but also focus on strengthening the capacity of the service provider — the Dushanbe Vodokanal utility company — to be sustainable and well-equipped to provide improved services for the population.”
According to a recent study, 98 percent of households in Dushanbe have access to improved water sources, but only 61 percent of residents have access to water when they need it. Due to outdated infrastructure, water losses are significant, and service is frequently interrupted.
The new project will be implemented in the Sino District of Dushanbe — the largest and most populated area of the city, with approximately 350,000 residents. It will increase the reliability and safety of water supply in select areas by financing a major upgrade of infrastructure, such as water pipes and booster pumps, and construction of water storage tanks. The project will also prevent the overflow of sewers during extreme weather events and prevent contamination of water, by replacing sewer collections and pipes.
The project will also support the government’s priority investment program, estimated at more than US$ 150 million for the rehabilitation and upgrade of the existing water supply network in the city of Dushanbe.
The World Bank’s active portfolio in Tajikistan includes 17 projects, with net commitments of US$ 683 million. The World Bank remains committed to supporting Tajikistan as it strives to improve the lives of its people and meet the aspirations of its young and growing population.
Original source: World Bank
Published on 05 June 2019
