DUSHANBE, July 21, 2008, Asia-Plus — On Saturday July 9, President Emomali Rahmon met with some 3,000 residents of Khorog at the local renovated stadium, presidential press service said.
Dwelling on the economic issues, the president noted that the small hydropower plant Bardara with the capacity of 160 kW was put into commission in the Rushan district on July 18.
He reminded that over the years of independence, the hydroelectric power station Panir-1 and 35 small hydropower plants had been put into operation in Gorno Badakhshan and work on construction of new small power plants is under way. Thus, the power plant Shirg with capacity of 1,260 kW is being built in the Darvoz district. This station will be able to meet some 80 percent of Darvoz population’s annual requirements in electricity, the president said.
Underlying the importance of training of skilled personnel for all sectors of economy, Rahmon noted that dozens of Tajik students currently study universities in the CIS states and other countries. In the academic year 2007-2008 alone, 436 Tajiks, including 34 residents of Gorno Badakhshan, were sent to study at universities and take post-graduate courses in foreign countries, according to him.
The president noted that 320 secondary schools that now function in Gorno Badakhshan are provided with 1,670 computers. Of these computers, 1,200 were provided due to funds allocated form the presidential reserve fund. The president pointed to the necessity of studying latest technologies and scientific achievements.
The head of state noted that Gorno Badakhshan is the source of fresh waters and is rich in mineral resources that should be used for development of the country.
He expressed hope that residents of Gorno Badakhshan will make their contribution to achievement of the country’s energy independence and food security as well as reducing Tajikistan’s isolation from the neighboring markets.
He noted that 19 investment projects for a total mount of 470 million somonis, aimed at enhancement of energy, agrarian, transport, health and education sectors, are currently being implemented in the region.
On July 20, the head of state attended an official commencement of construction of presidential lyceum in Khorog and official opening of the shopping center in the city. The same day, the president also presided over a meeting of local administrators in Khorog to discuss the region’s economic results in January-June 2008.
We will recall that president’s three-day working visit to Gorno Badakhshan started on Friday July 18.
