Tajikistan’s Architecture and Construction Committee held a press conference on July 24, addressing a range of public concerns—from housing costs and post-earthquake reconstruction to long-delayed national projects like the Dushanbe zoo and the National Theater.
How much does housing cost in Dushanbe Today?
The average price per square meter of residential property in Dushanbe now stands at around US$800, Committee Chairman Nizom Mirzozoda confirmed.
He noted that real estate developers are free to set prices, and the rising cost reflects market demand.
Reconstruction after the Rasht earthquake
Authorities aim to complete the rebuilding of homes damaged by the April 13 earthquake in Rasht and Tojikobod districts by September 1.
Mirzozoda stated that more than 10 houses with full amenities have already been completed, while work continues on 34 completely and 116 partially destroyed homes.
The earthquake killed one person and injured 16 others. The total damage was estimated at over 17.78 million somonis (approximately US$1.66 million).
When will the National Theater be completed?
Construction of the National Theater in Dushanbe began in 2015 but remains unfinished. While no specific completion date was given at the news conference, officials confirmed that the project is considered of “special importance,” and enjoys tax exemptions on imported materials and equipment.
Located next to the National Museum in the National Flag Park, the theater is designed as a seven-story building—two floors underground and five above ground—reaching a height of 34.5 meters. It will house three major halls with seating for 2,500, 1,200, and 1,000 people, respectively.
The building is scheduled for completion by September 2026, ahead of Tajikistan’s 35th Independence Day celebration.
New Zoo planned outside Dushanbe, public skepticism grows
The much-criticized Dushanbe Zoo is set to relocate to Hisor district, approximately five kilometers outside the capital. According to Nizom Mirzozoda, plans for the new facility are already in place and currently awaiting approval.
However, public sentiment is shifting. Many residents are calling not for relocation—but for the zoo’s closure. The existing zoo has long faced criticism for its poor conditions: animals suffer from extreme heat in summer, bitter cold in winter, and are confined to cramped cages.
Over the years, several animals have died, including the zoo’s only hippopotamus—brought from Bishkek—which lived just seven months. Experts have repeatedly warned that the zoo lacks sufficient funding and staff to maintain humane conditions.
When questioned about the longstanding issues, Mirzozoda responded sharply: “Why publicize these shortcomings? Maybe the institution’s leadership is irresponsible. Stop writing with bias!”
Where is Dushanbe municipal redevelopment plan?
Back in a winter news conference, Mirzozoda claimed the city’s municipal redevelopment plan is publicly available—except for certain districts—and could be accessed on the committee’s official website or the Dushanbe mayor’s Telegram channel.
However, when asked again during this week’s briefing, committee officials told Asia-Plus that the full plan is currently unavailable. Moreover, the committee’s website remains non-functional, and its section on EGOV.TJ provides no information about the city’s master plan.
