DUSHANBE, July 14, 2010 Asia-Plus — The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) intends to support Dushanbe’s trolleybus stock, Deputy Dushanbe Mayor, Abduhomid Sheraliyev, said.
According to him, the Dushanbe municipal authorities and the EBRD are expected to sign an agreement on allocation of a US$6.6 million loan and a US$3.6 million grant for modernization of the city’s trolleybus stock, rehabilitation of four or five trolleybus substations and restoration of former trolleybus routes.
“Our proposals on making changes and additions are currently being considered by the EBRD specialists,” Sheraliyev said, noting that if the Bank accepts their proposals, the agreement will be singed in the near future.
The deputy mayor added that rehabilitation of one trolleybus substation required some 1 million U.S. dollars. Dushanbe has eleven such substations. Dushanbe’s trolleybus stock now includes 164 trolleybuses and there are eleven trolleybus routes in the city.
The EBRD’s activities in Tajikistan focus on fostering the private sector, strengthening the financial sector and supporting critical infrastructure. In developing the private sector, the first priority is to develop micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through microfinance instruments, small and medium-sized enterprises credit lines, and Trade Facilitation Program. The financial sector will be strengthened through various means including broadening lending products and extending a Medium-Sized Co-financing Facility to suitable local banks. In supporting the country’s infrastructure, the EBRD will facilitate commercialization, while concentrating on the basic needs of the population and affordability.
