DUSHANBE. June 9. “Asia-Plus” — Not a single earthquake with magnitude of 6 or higher has been registered in the area of construction of Rogun hydropower plant in the past 500 years and Uzbekistan’s arguments on possible destruction of the facility as a result of tremors do not correspond to the reality, the leading seismologist of the republic, academician Sobit Negmatullaev said in his interview with Asia-Plus.
He said that even despite the fact that no earthquakes with magnitude 6 have been ever registered in this area, seismologists insisted that the facility should resist magnitude 9 earthquake.
“Rogun HPP will be the safest hydroelectric facility in the world. For instance, deformation of the dam of Nurek hydropower plant, which was built 30 years ago, makes only 1% even though it was designed for 5% deformation. Rogun HPP will be constructed with the use of modern technologies,” he said.
Additionally, he noted that timely and appropriate engineer solution can be always found during the construction of grate facilities.
“Uzbekistan should not be afraid of possible destruction of the dam which may cover this country with water. Our Uzbek colleagues are well-informed and are aware that this will never happen,” he said.
Furthermore, Negmatullaev noted that Tajikistan will never leave its neighbors without water. During the filling of the Rogun reservoir Sarez reservoir will be able to provide our neighbors with required volume of water.
“We want experts to assess the construction of Rogun HPP. Tajikistan has all required data and information which are transparent and open for all. We are ready to provide all required documents to all experts, including Uzbekistan’s government,” he stressed.
