DUSHANBE. June 9. “Asia-Plus” — Tajikistan will fulfill all requirements of Uzbekistan in order to complete the construction of Rogun hydropower plant, Tajik Minister of Energy and Industry Gul Sherali said at the high-level International conference on the medium-term overview of the implementation of the International Decade for Action “Water for Life” for 2005-2015 in Dushanbe.
He said that Tajikistan attracted international experts, including the World Bank, for comprehensive expertise of the facility. “Currently, only rehabilitation works are being conducted at the construction site of Rogun hydropower plant. As soon as we have the results of the feasibility study and all other documents in order, the republic will start thinking about further construction of the facility,” he said.
Gul Sherali noted that Tajikistan suggested Uzbekistan to participate in the construction of Rogun HPP. “The government of Tajikistan has officially invited Uzbekistan to take part in the international consortium for the construction of Rogun,” he said.
He noted that in winter period Tajikistan faces serious problems and Uzbekistan is aware about that. “In winter we are not able to provide several regions of the republic with electricity even for an hour. However, being aware of this problem Uzbekistan refused to transfer electricity from Turkmenistan. With it’s friendly relation to Tajikistan, let Uzbekistan help us during this period,” he added, saying that Tajikistan fulfills all requirements specified by Uzbekistan.
“Tajikistan is not planning to block water for Uzbekistan. We will never deprive our neighbors of water. Every year Tajikistan signs interstate agreements and fulfills its obligations giving required volume of water to its neighbors,” he stressed.
