QURGHON TEPPA, October 27, 2009, Asia-Plus — The branch of open joint-stock company (OJSC) Tojiktelecom (Tajikistan’s fixed-line telecommunications network) in the Khatlon province has not yet been privatized, the head of Tojiktelecom’s branch in Khatlon Fayzali Asadulloyev said in an interview with Asia-Plus.
According to him, by government’s resolution the branch was put on the list of facilities subject to privatization. “However, there is not yet purchaser for the branch,” Asadulloyev said, denying rumors that one of local businessmen had allegedly purchased the branch.
“There have been rumors that our debts allegedly exceeded 100 million somoni and we were declared bankrupt,” said Asadulloyev, “This information does not correspondent to the facts. Indeed, we are in debt to the World Bank (funds were allocated for modernization and shift to digital equipment), but under the agreement with the Bank, we are working in accordance with specially developed scheme and repaying this debt.”
In the meantime, because of delays in paying telecommunications services the branch cannot pay services of companies that provided the branch with up-to-date technologies, he added.
“Consumers debts to the branch increased by 127,960 somoni in nine months to October 1, 2009, reaching 1,765,300 somoni,” said Asadulloyev, “Among the most incorrigible nonpayers are the Khatlon police directorate — 226,000 somoni, Khatlon administration — 131,000 somoni, regional court – more than 76,000 somoni and other federally funded organizations – 91,800 somoni.”
