DUSHANBE, February 15, 2010, Asia-Plus — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has completed its first power rehabilitation project in Tajikistan, according to the ADB Tajikistan Representative Mission (TJRM).
ADB helped finance the repair and upgrading of power transmission and distribution facilities in Dushanbe and Khatlon Region. It also helped rehabilitate two hydropower plants in the country.
The project repaired five medium-voltage substations and a central hydropower plant in the Khatlon Region, improved the tailrace channel and implemented dam safety monitor programs at Nurek Hydropower Plant, replaced 100 distribution transformers, and upgraded 141 kilometers (km) of medium-voltage and 317 km of low-voltage distribution networks serving 55 villages in the Khatlon Region.
The Jangal and Novaya substations serving Dushanbe were also upgraded, improving the metering system at the main substations.
“The energy sector is vital for Tajikistan. It is also a priority area for ADB, and we will continue to assist the country”s energy sector in the future,” said Makoto Ojiro, ADB’s Country Director for Tajikistan. “Our support will focus on enhancing the country’s institutional and physical capacity —first, to help meet domestic energy needs, including narrowing the winter energy deficit; and secondly, to expand Tajikistan”s hydropower export potential in the regional energy market.”
ADB provided a $40 million loan for the project. The Islamic Development Bank contributed $17 million, Swiss Government – $8.7 million, and Barqi Tojik – $9.6 million – for the project. Barqi Tojik was the Executing Agency for this project, which was approved in 2000.
ADB has been supporting the development and rehabilitation of Tajikistan”s energy sector since it started operations in the country in 1998. ADB has since approved over $130 million in assistance for Tajikistan”s energy sector.
ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region.
