DUSHANBE, February 3, 2011, Asia-Plus — On Wednesday March 2, Mr. Yoshihiro Nakayama, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and Mr. Mustafa Karim, Executive Officer of Focus Humanitarian Assistance in Tajikistan signed a grant contract at the Ismaili Centre Dushanbe for “The Project for Rehabilitation of Irrigation Channels in Vanj District” for the total amount of US$105,186.
According to the Japanese Embassy in Dushanbe, constructed in the 1920s, the irrigation channels in five areas of Vanj district have been repaired and maintained by the local communities on an ongoing basis. Due to the earthquake in January 2010, these channels were seriously damaged or filled with mud and rocks. Therefore, some irrigation channels are currently out of work while some operate at half capacity, which results in reduction of agricultural productivity for large sections of the population in these areas.
The aim of the project is to supply water for local people through the rehabilitation of five irrigation channels comprising a total length of 2,750 m, which were destroyed by the earthquake. As it will be rehabilitated with hydro-isolation techniques and a concrete base, the loss of water will be dramatically decreased. As a result, agricultural productivity will be substantially increased in these areas, which will lead to enhanced income for more than 500 households in Vanj district.
The project underlines active involvement by local communities in order to promote sustainable development. Focus Humanitarian Assistance in the Republic of Tajikistan will manage project implementation in collaboration with local communities and authorities.
Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) is provided to local governments, educational/ medical institutions and International NGOs in developing countries. GGP supports projects in the human security sectors at the grassroots level. GGP has extended more than US$ 19.1 million for 265 projects in the Republic of Tajikistan since 1996.
Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) – Tajikistan, part of an international group of charities affiliated with the Aga Khan Network, responds to natural and man-made disasters. The organization distributes food, medicines and essential material, assists with the resettlement of displaced persons, and undertakes detailed hazard vulnerability assessments and natural hazard mitigation projects.
