DUSHANBE, June 19, 2013, Asia-Plus — The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in conjunction with the Aga Khan Foundation USA and the Pamir Energy Company, inaugurated newly-constructed power transmission lines on June 18.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, expanding cross-border distribution lines promotes regional energy cooperation, increases regional economic activity, and facilitates the development of small-scale commercial enterprises.
The new power transmission lines will increase electricity distribution across the border from Tajikistan to Afghanistan and meet the energy needs of the Shugnan District in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan Province.
USAID, through its Central Asia Regional Energy Security, Efficiency, and Trade project, is providing $785,000 to extend cross-border transmission lines to Viyod village in the Shugnan district, and to two Sarchashma sub-villages, Tizhmoy and Pidrud, in Afghanistan.
Ms. Katie McDonald, Country Director of USAID in Tajikistan, told the audience, “Increasing access to electricity in the region will increase trade through local markets, promote the creation of small businesses and improve local labor productivity. This project builds on the positive momentum created by other parallel investments in bridges, markets, and connecting roads.”
The USAID Regional Energy Security, Efficiency, and Trade project is one of the many development projects made possible by the American people through USAID. Since 1992, the American people have invested over $1 billion in programs in support of Tajikistan”s democratic institutions, health care, education, and economic growth.
