DUSHANBE, April 29, 2015, Asia-Plus – Inauguration ceremonies of two sub-projects implemented in the framework of UNDP “Project for Livelihood Improvement in Tajik-Afghan Cross-border Areas (LITACA)” were held in Shahritous and Qubodiyon districts of Khatlon province on April 28, according to the UND Country office in Tajikistan.
The ceremonies were attended by Deputy Governor of Khatlon, Ms. Sitora Sherzoda, UNDP Country Director, Mr. Norimasa Shimomura, mayors of the districts and representative of JICA Tajikistan.
“The best investment ever is an investment to your children’s education, as they are the ones who will carry forward the future”, said Mr. Norimasa Shimomura, UNDP Country Director.
Secondary school № 31 Ayvaj village, jamoat Jura Nazarov, Shahritous district
. The school was rehabilitated and two new classrooms were constructed within the framework of LITACA project. Growing number of children in the community has made it increasingly difficult for the school to accommodate all its schoolchildren due to the shortage of classrooms and conducive condition for study. As a result, around 40 pupils took classes in a shop near the school. As the result 542 (246 school girls) schoolchildren have an opportunity to study in one school with improved facilities and enabling studying conditions.
“One of the main goals of the Government is to improve the quality of knowledge and provide conducive studying condition”, said Ms. Sherzoda, Deputy Governor of Khatlon.
An irrigation water pumping station “Tojikiston” in village Shokh-2, Jamoat Navobod, Qabodiyon district
. The irrigation water pumping station “Tojikistan” was built in 1978 comprising of three main pumps with the capacity to irrigate 2500 hectares of land. Two of the three pumps were broken, which has decreased the capability of the station. Some repair works have been conducted twelve years ago although the major problem of the station was not solved. Even though the main activity of the local population is farming, the majority had no access to irrigation water. 6 125 people (783 households) now have an access to irrigation water that dramatically improves the productivity of agricultural land, and promotes employment and trade.
The Project for Livelihood Improvement in Tajik-Afghan Cross-border Areas (LITACA)” is financed by the Government of Japan through JICA at the amount of US$10.7 million and is being implemented by UNDP Tajikistan in close cooperation with UNDP Afghanistan for the period of three years 2014-2017. The LITACA Project helps the Tajik and Afghan people in the cross-border areas to actively improve their livelihoods, and strengthens their resilience that ultimately contributes to promoting regional security and stability.
