The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) in Tajikistan, the Government of Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) and their partners have launched the construction of critical social infrastructure in Khorog Town, according to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
The total of nine infrastructure projects are expected to be constructed include six playgrounds across the town, the #5 secondary school on Saidmir Abdurahmonov Street, a water supply system for the Bizmich settlement, and a riverbank protection in the Sharifobod area. All construction will be undertaken by local employees.
The projects are facilities that have been jointly identified by the local government and the communities in Khorog as essential to providing improved quality of life for residents, under the European Union (EU)-funded Critical Infrastructure to Contribute to Stability and Peace (IcSP).
The head of Furudgoh neighborhood, Okhirnazar Kholiqnazarov, remarked, “Having access to a playground with modern sport facilities will enable youth and children in our neighborhood spend their free time actively and safely. It will provide a space where we can gather, watch our children play football or other sports, and gives us a sense of real connection and belonging.”
Manzoura Bakhdavlatova, AKAH Project Manager, says, “While there will certainly be some challenges ahead due to the ongoing pandemic, we nonetheless look forward to a successful and timely completion as we know that they will greatly improve the lives of the majority of the communities here in Khorog.”
GBAO Governor Yodgor Fayzov, who paid a visit to the site of one of the playgrounds located in the Furudgoh area last month, commended AKAH, the Aga Khan Foundation and partners for the initiative, as well as the financial support of the EU and the hard work and diligence of the workers present.
The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), which merges the capabilities of Focus Humanitarian Assistance, the Aga Khan Planning and Building Services, and the Aga Khan Development Network’s Disaster Risk Management Initiative, focuses on preparing for both sudden and slow-onset disasters. AKAH works to ensure that poor people live in physical settings that are as safe as possible from the effects of natural disasters; that residents who do live in high-risk areas are able to cope with disasters in terms of preparedness and response; and that these settings provide access to social and financial services that lead to greater opportunity and a better quality of life. Initially, priority areas of AKAH will include Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and India.
About Critical Infrastructure to Contribute to Stability and Peace (IcSP) in Khorog: The 1,800,000 EUR project is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) and the Mountain Societies Development Support Programme (MSDSP) in close partnership with the local government. Implemented over the period of 18 months (October 1, 2019 to 31 March 2021), the project aims at fostering peace and stability in Khorog Town by improving highly-demanded public infrastructure and services, strengthening confidence in local authorities, and generating temporary employment opportunities through construction work.
