Members of Tajikistan’s lower chamber (Majlisi Namoyandagon) of parliament have unanimously voted for ratification of a loan agreement signed between Tajikistan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on the Kulob Water Supply and Wastewater Project in early March.
A regular sitting of the Majlisi Namoyandagon, presided over by its head, Mahmadtoir Zokirzoda, took place on May 14.
Presenting the agreement lawmakers, the Deputy Finance Minister, Yusuf Majidi, noted that the project aims to upgrade the network including water mains, intakes and pumping stations.
An EBRD sovereign loan of up to €7.5 million is being extended to the state enterprise for Kulob water and wastewater services (KMK), which will rehabilitate the key water supply and wastewater infrastructure in the city.
The funds will also help modernize KMK’s wastewater treatment plant, the wastewater network and facilitate the procurement and installation of water meters.
The project is expected to receive grant support from EU’s Investment Facility for Central Asia (IFCA) in the amount of €7.5 million to co-finance capital expenditures.
Over 100,000 inhabitants of Tajikistan’s fourth-largest city, Kulob, will receive access to an improved water supply and water treatment services following major upgrades.
It is expected that upon implementation the city of Kulob will be able to reduce its water losses by up to 35 percent.
The water infrastructure in Kulob requires urgent investments. Regular access to safe drinking water and timely water treatment are particularly important for the city’s sustainable development under the Covid-19 pandemic and for hygiene and health reasons.
The implementation of the project will start in the second half of this year and it is expected to be finished in late 2024.
