On Tuesday October 18, the Government of Tajikistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a US$38 million grant to rehabilitate and expand climate-resilient water supply and sanitation infrastructure in Dushanbe, strengthen the institutional capacity of Dushanbe Vodokanal (DVK or Dushanbe's municipal waterworks) and promote women’s empowerment in the country.
According to the ADB Tajikistan Resident Mission (TJRM), the grant agreement was inked here by Tajikistan Minister of Finance Fayziddin Qahhorzoda and ADB Country Director in Tajikistan Shanny Campbell.
The grant reportedly supplements the US$41.18 million grant ADB approved in 2018 to improve water supply and sanitation systems in Tajikistan’s capital.
Water supply and sanitation systems in Dushanbe, which has an estimated population of 916,000 people, have deteriorated because of age, lack of capital investment, and inadequate maintenance. The lack of public understanding of water conservation, combined with low tariffs, has led to significant water wastage. Sewerage services are only provided to about 70% of the population in Dushanbe. Anticipated climate impacts—floods, droughts, and heat waves—will aggravate the problems.
The project will complement investments and institutional reforms being implemented by other development partners, and it will improve quality of life, health, urban resilience, and economic growth in Dushanbe. As a result of the project, 125,000 people will get 24/7 piped water supply and 500,000 people will benefit from improved sewerage.
The additional financing will expand water supply and sanitation investments in the Shohmansuor district, including rehabilitation of additional wells, pumping stations, transmission and distribution networks, installation of smart meters, and rehabilitation and construction of collector sewer and sewerage networks.
To ensure the sustainability of the investments, the project will implement a corporate business plan for DVK, improve its operational and financial efficiency, and reduce nonrevenue water. The project will also enhance climate mitigation with the use of energy-efficient pumps, and boost climate resilience by reducing water loss and consumption.
The project will also support women’s empowerment, protection, and skills development. A women’s development center will be established to enhance women’s technical, leadership, and business skills, to support domestic violence survivors and their children, and to improve water, sanitation and hygiene awareness and practice.
Since Tajikistan joined ADB in 1998, the Bank has become the country’s largest multilateral development partner with over US$2.5 billion in total assistance, including over US$1.8 billion in grants. ADB’s 2021–2025 country partnership strategy for Tajikistan focuses on three strategic priorities: structural reforms to enhance resource allocation and mobilization; improving labor productivity through human capital development; and fostering better livelihoods by investing in the land-linked economy.
Established in 1966, the Asian Development Bank is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
