In the Shahriston district of the Sughd province, residents of the villages of Sughdiyon and Obodi have used funds initially saved for performing Hajj to asphalt nearly 4 kilometers of a rural road in the Bunjikat jamoat. This information was reported by the Sughd governor’s office.
Additionally, several residents of Obodi and Sebzor villages reportedly built new canteens for local schools. In particular, new canteens have been equipped with necessary furniture and equipment in secondary schools No. 2 and No. 4 of Shahriston district. The construction of each canteen cost local benefactors 400,000 somonis. It was noted that these funds were also originally saved for pilgrimage, but the villagers decided to use their savings for improving local infrastructure.
All of these projects were inaugurated during the visit of Sughd governor Rajabboy Ahmadzoda to the Shahriston district.
During his meetings with local residents, he reportedly praised their initiatives and thanked them for their good deeds. Ahmadzoda remarked that the residents of the region are making significant contributions to the development and improvement of their villages.
Ahmadzoda reportedly also opened a new kindergarten during his visit. A previously constructed building was renovated and adapted to meet the needs of a preschool institution (it was not specified from what funds). Initially, three groups were opened, accommodating 85 children. The kindergarten is equipped with all necessary facilities, including sleeping rooms and a canteen.
Currently, the Shahriston district has two functioning kindergartens, but the demand for preschool educational institutions is growing each year, according to the Sughd regional administration.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time residents of Tajikistan have spent money saved for Hajj on charitable causes and local infrastructure development. Similar instances have occurred in previous years, where less affluent individuals, primarily from older generations, have used their pilgrimage savings to build village roads, water pipelines, drainage systems, schools, and other social facilities.
President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon has repeatedly criticized the multiple performances of Hajj by some Tajik citizens, pointing out that pilgrimage has turned into a "family competition and a form of tourism." He has urged residents to prioritize spending on children's education, helping the sick and underprivileged, and improving local communities and infrastructure.
