World Bank launches rural water supply and sanitation project in southern Tajikistan

AKIPRESS.COM - Over 400,000 people in rural Tajikistan will gain access to clean drinking water and around 100,000 people, mostly children, will benefit from better sanitation facilities and hygiene training, thanks to the World Bank-financed Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project, launched in Bokhtar of the capital of Khatlon province on September 25, World Bank reports.
According to the World Bank Country Office for Tajikistan, the launch ceremony was attended by Yusuf Majidi, Deputy Minister of Finance, Khairullo Amonullo, Deputy Governor of Khatlon province, Jamshed Tabarzoda, Director-General of the State Unitary Enterprise (SUE) Khojagii Manziliyu Kommunali (KMK - the state holding company for public utilities), Jan-Peter Olters, World Bank Country Manager for Tajikistan, and representatives of local governments, development institutions, civil society, media, and beneficiary communities.
The project, implemented with a $58 million grant, will focus on helping communities in the southern Khatlon province with the highest levels of poverty and inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions, specifically Vakhsh, Levakand (Sarband), Kushoniyon (Bokhtar), Dusti (Jilikul), Balkhi (Rumi), Jayhun (Qumsangir) and Vose.
The project will support ongoing water-sector reforms by strengthening water utilities in target districts. The branches of the SUE KM will be restructured and strengthened to improve the quality of its service delivery. And, to increase access to water and sanitation services countrywide, the project will support the development of the State Program on Drinking Water Supply and Wastewater for the period 2021-30.
In partnership with UNICEF and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, the project will promote the adoption of improved hygiene practices. Sanitation facilities in about 200 schools and health clinics will also be constructed or rehabilitated. Grants will be provided to about 1,000 of the poorest households to help improve sanitation conditions in their homes.
The World Bank's active portfolio in Tajikistan includes 17 projects, with net commitments of $655 million.
The project, implemented with a $58 million grant, will focus on helping communities in the southern Khatlon province with the highest levels of poverty and inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions, specifically Vakhsh, Levakand (Sarband), Kushoniyon (Bokhtar), Dusti (Jilikul), Balkhi (Rumi), Jayhun (Qumsangir) and Vose. Read more: https://asiaplustj.info/en/news/tajikistan/society/20190926/world-bank-launches-rural-water-supply-and-sanitation-project-in-southern-tajikistan