Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 11 / Trend V. Zhavoronkova /
The completion of construction of the Rogun Hydroelectric Power Station in Tajikistan can lead to further aggravation of relations between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, independent Central Asian expert on water issues Zainiddin Karayev said.
"By completing the construction [Rogun Hydroelectric Power Station], relations between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan can more deteriorate. One can even suggest that there might be acts of sabotage and provocations against each other," Karayev told Trend via e-mail.
In Tajikistan, sale of shares of the Rogun plant was launched last week. Its completion will solve the problem of electricity shortage in the country.
It is necessary to invest over $3 billion to launch all six power units. As the Tajik government is unable to finance the construction of the hydroelectric power plant from the state budget, it is going to solve the problem by selling shares of the hydroelectric station to the population.
However, the countries neighboring with Tajikistan, in particular Uzbekistan, stridently oppose the construction of hydroelectric power plant. They think that it can reduce the amount of water coming into their territory.
Expert said completion of construction of the hydroelectric power plant can exacerbate relations between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Relations between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are already in the worst condition for the several last years, Karayev said.
"Uzbekistan actually closed the border with Tajikistan. Tajik citizens can hardly visit a neighboring country, and only for very impressive reasons, such as funerals and weddings. For several months businessmen can not get their goods detained at the border by the Uzbek customs officials," Karayev said.
He said Uzbekistan intends to build a railway bypassing Tajikistan and substations to provide the regions, which have received electric power from Tajikistan, with electricity.
Expert said Uzbekistan has a lot of key factors of influence on Tajikistan. Highway and railway run through Uzbekistan. Tajikistan is provided with gas only through Uzbekistan.
"Tajikistan is almost fully dependent on Uzbekistan's export and import of goods by train or highway, though the volumes of import through Afghanistan and China are increasing," the expert said.