Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Nov. 21 / Trend H. Hasanov /
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow ordered the creation of a State Commission for construction of desalination plants on the coast of the Caspian Sea, an official Turkmen source said on Wednesday.
This structure will improve the provision of Balkan province (western region of the country) with drinking water and water for farmlands.
The State Commission has been given order to submit proposals to the Turkmen Cabinet of Ministers. If necessary, involvement of international consultants is allowed in the prescribed manner.
The Balkan province covers the Caspian Sea region of the country and is of a strategic importance for the national economy. Basic units of the Turkmenneft state concern, the country's largest oil refinery, a major sea port are located on the territory of the province, construction of Avaza tourist resort is underway.
This spring, the Turkmen leader noted that provision of the country's population with clean drinking water is one of the main goals of government.
At present, local scientists and experts are working on desalination of salt water and its use in the economy.
The government has adopted a 'General programme for provision of clean drinking water to Turkmen settlements.' According to preliminary data, the groundwater reserves in the country amount to 3.5 million cubic meters per day.