BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 23. The project being implemented by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) in Tajikistan, aimed at improving water supply, is nearing completion, a source at JICA told Trend.
As part of this water project, JICA provides technical cooperation by assigning individual advisors to the water supply sector. The project, which began in November 2021, is scheduled to conclude in November 2023. The responsible organization overseeing this initiative is the 'Khojagil Manziliyu-Kommunali' (Housing and Communal Service Corporation), a State Unitary Enterprise.
The project has a budget of 80 million Japanese yen (approximately $560,000) and is designed to develop a plan for enhancing water supply operations and management to ensure stable water supply services in Tajikistan.
The primary activity involves offering advisory support for addressing operational and management challenges faced by the 'Khojagil Manziliyu-Kommunali.' This includes conducting studies to identify suitable areas for implementing a volumetric metered water flow system on a small scale and providing support for the implementation of these models.
Before embarking on this project, JICA had previously implemented the Project for Strengthening the Water Service Management of Pyanj and Khamadoni Vodokanals in Tajikistan’s water sector from 2017 to 2021.
In April, Imai Seiju, the Chief Representative of the JICA Tajikistan Office, highlighted that Tajikistan had achieved an average annual economic growth rate of 6-7 percent since 2000. He also acknowledged the positive changes in the development of the capital, Dushanbe, over the years.
However, he pointed out that Tajikistan faces challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation in Afghanistan, and the war in Ukraine. He emphasized JICA's mission to contribute to Tajikistan's development into a sustainable and resilient society.
JICA initially established an office in Tajikistan as a branch of JICA Uzbekistan but became an independent JICA office in 2017. In 2022, Japan and Tajikistan celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.