DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, April 30. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has agreed to provide a loan of up to 28.45 million euros to support crucial infrastructure upgrades in Tajikistan’s Dushanbe, Trend reports.
The agreement was sealed following negotiations during President Odile Renaud-Basso's visit to Tajikistan.
This initiative marks the third project falling under the Dushanbe Green City Action Plan (GCAP). The loan aims to facilitate significant enhancements in transportation infrastructure, particularly along the riverside area of the capital.
These enhancements will include road reconstruction and the construction of a bridge spanning the Varzob River. Additionally, the funds will be allocated towards the creation of lanes for buses and trolleybuses, as well as the development of facilities tailored for walking, cycling, and electric mobility.
Dushanbe became a member of the EBRD Green Cities program in 2019, with the objective of tackling environmental and urban challenges within the city.
A key component of this program is the formulation of a Green City Action Plan, which evaluates various sectors influencing environmental conditions, including transportation, energy, industry, land use, waste management, and water resources. Subsequently, based on this assessment, strategies and goals are established to steer the city towards a greener and more sustainable future.
With a population exceeding 800,000, Dushanbe stands to benefit significantly from this project upon its completion. Notably, it is projected to lead to a 37 percent reduction in annual carbon dioxide emissions, thereby delivering substantial environmental advantages to the city.
The current project portfolio of the EBRD in Tajikistan amounted to 507 million euros as of February 29, 2024, for the completion of 72 active projects. Overall, the EBRD allocated 947 million euros for 168 projects across the country.