Sughd citizens plunge into darkness
By Aynur Karimova
Winter in Central Asia is very severe. In Tajikistan, it comes suddenly at a time when no one is waiting for it. This year the same scenario has been repeated in Tajikistan.
Tajikistan plunges into darkness in winter when rural Tajik consumers receive electricity on an average 5-7 hours per day. According to official statistics, some 316 small hydro power plants operate in Tajikistan with a total capacity of 25 MW. However, the existing hydro power facilities are unable to meet the demands.Lack of electricity in the absence of developed large deposits of hydrocarbons has led to the imposition of a limit on the consumption of electricity. As a result, homes remain without electricity and people have to heat their homes only for two-thirds of the day.
The economy and the social sectors suffer from this problem as well. Many enterprises work only seasonally due to the energy deficit. The activity of the majority of industrial enterprises, in particular small and medium-sized businesses is generally frozen for a few months.
When there was a cold snap in Sughd region, a very difficult situation occurred due to power shortage in the rural houses. In particular, all villages of the Zafarabad district of Sughd region were completely powered down for a few days, and the administrative center was provided with electricity only for four hours a day.
Winter discouraged many Tajik residents living in Sughd region who are experiencing serious difficulties with heating their homes. The main sources of heating are coal and wood. However, due to severe cold, demands for such energy sources have doubled. But that's not all as there are rumors about the growing increase in coal price due to problems emerging on the Tajik-Kyrgyz border.
The citizens of the Sughd region have repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the authorities who do not fulfill their promises about improving the situation with heating of the houses.
In the near future, the Barki Tojik Company is expected to commission 16 small hydro power plants to improve the provision process of the country's population with electricity. These plants in general work seasonally. However, due to low level of water on the rivers, the operation of the plants is likely to be problematic.
The government believes that the only way-out from this situation is the construction of the Rogun hydro power plant.
The Rogun HPP is seen in Tajikistan as a solution to the energy problem and a tool for economic growth. If the project is implemented, Tajikistan will be able to generate about 13 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This will not only help the country to meet its domestic needs but also make Tajikistan a major exporter of electricity.
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Aynur Karimova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
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