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By Sara Rajabova

The World Bank has allocated $ 45 million to the regional transportation network in Tajikistan, to be implemented in 2015-2020.

The Bank Group’s Board of Executive Directors approved an allocation of $45 million equivalent to finance the second phase of the transformative Central Asia Road Links Program, the Bank reported.

“The objective of this project is to increase transport connectivity between Tajikistan and neighboring countries along key cross-border road links in Sughd Oblast, and thus connect people and firms, markets and opportunities, regionally,” the bank said.

The Central Asia Road Links Program, which is a collaborative regional, multi-phase program initiated by governments of Central Asia, aims to increase transport connectivity between neighboring countries while supporting improvements in road operations and maintenance practices. The first phase of the CARs, covering the Kyrgyzstan, focuses on the rehabilitation of cross-border road links bordering Tajikistan in Batken Oblast.

This second phase of the Central Asia Road Links Program – CARs-2 will focus on the rehabilitation of approximately 70 kilometers of cross-border road sections in Sughd Oblast connecting Tajikistan’s road network with that of Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyzstan.

Specifically, the road sections to be rehabilitated include: Kuchkak-Kim-Isfara-Guliston border crossing (45.1 kilometers), Dehmoi-Proletarsk-Madaniyat border crossing (16.9 kilometers), including a link to the intermodal rail terminal in Proletarsk, and Kanibadam-Patar border crossing (5.7 kilometers).

The project will also support the Tajik transport ministry in improvement of road operations and asset management practices, in addition to rehabilitation work. This will include: support in developing Transport Sector Development Strategy up to 2050, reviewing the technical standards, norms and parameters on vehicle weight, axle load limits and tariffication, as well as developing a strategic plan for the implementation of the axle load control systems. On asset management, the project will finance a survey equipment (including geo-references) and provide support for the final deployment of a road asset management system in the transport ministry to help address the problem of overloaded of trucks.

The CARs-2 project will be implemented over five years by Tajik transport ministry. The World Bank’s total contribution of $45 million equivalent consists of $38.25 million provided as a highly concessional credit, while $6.75 million as a grant. Tajik government provided co-financing in the amount of $9 million. It is estimated that the project will directly benefit about 2.6 million residents of Sughd Oblast who are expected to be regular road users travelling along the road sections.

The World Bank Group’s active portfolio in Tajikistan includes 12 projects totaling $185.1 million that aim to support economic growth through private sector development, while investing in better public services for people, such as education, health, municipal services and social protection. Since 1996, the World Bank has provided $978 million in grants and highly concessional credits from the International Development Association and trust fund resources to Tajikistan.

The World Bank Group is committed to continue supporting Tajikistan as it strives to improve the lives of its people and meet the aspirations of its young and growing population, the bank said.

Currently, the World Bank funds 14 projects in Tajikistan with the total budget of $232 million, which is mainly directed to the development of the national economy and social sector.

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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

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