- ADB and Tajikistan are working together to strengthen the country’s road network and promote regional cooperation and trade.
- Safe roads and solar energy are improving the lives of people in Tajikistan.
- For landlocked Tajikistan, connectivity with neighboring countries is essential for economic growth.
In Tajikistan, ADB helped improve the condition and safety of 218 kilometers of roads that are part of two CAREC corridors, linking the country with others in Central Asia. ADB’s $70 million grant also upgraded over 30 kilometers of feeder roads and deployed solar facilities to bring power to local communities and improve their lives.
Transcript
Khatlon, Tajikistan
Tatiana Evstifeeva
Communications Officer
Tajikistan Resident Mission
Asian Development Bank
We’re traveling here in Khatlon, the most populous region in Tajikistan, famous for producing fruits, vegetables, and cotton.
For a long time, going along this road was difficult and unsafe.
Thankfully, that’s not the case anymore.
The road is now in good condition, vehicles can move fast, and there are many safety features like slope protection, traffic signs, and solar lights to make sure the road is well-lit.
There are also roadside rest areas with special facilities for women.
All these improvements were done through a $70 million grant from the Asian Development Bank.
ADB helped upgrade this 87-kilometer road from Vose to Khovaling and a 43-km road from Khovaling to Kangurt, as well as an 88-kilometer portion of the highway that links Tajikistan with the Kyrgyz Republic.
These roads play an important role in linking economic corridors of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation or CAREC Program, a partnership of countries and development partners promoting shared and sustainable growth.
With improved road networks, travel and trade within Tajikistan and with neighboring countries are much easier.
Saidmuhiddin Holov
Truck Driver
Vose District
It used to be difficult before. Since the road was improved, it has lighting, there are no more potholes and sharp turns. Travel time has been cut from 4 to 2 hours. We spend less on fuel and maintenance.
Over 30 kilometers of local access roads leading to these major networks were also upgraded, ensuring local communities are not left behind.
These communities are now connected in more ways than one, as power was also provided in two remote villages where there was none before.
You can see a solar home system here in Momay, one of the two villages that ADB installed with solar facilities. Having electricity has improved the villagers’ lives and provided them better livelihood opportunities.
Mahmadali Haydarov
Head, Momay Village
Khovaling District
Since they installed solar panels for us, we can watch TV, work with different tools like grinder, and children can study. We have 100% power supply.
With improved rural and regional connectivity, sustainable growth and development for Tajikistan are within closer reach.
