The cost of water in Tajikistan has increased by 150%. The price for one cubic meter of water has risen from two somonis to five.
The change in water supply tariffs was confirmed by the Deputy Head of the Department of Improvement and Irrigation of the Sughd Region, Khalimjon Khodjiev, Sputnik Tajikistan reports.
The adjustment in tariffs occurred based on the proposal of the head of the Land Reclamation and Irrigation Agency and the decision of the Antimonopoly Service, stated Khodjiev.
"The reason is the increased costs of water management in cities and regions of the country. The rising prices for electricity further increase the cost of our work," said Khodjiev.
According to available information, in the Sughd Region, 250 thousand hectares of agricultural land are irrigated, with 75% of them being irrigated through pumping stations.
At the same time, some farmers argue that the increase in prices for irrigation water complicates their work and leads to an increase in the cost of agricultural products.
However, officials note that most farms owe payment for the use of electricity, and in the conditions of rising electricity prices, paying off this amount will be even more challenging.
For instance, the debt amount for electricity owed to water supply enterprises is over 60 million somonis. Meanwhile, all water pumping stations in cities and regions of the Sughd Region operate on electric motors.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
January 31, 2024