Speech by E.Rahmon at the opening ceremony of an electrical substation "Khujand-Aini" in Aini district

Speech by
President of the Republic of Tajikistan
E.Rahmon
at the opening ceremony of the electric
substation "Khujand-Aini"
in Aini district
September 26, 2011


Dear compatriots!
Dear Friends!

It is our regular meeting place at a time when a few days ago, the glorious nation of Tajikistan, with particular celebration marked the twentieth anniversary of state independence of our Motherland - a holiday which is need and sacred to every citizen of our country.

Using the opportunity, once again I sincerely congratulate all of you on this holiday.

As part of the great and creative works of independence of our state commissioning 220 kV electrical substations "Khujand-Aini," as well as the commissioning of small hydro power plant "Marzich" in Aini district is another firm step towards achieving our national strategy - achieving energy independence and improving the allocation of electricity to the population.

Thus, I congratulate all of you - dear present, all residents of Aini district and Zerafshon valley on the occasion of these projects after twenty years of state independence of Tajikistan.

The government, using the available opportunities and resources that are constantly taking steps to address the socio-economic problems, for accomplishment of each corner of the homeland, and raising the quality of life, as well as improving the welfare of the population is the very essence of our creative policies.

Especially, in order to achieve our national strategic goals - achieving energy independence, the country out of isolation and communication to protect the food security of the country – until today we have achieved to address a number of important issues, particularly on the question of revival and development of energy and industrial sectors, construction and communication, construction of bridges and road tunnels. The construction of Dushanbe-Khujand-Chanak highway in Aini district with a length of 335 km, a large tunnel opening "Istiqlol" and the accelerated construction of the tunnel "Shahriston" are among the great works of the creative process, our independent homeland.

Adopted by the State Government and the country's measures have helped reduce the main problems of the population, especially residents of Zerafshon valley annually for five or six months, suffered on the roads, mountain passes and had no opportunity to visit the capital, as well as other cities and regions.

In the meantime, in order to conform to international norms tunnel "Istiqlol" more than 50 million somoni (TJS) investment work began.

Moreover, despite the natural difficulties of the mountain layers on the tunnel "Shahriston" at an accelerated pace, work continues on the sinking and we are confident that the remaining work will be completed shortly.

As you know, at a result of the aspirations and commitment of State and Government of the country, we were able to build ahead of time and put into commission a high-voltage of power transmission line "South-North." This timely initiative has reduced the dependence of the energetically Sughd on imports and most importantly, thanks to the construction of this line was set up a common energy network of the country.

Therefore, in order to eliminate the energy problem people of Zeravshon Valley, the first stone of a high-voltage substation "Khujand-Aini" was laid on July last year, a project valued more than 130 million Somoni.

The main purpose of this construction project is the derivation of remote mountain areas of Sughd energy isolation, including the connection of cities and regions of Aini, Penjikent and the Maschoh Mountainous for a common energy network of the country and provides their own electricity.
Commissioning of the project contributes to the socio-economic development, the establishment of various industrial enterprises, creation of new job and improves the level and quality of life in the above areas.

It is worth mentioning that on the day of commencement of work Head of State was entrusted with the responsible persons of the State Institution "Center of the electricity project management areas" and the contractor of the project - the company TBEA from China, which put into commission the power transmission line project "Khujand-Aini" is not scheduled within 18 months, and the eve of the twentieth anniversary of state independence, that is, in September 2011.

Thus, local and foreign experts have completed its construction and installation of equipment that meets international standards, in the time at a high level of quality. On the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of state independence full commissioning of the power transmission lines allowed for the city and districts of Penjikent, Aini and the Maschoh Mountainous with own electricity.

In this regard, I express my gratitude to all the specialists and workers, as well as development partners from China, which contributed to the project of building the current facility.

It should also be noted that the construction of the facility employed more than 600 foreign and local workers and professionals.

Dear friends!

Tajikistan in terms of its hydropower resources per capita, that is 500 billion kWh, is one of the first places in the world and in the case of putting into commission for the foreseeable future a series of hydroelectric power plants of the country, including hydropower cascade on the river Zarafshon, the country's power grids will be opportunity not only to provide their own electricity needs, but also to establish its export abroad.

Commissioning of the substation and transmission lines, "Khujand-Aini" is another steady step in the development of large hydropower potential.

According to the draft LEP extension of today's accession to the substation "Aini" and "Shahriston" is more than 83 km. Power of its annual electricity transmission is 2 billion kWh of electricity and be able to supply with minimal loss of 500 kW the substation "Sughd" in cities and regions Penjikent, Aini and Maschoh Mountainous.

An important way to ensure the development of the hydropower industry is the construction of small hydropower plants in the period of independence throughout the country were built and put into commission more than 250 small hydroelectric power plants.

According to the "long-term program to build a series of small hydropower plants for the period 2009-2020" for a specified period in the country should be constructed and commissioned 189 small hydropower plants, which 20 must be constructed on the stage Zarafshon River.

The main purpose of this program is the development of hydropower resources of small rivers, the increase in electricity production and ensuring the energy needs of communities located in remote areas.

Given the importance of the issue of construction of small hydroelectric power plants, as well as to develop small-scale power in 2007, the country launched the project "Construction of small hydropower plants in rural areas of Tajikistan," according to which the cities and regions of Aini Nurobod, Rasht, Tojikobod, Jurgatol, Baljuvon, Tursunzoda, Shahrinav and continues the construction of eight small power plants with total capacity of 7800 kW at 66 million Somoni.

Today in Aini district as part of this project was commissioned the largest among the above-mentioned small hydropower plants, hydropower plant of "Marzich" with potential of 4300 kW, and its design cost - more than 18 million TJS. This hydropower plant will provide electricity to the rural Jamoat Anzob and future needs of the Joint Venture "Anzob."

Using a good opportunity to express my gratitude to the Tajik government professionals, workers and all those who had made great contributions to the construction of the hydroelectric plant.

Besides, now the relevant ministries and agencies conduct research, design work, as well as technical and economic feasibility and in accordance with an agreement with senior-friendly and brotherly country of Iran are also accorded the issue of funding to this important subject.

It should be noted that the cascade of hydropower resource only Zarafshon River is more than 20 billion kWh and is planned to build 10 hydroelectric power plants from 50 to 300 megawatts.

Dear Friends!

As the analysis results of the socio-economic sectors of Aini district, between the state independence of hard working people of this region have achieved significant results. During this period, the creative process are constructed and commissioned 460 different industrial and social facilities.

Incomes of local budgets in 2000 amounted to only 704 thousand TJS, and in 2010 the figure accounts for 13 billion dollars, over the past few years has grown by 18 times.

Along with this, the industrial sector has also made Ayni district tangible results only for the last 5 years, industrial output grew from 12 million to 34 million TJS.

During this period have been commissioned five new industrial enterprises, including "Kishovarz", "Zerobod", "Falghar", the shop for fruit and vegetables Shamtuch and small businesses for the production of mineral waters.

Agriculture is one of the main sectors to improve the economic condition of the area and in recent years, the total volume of agricultural production reached 52 million Somoni, which is 4.5 times more compared with 2000.

At the time of independence the total investment in Aini district from all sources of funding is more than 1 billion 56 million TJS and the funds were directed to the scope of the main construction area. During this period, due to all sources of funding to nearly $ 40 million Somoni were involved in fixed assets.

Based on the measures taken by the Government of the country in recent years in Aini district in the amount of tens of millions Somoni implemented state and foreign investments, are being built and reconstructed dozens of small and large variety of objects, particularly in the areas of education, health and other social sectors, most of them were commissioned. In particular, in recent years of independence only in education in 4600 pupil places constructed and put into service schools.

Due to the country's independence in accordance with the project for reconstruction of the Dushanbe-Chanak in the district in accordance with international standards of road construction built over 82 km of roads of national significance, as well as in this site are built 8 new road bridges.

During this period the most remote corner of the district - Yaghnob Valley was built 30 km, two bridges and in the working visit of Head of State in August this year were given appropriate instructions regarding repair and rehabilitation of 25 km road Yaghnob and Aini.

Along with this, I stress that for the further development of socio-economic sectors of the region, creating job and improving living conditions there are still many untapped opportunities. As I have repeatedly pointed out, Aini district has an excellent and heavenly nature, has a favorable geographic location, clean air and water, transparencies and healing springs, Iskandarkul, Cooley and Alovuddin Yagnob valley, which provide ample opportunities for attracting tourists from all over the world, including the development of eco-tourism and mountaineering.

In this regard, relevant ministries and agencies and, above all, the Committee of Youth, Sport and Tourism, as well as the executive authorities of provinces, cities and districts must use the opportunities and implement the necessary measures for regular promotion and attraction of tourists, as well as related infrastructure.

Dear Friends!

You know perfectly well that to achieve their strategic and creative plans and programs we have all the necessary facilities. In this regard the State and the Government believe, above all, a great creative force of the people of Tajikistan.

In this process, a rational and efficient use of water and land, the development of the agricultural sector and increased production of agricultural products are the main way to achieve one of our national strategic objectives - to ensure food security.

Given the security needs of the population of domestic food production, at an enlarged meeting of the Government, which took place on September 20 this year, ministries and departments were instructed to give priority to the increase in area sown potatoes and in the next two to three years to bring its production up to 1 million tons, and in this way to ensure the increasing demand of the population at the expense of domestic production.

In this regard, of course, there are many resources and opportunities; it is only need to efficiently use land and water, quality seeds, best practices and technologies, as well as timely treatment and care.

Along with this, I want to remind that in order to achieve these goals our intended good, we should always treat with thanks to the independence, free and sovereign state to defend its independence, first of all, our national unity, which is the main condition for the existence of nation and state, always strengthen their creative activity and their conscientious work.

We must also redouble efforts to continue the creative process of our country and work so that in the coming years more to decorate and landscape the appearance of cities and regions, as well as towns, streets and avenues of our country.

Soon winter comes and we need to pay special attention to lean energy usage, energy-efficient equipment, streamlining customs and traditions, training and education of the younger generation in the spirit of morality, patriotism, and stock the necessary food products in each family for the coming winter, providing educational and Health fuel, maintenance of roads and mountain passes.

I am sure that you, proud residents of Aini district, in the future with a high sense of responsibility and great national pride, identity and make efforts for improvement, creation and progress of independent Tajikistan, as well as the development of a sovereign state.
Expressing these good wishes, once again congratulate all of you and all the inhabitants of the valley with the construction of Zerafshon substations and transmission lines "Khujand-Aini," and the commissioning of HPPs "Marzich" I wish each of you happiness and prosperity.

Always be happy and healthy!
(Translated by D.Azizov)