US urges Tajikistan to consider the opinion of neighboring countries in the construction of Rogun
17.02.2010. Category:Tajikistan
"We realize the importance of energy security for Tajikistan and support the efforts of Tajik government to ensure the access of its citizens, enterprises and agencies to adequate and reliable energy source. We urge Tajikistan to consider the opinion of neighboring countries in the implementation of such hydropower projects as Rogun" Robert O. Black, the Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, shared in the interview to Tajik Asia-plus newspaper after the round of Tajik-American political consultations.
Therefore, O. Black was neutral to both Tajikistan, mobilizing entire population for the construction of the strategically important hydropower plant that should solve energy problems of the republic, and Uzbekistan that wants to prevent the completion of the project that would enable Tajikistan dictate terms to the countries, located downstream of the trans-border rivers and even control the agricultural industry of obstinate neighbor.
The same position is shared by Russia that initially announced its readiness to finish the construction of the Rogun hydropower plant (while Tashkent is the official opponent of this project) and then says that "hydropower plants in Central Asia must be built, considering the interests of all neighboring republics", adding that "if the regional leaders do not reach common agreement Russia will abstain from participation in such projects".
In its turn, Tajikistan affirms that all issues, related to ecology, water balance and manmade disaster threats, Uzbekistan is concerned with, are thoroughly considered while "the erection of such plants is the sovereign right of any state in full compliance with international law".
It has to be mentioned that the Rogun hydropower plant is based on Vakhsh River (110 kilometers away from Dushanbe). The construction was initiated in 1976. It was expected that the first aggregate would start producing electricity in 1993. Due to deterioration of the political situation in Tajikistan the construction was suspended in 1990. According to the project, 6-aggregate Rogun hydropower plant has 335-meter high dam, capable to produce 3.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity. This will allow the republic to overcome energy crisis and reach new level of economic achievements. The first two aggregates must be finished no later than in the beginning of 2012. The republic needs 6 billion somoni ($1=4.4 somoni) in order to finish the construction of the Rogun hydropower plant. According to the decision of Tajik government, entire population is involved in the financing of this strategic plant: the shares of the hydropower plant have been publicly offered since January 6.
Source: Ferghana.ru
Therefore, O. Black was neutral to both Tajikistan, mobilizing entire population for the construction of the strategically important hydropower plant that should solve energy problems of the republic, and Uzbekistan that wants to prevent the completion of the project that would enable Tajikistan dictate terms to the countries, located downstream of the trans-border rivers and even control the agricultural industry of obstinate neighbor.
The same position is shared by Russia that initially announced its readiness to finish the construction of the Rogun hydropower plant (while Tashkent is the official opponent of this project) and then says that "hydropower plants in Central Asia must be built, considering the interests of all neighboring republics", adding that "if the regional leaders do not reach common agreement Russia will abstain from participation in such projects".
In its turn, Tajikistan affirms that all issues, related to ecology, water balance and manmade disaster threats, Uzbekistan is concerned with, are thoroughly considered while "the erection of such plants is the sovereign right of any state in full compliance with international law".
It has to be mentioned that the Rogun hydropower plant is based on Vakhsh River (110 kilometers away from Dushanbe). The construction was initiated in 1976. It was expected that the first aggregate would start producing electricity in 1993. Due to deterioration of the political situation in Tajikistan the construction was suspended in 1990. According to the project, 6-aggregate Rogun hydropower plant has 335-meter high dam, capable to produce 3.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity. This will allow the republic to overcome energy crisis and reach new level of economic achievements. The first two aggregates must be finished no later than in the beginning of 2012. The republic needs 6 billion somoni ($1=4.4 somoni) in order to finish the construction of the Rogun hydropower plant. According to the decision of Tajik government, entire population is involved in the financing of this strategic plant: the shares of the hydropower plant have been publicly offered since January 6.
Source: Ferghana.ru