Urban water supply in Tajikistan is generally in bad condition due to the lack of investments and maintenance since the break-up of the Soviet Union as well as to the insufficient institutional, financial and technical capacities. Deteriorated assets for water supply and wastewater collection and very limited wastewater treatment and high operations and maintenance costs due to the poor state of the assets are the main problems in water sector and citizens do not have reliable access to safe drinking water and people especially children, are frequently the ill with infections water-borne diseases.  

Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) intends to contribute to this second phase of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) programme by co-financing projects in 3 cities in the North of Tajikistan and in Khorog. The overall objective of the Tajik Water Phase II is to further improve living conditions and economic opportunities of 21 cities through an improved water supply and sanitation. This includes safe and inclusive access to water and waste water treatment respectively as well as better hygiene.

“More than 70 million of USD has been contributed by the Swiss Government in water sector of Tajikistan and I am pleased that this agreement is another significant step in our long cooperation with the Government of Tajikistan. As water is the source of life and is very important for human being we are happy to improve the sector”- mentioned Mr. Peter Mikula.

“With the signing of this agreement, Switzerland makes a significant contribution to the development of the national economy and we hope that our close cooperation will continue."- said the Minister.

Switzerland has been active in Tajikistan since 1993, when it delivered humanitarian aid during the civil war. Since opening its diplomatic representation in 1999, the Government of Switzerland has provided more than US$200 million in programs that support Tajikistan’s development and is one of the major donors in the country.