For Immediate Release
Press Release
Yovon District, Tajikistan, June 13, 2024 - The United States Government installed the first phase of a new water system in the First of May village of Yovon District. The First of May village did not have a centralized drinking water supply system prior to project implementation.
The new system, provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will give more than 3,500 people, including a school and a medical facility, access to safe drinking water. This is one of 12 communities that USAID is currently supporting with rehabilitated water supply systems through public-private partnerships, ensuring systems are maintained and sustainable.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nancy Eslick, USAID's Global Water Coordinator noted that, “Today, we celebrate a tangible improvement in people’s lives, whereby the residents of the “First of May Village” are connected, for the first time, to a safe drinking water supply system. We are proud of that support and believe in a participatory approach to managing water resources. We see water operators, consumers, and local authorities as one interlinked system. The meaningful participation of stakeholders at all levels leads to more sustainable and reliable service provision.”
Formerly, villagers used rainwater and water collected from irrigation canals. They also bought trucked water for drinking and household use. Due to the high cost of imported water, 250-300 somoni ($25) per truck, not all families could afford it. Today, the new system will provide more than 3,575 people including a school and a medical facility with safe drinking water. This is one of 12 communities that USAID is currently supporting with rehabilitated water supply systems through public-private partnerships, ensuring systems are maintained and sustainable.
To ensure the project’s sustainability, the USAID supported the First of May village private water operator to develop a sound business plan for the water system, introduced an electronic billing system, and assisted with the installation of water meters in households.
In the last five years, USAID has rehabilitated and constructed 30 drinking water supply systems throughout the country, providing more than 100,000 people with safe drinking water. USAID will continue to support increased access to safe drinking water across all regions of Tajikistan.
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USAID is the world’s premier international development agency and a lead actor driving development results. For more information, visit the USAID/Tajikistan website: https://www.usaid.gov/tajikistan and the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/USAID
