The World Bank financed project will help establish a new mechanism for more efficient financing of municipal services, as well as build the capacity of local providers for improved service delivery

“Secondary towns in Tajikistan have large municipal infrastructure needs, with 80% of infrastructure requiring rehabilitation”, said Patricia-Veevers Carter, World Bank Country Manager in Tajikistan. “The new project will benefit the population of these towns, including the poor, by providing improved water, on-site sanitation and solid waste management services as well as street lighting and roads. Furthermore, given the large funding needs, the project will set up a Communal Services Development Fund, which will pool national and donor resources to support a sustained investment program in the municipal sector.”

The Communal Services Development Fund Project will support municipal and communal infrastructure improvements, as well as enhance the capacity of local governments and service providers for better service delivery for local residents. These services include clean drinking water, sanitation, solid waste management, street lighting and local roads. Over 100,000 will benefit from physical infrastructure investments in Hissor, Konibodom, Dangara, Sarband, Vose and Fakhor. The project will also increase the efficiency of municipalities and local service providers through support in development of local investment plans, management of utility facilities, improved billings and collections and engagement of residents in management and maintenance of investments.

An important component of the project is support to the Government of Tajikistan in establishing a Communal Services Development Fund – a mechanism which will combine national and donor resources to support more efficient longer term financing and delivery of communal services for the population. The project will be implemented over the next four years by the State Unitary Enterprise Khojagii Manziliu Kommunali.

Apart from this new project, the World Bank’s engagement in the municipal sector of Tajikistan includes two ongoing projects – the Second Dushanbe Water Supply Project and the Additional Financing for Municipal Infrastructure Development Project to address the challenges in water, sanitation and solid waste management through institutional reforms and infrastructure investments.

The World Bank Group’s active portfolio in Tajikistan includes 21 projects totalling $283.4 mln. The largest share of the portfolio is in agriculture (24%), followed by urban and rural development (21%), transport (16%), governance and economic policy (9%) environment and natural resources (7%), education (6%), health and social protection (6%), water (6%), the private sector (4%) and social protection and labour (1%). Since 1996, the World Bank provided over $1 bln in grants and highly concessional credits from the International Development Association and trust fund resources to Tajikistan.

The World Bank Group is committed to continue supporting Tajikistan as it strives to improve the lives of its people and meet the aspirations of its young and growing population.