In November last year, the Government of Tajikistan approved the National Water Strategy until 2040. This document is aimed at managing water resources and protecting against climate change. The main objectives of the strategy are to improve water laws, introduce water-saving technologies and modernize infrastructure. It is also planned to strengthen the safety of hydraulic structures.

So what will improve in Tajikistan by 2040? More precisely, what is planned?

 

Water productivity will increase from $1 to $3 per m³

Economic productivity of water is the financial return on one cubic meter (m³) of water consumed. By measuring economic productivity, water use can be optimized from an economic point of view. 

Currently, the economic productivity of water in Tajikistan is low. In 2023, it was 11 somoni per 1 m³. In agriculture, this figure is 2.5-3.1 somoni / m³, in industry – 92 somoni / m³, in hydropower – 0.23 somoni / m³.

The problems are related to outdated technologies, losses during transportation and worn-out infrastructure. In addition, motivation to implement modern methods remains low.

The strategy sets the goal of increasing this figure to 34.9 somoni/m³ ($3) by 2040.

 

In 15 years, the entire population of Tajikistan will be provided with clean water

Today, only 41% of the country’s residents have access to centralized water supply. In cities, this figure reaches 95%, but in rural areas the situation is much worse – only 22% of the population has access.

Water disposal also remains at a low level: 64% in cities, 10% in towns and only 0.1% in villages. The deterioration of infrastructure plays a significant role – 32% of facilities are unusable in cities and up to 60% in rural areas.

Water losses reach a whopping 60% in large cities and 20% in small ones, and low tariffs and insufficient funding do not allow for the necessary modernization.

The situation is complicated by poor sanitation and lack of quality wastewater treatment. Residents, especially in rural areas, are forced to use unprotected water sources, which leads to pollution and the spread of infectious diseases.

However, the national strategy plans to improve the situation on a large scale by 2040. It is assumed that 90% of the population will have access to water supply, and in cities and towns, drinking water will be supplied directly to homes. 

Water losses will be reduced to 20%, which meets international standards.

The situation with water disposal and sanitation will also improve. By 2030, 50% of the population will be provided with centralized water disposal systems. Currently, 59% of the population uses toilets that are not connected to the centralized sewerage system. By 2040, it is planned that 100% of the population will have access to sewerage. 

 

The area of ​​irrigated land in the country will reach 814 thousand hectares

Over the next 15 years, 50,000 hectares of new irrigated land will be developed in Tajikistan, which will be an important step in the development of the country’s agricultural sector. Currently, irrigated land occupies about 764 thousand hectares, of which 38% require pump irrigation. However, the specific area per capita remains lower than in neighboring countries.

The main problems of irrigation include deteriorating systems, lack of funding, breakdowns at pumping stations, land erosion and weak water user associations.

Surface and groundwater are polluted by agricultural chemicals, industrial wastewater, plastics and landfill leaks.

By 2040, the area of ​​irrigated land will reach a record 814 thousand hectares. At the same time, the area using water-saving technologies will increase from 2.5 thousand to 100 thousand hectares. Important progress is also expected in improving the melioration condition: the indicator of lands with unsatisfactory conditions will decrease from 37 thousand to 8 thousand hectares.

Considerable attention will be paid to reducing water losses in irrigation systems – from the current 50% to 35%. And the areas taken out of circulation due to the introduction of innovations will be reduced to a minimum level – 1 thousand hectares.

A systems approach, investments in infrastructure and sustainable technologies will ensure increased productivity and rational use of water resources, making the country’s agriculture efficient and sustainable.

 

Hydroelectric power plant capacity to double

In 2023, the design capacity of the country’s hydroelectric power plants was 5,403 MW, which is fully consistent with the current level of water resource use for electricity generation. However, for sustainable economic growth and to meet the growing demand for electricity, it is planned to increase this figure to 10,951 MW by 2040.

The implementation of this plan will allow Tajikistan not only to strengthen its energy independence, but also to strengthen its position in the regional electricity market. The country, which has significant hydro potential, continues to develop infrastructure for the maximum use of renewable resources.

Such growth rates in hydropower will create new opportunities for industrial development, attracting investment and improving the quality of life of the population, ensuring a reliable and stable energy supply.

 

Tajikistan to Solve Water Deficiency with Reservoirs

Some areas of Tajikistan are experiencing severe water shortages, especially during dry seasons. The main reasons are the uneven distribution of water resources and outdated infrastructure. Reservoirs cannot cope with the growing needs of the population and the economy, and old water supply systems lose significant volumes of water due to wear and tear.

Climate change is making the situation worse. Precipitation is decreasing and rising temperatures are making irrigation even more difficult. The problem can be solved by upgrading infrastructure, introducing modern irrigation systems and reducing water loss.

Particular attention should be paid to the lower reaches of the Isfara and Surkhob rivers. Here it is critically important to update the water management complex and build small reservoirs. This will provide water for agriculture, industry and local residents.

Water resources of Tajikistan

Currently, the total volume of Tajikistan’s reservoirs is 15.6 km³. There are plans to almost double this figure to 29.2 km³ within 15 years. Modern technologies and efficient water management will be key solutions to combat water shortages and ensure the country’s sustainable development.

 

Digital Transformation of the Water Sector – from 0% to 80% in 20 Years

Digitalization of the water sector in Tajikistan is at an early stage. Currently, the share of digitalization is 0%, as the main focus is on developing strategies and pilot projects.

According to the plan, by 2030, digital technologies will cover 50% of the sector through the introduction of monitoring systems, water resource management and process automation.

By 2035, thanks to investments and technology development, the level of digitalization will reach 60%. This will significantly improve the efficiency of water resource management and minimize losses.

Full use of advanced digital solutions will increase the share of digitalization to 80% by 2040. This will ensure sustainable water management, reduce losses and improve the quality of services for the population.

 

Water requires investment: where to get $220 million per year?

State funding for Tajikistan’s water sector remains low and does not cover the country’s real needs. To achieve sustainable development and ensure quality water supply, it is necessary to invest about $220 million annually. This significantly exceeds the current level of funds raised.

According to the data of the Committee of Economy and Finance of the Majlisi Namoyandagon, the situation in the sphere of melioration and irrigation is a cause for serious concern. If in 1990 $160 million was allocated to the sector, now this amount has decreased to $10 million. To maintain and modernize the infrastructure, at least $125 million is required annually: $75 million for operation and $50 million for major repairs.

The problems are aggravated by the physical deterioration of water infrastructure, the lack of private investment, and the unprofitability of service organizations. Tariffs for services provided do not even cover basic costs, and government subsidies remain insufficient. As a result, the quality of services suffers, and the financial position of organizations remains unstable.

To implement the National Water Strategy, the Government of Tajikistan plans to increase both public and private investment in the sector. Key decisions include developing public-private partnerships, attracting international loans and grants, and improving the tariff and subsidy system.

Stable funding of the water sector will become the basis for modernization of infrastructure and sustainable development of the country. However, this will require active participation of both the state and international partners.