Published on April 5, 2008

Tajikistan

The impact of the energy and severe weather situation in Tajikistan.

Electricity and heating supplies have been cut off in many rural areas of Tajikistan and are rationed in the capital, Dushanbe. Electricity supplies have been limited to Tajik industrial enterprises (except for the vital infrastructure) and consumer service centers in Dushanbe.

The state-owned power company has also warned of probable further cuts. According to the company, severe low temperatures in Tajikistan have led to a drop in the water level in the Nurek reservoir.

This has adversely affected the production capacity of the Nurek hydroelectric power plant and limited the electricity supply throughout the country. Problems with water supply caused by water freezing in wells and pipes have been also reported in some areas of the country.

The severe winter weather can also affect transportation throughout the country. During the winter months, accidents and casualties occur on Tajikistan’s mountain roads and passes, often when drivers ignore warnings not to travel over a closed mountain pass.

Avalanches are a common occurrence in Tajikistan’s mountains during the winter months. Timely information about avalanches is often difficult to obtain.

The tunnel bypassing the Anzob Pass is still not complete and travel via this construction project is not advised in any season.