DUSHANBE, January 9, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- The European Union has awarded Mission East a 799,619 EUR grant (80% of the total budget) to implement a new project: ''Stimulating Sustainable Change for Alleviating Poverty: Alternative Approaches to Water Supply, Sanitation and Energy'' that will be implemented in the Ayni and Panjakent districts over a 24-month period starting December 2008.

According to press release issued by the European Commission Delegation in Tajikistan on January 9, the project will launch activities at the community level, featuring improved low-cost appropriate and sustainable water and sanitation services and practices, as well as the introduction of alternative energy technologies for household use.

Key expected outcomes include the reduction in the incidence of water and hygiene-related illnesses that inhibit productivity through improved low-cost, appropriate and sustainable water and sanitation services and practices, and the reduction in the adverse effects of power outages on vulnerable populations, through the installation of alternative energy technologies.

Overall, this action will improve water handling, treatment and storage practices and hygiene behaviors. Choices of alternative power supplies for lighting, heating, and cooking will be increased. Communities will be better engaged in development and management of water systems, use and maintenance.

The new EU Strategy for Central Asia aims to strengthen ties between the European Union and its Central Asian partners. It has doubled European Commission assistance to the region to €750 million for 2007-2013. Tajikistan gets the main share of bilateral assistance (€66 million for 2007-2010) in support to sector programs, technical assistance and grants. It focuses on social protection, health and private sector development, underpinned by public finance management. Projects aimed at enhancing living standards continue. Tajikistan also receives regional and thematic assistance in areas like border management and drug control (BOMCA/CADAP), education (TEMPUS, Erasmus Mundus), water / environment, human rights and democracy (EIDHR), non-State actors (NSA) and SME development (CA-Invest). The total value of EC assistance disbursed to Tajikistan since 1992 is over €500 million.