Turkmenistan will soon kick off the construction of a number of new facilities in Ashgabat. The total cost of projects exceeds US $ 1 billion. Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed a set of documents to this effect at a government meeting on 13 April.

"We have to build a city not only for the current generation but also future generations of citizens of Turkmenistan who will find it a comfortable and cozy place to live and work in. Guests from all over the world will also fully enjoy its beauty and hospitality," the president said while signing the resolutions.

The construction of a hotel accommodating 2,000 people and a multi-purpose stadium with 20,000 seats for festive events, the headquarters of the centre for emergency situations directorate of Turkmenistan, a military institute and its barracks, as well as the Palace of Happiness (registrar''s office) will be completed in Ashgabat by 2011-12, the Turkmenistan.ru correspondent reports from Ashgabat quoting the press service of the head of state. Nisa hotel will also undergo a major reconstruction. Two official parking places will be built near the hotel.

There are also plans to build 34-km-long motorways and streets in the new districts in the capital''s south. Central motorways will get road marking and illumination. Central avenues of Ashgabat will be also reconstructed. Fountains and underground passages will be erected there.