DUSHANBE, February 1, Asia-Plus -- US$1 billion are needed for full rehabilitation of the irrigation system in Tajikistan, Deputy Minister of Land Reclamation and Water Resources, Homidjon Hasanov, announced at a briefing in Dushanbe on February 1.  

According to him, at present investment projects for a total amount of US$174 aimed at enhancing the irrigation system are working in the republic.  “Although this amount is not enough, but there is a certain improvement in this area,” Mr. Hasanov noted, adding that under these projects it is necessary to enhance irrigation state of 45,000 hectares of lands by 2009.  “Last year this figure was 85,000 hectares,” Homidjon Hasanov said.  

“In order to use all funds provided by international investors we have to annually improve state of more than 12,000 hectares,” he said.